Defence Line of Amsterdam

This tour is part of a set of 7 tours regarding the water lines in the Netherlands.

A water line is a series of defensive works that are (partly) surrounded by inundated areas.

In the Netherlands, flooding areas turned out to be a good way to stop the enemy. To this end, special water management works were even made (for example, special inundation locks).

A water line is often a string of fortifications with inundation areas in between. The fortifications are located around cities and on higher parts, which cannot be flooded (accesses). Only in case of acute threat were the areas inundated.

The Defence Line of Amsterdam was a defensive line, located 15 to 20 kilometers around the center of the Dutch city of Amsterdam. The Stelling is 135 kilometers long, contains 45 forts and was built from 1880 to 1920.

On 26 September 1995, the Defence Line of Amsterdam, together with the New Dutch Waterline, was notified to UNESCO for inclusion on the World HeritageList where it was placed in its entirety in 1996.

The route starts at Paviljoen Strandbad Edam where after enjoying a cup of coffee we can start a unique waterline route in the Netherlands. We regularly drive on beautiful roads from fort to fort.

The route ends in Amsterdam next to Fort Diemerdam at Paviljoen Puur.