The only example of a fortification based on the principle of controlling the waters.
The only example of a fortification based on the principle of controlling the waters.
The Stelling van Amsterdam was the last line of defence of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Fort near Krommeniedijk (1896) / photo: Jan van Mossel
The Defence Line of Amsterdam is a circular defence around the city of Amsterdam which was built by the Ministry of War between 1883 and 1920.
* The army, government and king (or queen) could retreat within this ring in the case of an attack on the Netherlands.
The area around the fortifications is divided into polders, each at a different level and surrounded by dikes. Each polder has its own flooding facilities.
The ring of forts make up a group of connected buildings and other structures, that are well conserved and have remained unchanged. They form the main defence line together with the dikes, line ramparts, hydraulic properties, forts, batteries and other military buildings, and the structure of the landscape.
Pampus is an artificial fortress island made for the defence of the IJ Harbour of Amsterdam. The island is open to visitors and can be reached by ferry.
Amsterdam Tourist Ferry sails from Amsterdam to Pampus and nearby medieval castle Muiderslot in the fortified town of Muiden.
The boat excursion including a visit to the fortress island (2,5 hours) takes about 4 hours.
The Stelling van Amsterdam is a Dutch historical monument and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996.
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