Country estates and forts along the Amstel

Your cycle route starts at Café Restaurant De Punt. You will explore part of the 135 kilometre long defence line on the Amstel around the capital: the Defence Line of Amsterdam. In 1914, the Defence Line of Amsterdam, together with the New Dutch Waterline, was the reason for the Germans not to invade the Netherlands. The entire waterline of 45 forts is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. You will also cycle through the Botshol Nature Reserve. The peat excavation has left behind clear water, allowing you to see beautiful water plants such as stonewort and large nymphwort. Rare orchids also grow there. You will also discover Ouderkerk aan de Amstel and see the Oostermeer country estate, one of the few well-preserved country estates. The estate has been designated a national monument in its entirety.