Forts and water around Uithoorn

The municipality of Uithoorn is part of the plus region Stadsregio Amsterdam. The Thamerkerk from 1835 is a defining building in the village. It can be seen from far and wide and the tower was used as a landmark for travellers in the past. The village originated around the courthouse where the Provost held court sessions. There was a lot of peat in the area, which led to large-scale peat extraction from 1600 onwards. This created large peat lakes in the area that still form a fine recreational area today. Near Uithoorn you will find the Bovenlanden nature reserve. This beautiful area of approximately 470 ha has a naturally varied landscape with wet poor grasslands, flower-rich grasslands, reed fields and meadow bird grasslands. The common snipe, blue button and Spanish rider also thrive in the area. Bovenlanden offers hours of cycling and walking pleasure for true nature lovers. The first attraction is the Fort aan de Drecht. This fort is part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam and is located on the Uithoornsche Polder. The fort served to close off and defend the accesses that were formed by the Drecht. The fort also protected an inundation lock that was located slightly further south. A little less than 5 km further on you will come to the Fort bij de Kwakel. This defensive structure is also part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam. The fort is located near the village of De Kwakel and was built in 1890. The purpose of the fort was to defend the eastern part of the ring dike. Then you will pass the last fort on this route, the Fort bij Kudelstaart. This fort is also part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam and is located near the village of Kudelstaart. The first work on the fort began in 1890, the last took place in 1906. Since 1972, the fort has been used as a marina for holidaying soldiers.