Historical highlights of Low Holland

What a beautiful historic route! You really cycle through a history book here, past forts from the Defense Line of Amsterdam, centuries-old buildings in Purmerend and the quintessentially Dutch Zaanse Schans.

Forts
This cycle route takes you past various forts that belong to the Defense Line of Amsterdam: Fort Spijkerboor, Fort Marken-Binnen, Fort aan de Middenweg and Fort aan de Jisperweg. The 135 kilometer long defense line was intended to stop enemy attacks, but ultimately the threatening effect of this line was enough to completely prevent any form of battle. Fort Spijkerboor served, among other things, as a prison for conscientious objectors and NSB members.

Purmerend
You drive over a beautiful winding dike along the water, with a view over the polder and beautiful church towers such as those of Oost-Graftdijk. In the city center of Purmerend you will see some beautiful monumental buildings on the centuries-old Koemarkt. The Lutheran Church dates from 1880. At Twiske Haven you can lounge on the scaffolding wooden benches and deck chairs at the Stootersplas, a perfect spot for a snack and a drink. You cycle back to your starting point via the Zaanse Schans.