Historic fortress route along the Defense Line of Amsterdam

From fortress to fortress
On this fort route you go back in time and take a circular walk from Fort north of Spaarndam to Fort south of Spaarndam in the Spaarnwoude recreation area. The fort is located in the Oude Spaarndammerpolder and, together with the Fort north of Spaarndam, is part of the larger Position at Spaarndam, which in turn is part of the Defense Line of Amsterdam. This defense line around Amsterdam was built at the end of the 18th century. The line was intended to keep the city out of the hands of the enemy in the event of war. The position was built very spaciously around the city, so that food could be grown here during a long siege.

Bird breeding area
The Hekslootpolder is a peat meadow area where many birds breed. On the Assendelver footpath that runs right through this polder, you can see the representation of the line constructed in the mobilization years 1917-1918 on the right. See the sights of long ago, but don't forget to enjoy the natural beauty here. Fancy a snack or a drink on the go? Then settle down at Kunst en Theatercafé Fort Zuid.

A look at Spaarndam
Take a short trip to the village of Spaarndam (at 09). Then you come across the world famous statue of Hansje Brinker. The story is that he prevented a flood disaster by closing a hole in the dike with his thumb.