Defence Line of Amsterdam-Fort Benoorden Purmerend

The UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Defence Line of Amsterdam (in Dutch named Stelling van Amsterdam) is a 135 km long ring of fortifications around Amsterdam, consisting of 42 forts located between 10 to 15 kilometers the centre, and lowlands that can easily be flooded in time of war. The flooding was designed to give a depth of about 30 cm, insufficient for boats to traverse. Any buildings within 1 km of the line had to be made of wood, so that they could be burnt and the obstruction removed.

The Stelling van Amsterdam was constructed between 1880 and 1920. The invention of the aeroplane and tank made the forts obsolete almost as soon as they were finished. Many of the forts now are under the control of the town councils and the nature department, and may be visited. Monuments Day, on the second Saturday in September, is the ideal day to visit as entrance is free.

Today, the Fort north of Purmerend is home to a wine importer. The fortress can be visited for a guided tour or during wine tasting events that are organized by Wijnimport Bart. The guided tours and wine tastings are by appointment.

From April through October, coffee and tea are served at the outdoor café next to the fort.

The fort’s garden house has been turned into a unique Bed & Breakfast that can accommodate a maximum of 4 people and is called ‘Forthuisje’.

The Fort north of Purmerend was constructed in order to defend the accesses that were formed by the Beemsterringdijk (dike) and the Purmerenderweg and Rijperweg roads in the Beemster Polder. Construction of the defendable earthwork was completed in 1895. The shellproof main building dates back to 1912. It is connected by covered walkways (posterns) to two buildings that are outfitted with a retractable turret.

More information is available here.