Defence Line of Amsterdam-Fort Edam

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.

The fortress is located approximately one kilometre (0.6 miles) east of the centre of the old town of Edam, on the coast of lake Markermeer and close to Edam’s outer harbour and the Strandbad campsite.

Every first Sunday of the month a so-called Tour Guide Day is organized. On this day a guide will show you around the nearly hundred year old fort, pointing out all of its special details and telling you about its history. Every second Sunday of the month is devoted to children and nature. The kids can play a variety of games, participate in a treasure hunt, do an assault course, dress up and tinker. Or they can listen to specialists who know lots about nature.

Completed between 1907 and 1914, the Fort near Edam was aimed at defending the Zuiderzeedijk (South Sea dike) on both the north and south side of Edam. It protected the sea sluice that was situated directly behind the fortress and that served as an important inlet point for inundation water. In the fort’s kitchen you can still find the original large cooking kettles and boiler. 

From April through October, the fort is open to the public every first and second Sunday of the month and on Wednesdays. 

If you come by boat, you can moor it in Edam’s outer harbour. If your boat is moored in the new marina, you’ll first have to walk across the sea sluice to get to the Oorgat (where the fortress is located).

There is free parking for cars at the fort’s grounds. Cars with a trailer, camper vans and buses can park for free at the parking lot near Edam’s outer harbour.

More information is available here.