Defence Line of Amsterdam-Muizenfort

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 Muizenfort (literally: Mice Fortress) is now being used as a museum that is operated by a foundation (Stichting Muider Muizenfort Museum). The museum displays a historical collection about the history of the fortified town of Muiden from the Middle Ages to the mobilization for World War II. The museum can also be visited by groups and outside regular visiting hours.

Children up to age 6 can visit the museum for free.

As early as the seventeenth century the fortified town of Muiden was part of the (Old) Dutch Waterline. The Muizenfort served to close off the passages via the Zeedijk (dike) on the north and the Naardertrekvaart canal on the south by flanking fire from the casemates and frontal fire from the protective earth wall. It was built in the period 1874-1877, at the same time as the shellproof barracks that it faces.

More information is available here.