"The Defense Line of Amsterdam" Amsterdam by Pijlmans

Amsterdam Travel Guide: 10,043 reviews and 20,825 photos

Defense Line - Amsterdam
Defense Line
an UNESCO world heritage site

A not-so-well-known attraction of Amsterdam is it´s former defense line. The UNESCO World Heritage Site "Defense Line of Amsterdam" (Stelling van Amsterdam) is a 135 km long ring of fortifications around Amsterdam, consisting of 42 fortresses situated 10-15 km from the center of Amsterdam. In combination with lowlands that could easily be flooded with water, these fortresses were build to protect Amsterdam in times of war. On the picture, the black circles represent these fortresses. For more info, see here.

For other tips, just check out the tip-section below about Amsterdam, or about Amsterdams green suburb Amstelveen, and the village Ouderkerk aan de Amstel with its many restaurants.

For walks in the neighborhood of Amsterdam, see my page about hiking in the Netherlands.

In my Amstelveen tip section, there are several (mainly outdoor and often free) things to do for families with children, and short hikes in the green environment of Amsterdam. But also the CoBrA and Jan van der Toght museums for modern art. The CoBrA Museum has been elected as the "Best Museum of 2008" by a Dutch newspaper.

In addition, Amstelveen has the biggest shopping center in the region, which can easily be reached by tram, metro or bus from Amsterdam.

  • Intro Updated Jan 29, 2013
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Reviews (45)

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Comments (13)

  • Reply
    Nemorino's Profile Photo
    Mar 22, 2011 at 12:52 PM

    Informative and well-written tips on Amsterdam and its surroundings! I never knew about the Defense Line of Amsterdam or about the many possibilities for hiking in this region.

  • Reply
    traveloturc's Profile Photo
    Sep 16, 2010 at 11:42 AM

    Excellent tips about Amsterdam...thanks a lot Dennis

  • Reply
    dustmon's Profile Photo
    May 3, 2010 at 7:19 AM

    Hey Dennis----This is some cool info! Do you know if any of these are available on public transport? I rarely take day trips because I love the city so much but this might be a fun side trip.....Thanx! dusty

  • Reply
    SLLiew's Profile Photo
    Sep 11, 2009 at 3:00 PM

    Excellent tips of Amsterdam. Bring back fond memories of my trip to Holland. I have never heard of the Defense LIne of Amsterdam until recently from UNESCO listing. Cheers, SL :)

  • Reply
    BruceDunning's Profile Photo
    Jul 15, 2009 at 2:50 PM

    You have done a wonderful presentation of this city and its sites. Thanks you for the tour. I have been here 4 times and still more to see.

  • Reply
    hunterV's Profile Photo
    May 23, 2009 at 8:29 AM

    Hello, Dennis! Thanks a lot for your story! I'd like to pay a visit some day...................................

  • Reply
    mtncorg's Profile Photo
    Apr 29, 2009 at 8:56 AM

    Awesome alternatives for someone once they have seen Anne Frank's House, the Rijksmuseem and the Van Gogh's. Great job!

  • Reply
    gilabrand's Profile Photo
    Apr 19, 2009 at 10:22 PM

    I like your off the beaten path ideas.

  • Reply
    pieter_jan_v's Profile Photo
    Mar 28, 2009 at 5:06 AM

    't Is iets complexer: members.virtualtourist.com/m...

  • Reply
    christine.j's Profile Photo
    Mar 24, 2009 at 1:05 AM

    I wish it was me going to Ansterdam in April. I'd love to walk some of the trails you describe.

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