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Discover and experience the story of UNESCO World Heritage Site the Dutch Water Defence Lines.

UNESCO World Heritage Site the Dutch Water Defence Lines consists of two defence lines: the Defence Line of Amsterdam and the New Dutch Waterline. With the help of water, a barrier was created along these lines to keep the enemy at bay.

Fortress Island Pampus
Dive into history

Dutch Water Defence Lines

Discover the story

Find out how to visit the Dutch Water Defence Lines

  • Visitor centres

    Why are the Dutch Water Defence Lines actually a World Heritage Site? You'll find out at one of the UNESCO visitor centres. Learn how the Dutch turned water to their advantage and used it as a weapon.

    Come to a visitor centre
    Visitor centres Een bezoeker bekijkt een weergave van de Stelling van Amsterdam en luistert naar een verhaal.

  • Castles

    A castle always captures the imagination. The Dutch Water Defence Lines feature two castles with a rich history as defensive structures: Rijksmuseums Muiderslot and Slot Loevestein. 

    Visit a castle
    Castles Kinderen lopen door het gras naar een betonnen bouwwerk. Op de achtergrond een kasteel.

  • Forts and fortified towns

    6 fortified towns and as many as 96 forts reinforce the Dutch Water Defence Lines, making up an impressive chain of up to 200 kilometres. Dive into history and visit one of these places.

    Explore the forts and fortresses
    Forts and fortified towns Een man en een vrouw bewonderen een vestingwal. Op de achtergrond een molen.

Experience our UNESCO World Heritage Site

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