LF Waterline Route | Edam - Beverwijk
The LF Waterlinieroute is a 410 km route from Edam to Bergen op Zoom: along the Stelling van Amsterdam, via the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie and the West Brabant section of the Zuiderwaterlinie.
The long-distance cycle route consists of no less than eight day-long sections, one of which takes you through the Laag Holland landscape past several forts of the Defence Line of Amsterdam. From catering establishments to art locations, many forts you encounter along the way have been given a different purpose. More hidden traces of the line are often 'betrayed' by brown signs with interesting information about the Defence Line. One of the best-preserved Defence Line forts is the Fort near Edam. In the fort's main building, for example, you can still find a kitchen with much of its original contents, including the large cooking kettles and boilers. So. Before you start the stage, be sure to visit the fort!
Once on your bike, you ride into the Beemster at the Fort benoorden Purmerend (now wine import) and finally pass a clearly visible Fo...
The long-distance cycle route consists of no less than eight day-long sections, one of which takes you through the Laag Holland landscape past several forts of the Defence Line of Amsterdam. From catering establishments to art locations, many forts you encounter along the way have been given a different purpose. More hidden traces of the line are often 'betrayed' by brown signs with interesting information about the Defence Line. One of the best-preserved Defence Line forts is the Fort near Edam. In the fort's main building, for example, you can still find a kitchen with much of its original contents, including the large cooking kettles and boilers. So. Before you start the stage, be sure to visit the fort!
Once on your bike, you ride into the Beemster at the Fort benoorden Purmerend (now wine import) and finally pass a clearly visible Fort Resort Beemster, formerly Fort aan de Nekkerweg. You leave the Noordhollands Kanaal, and with it the northern front, and continue along the western front of the Defence Line, for the enemy that might just come from the North Sea. The day ends after a visit to the Fort on the St. Aagtendijk in Beverwijk.
Curious about all stages of the LF Waterline Route or want to buy the cycling guide? Then quickly go to www.lfwaterlinieroute.nl
Take a closer look
You are going to see this
Fort near Edam
The Fort near Edam is part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam, part of UNESCO World Heritage Site the Dutch Waterlines, and was one of the last forts developed for this unique line of defence.
Fort near Edam
The Fort near Edam is part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam, part of UNESCO World Heritage Site the Dutch Waterlines, and was one of the last forts developed for this unique line of defence.
Compared to many other forts within the Defence Line of Amsterdam, the Fort near Edam is a relatively modern type of fort. The fort is distinguished from the older types by the use of (partially) reinforced instead of unreinforced concrete. At the same time, the fort has a few other notable deviations from the so-called B-type. In Edam, for instance, there are no short side fronts with lifting turrets. And the machine gun block in front of the front building gave way in Edam to an armoured casemate. This casemate was connected to the main building (a so-called poterne) by a corridor covered with concrete and steel. In the main building, especially in the kitchen, many of the original contents remain, including the large cooking kettles and boilers.
The fort can be visited with or without an accompanying guide. However, not all parts of the fort's building and grounds are accessible to visitors. This is indicated with signs, fences and ropes. Moreover, the fortress is located in a nature reserve protected by the Forestry Commission. Visitors are therefore requested to respect the peace and quiet and follow the instructions of the volunteers. Want to know more? Then visit the Fort near Edam website.
The Edam fisherman's cottage
In the centre of Edam, in a side street of the Voorhaven, stands the former cottage of Theo van Santen. He was a "bread fisherman" and sold his fish from this house to consumers and restaurants in the area. He did this until around 2005.
The Edam fisherman's cottage
In the centre of Edam, in a side street of the Voorhaven, stands the former cottage of Theo van Santen. He was a "bread fisherman" and sold his fish from this house to consumers and restaurants in the area. He did this until around 2005.
He died in 2007 at the age of about 80. With his rowing boat, Theo fished the inland waters of Edam and Zeevang with traps. (Nets with hoops fastened in the water with long wooden sticks, in which the fish swim). The house is now adapted to these times for you. Original details and utensils have been incorporated into a lovely house in which you as a guest will experience a pleasant stay.
Edam Museum
Edams Museum is one of the oldest museums in North Holland!
Edam Museum
Edams Museum is one of the oldest museums in North Holland!
It tells, in two monumental locations right in the centre, the story of Edam's rich history: shipbuilding, ceramic industry, architecture, dignified families and ordinary daily life. The collection is very diverse and includes classic and modern paintings, ceramics, archaeological finds, furniture, and all kinds of other curiosities. In short, everything related to the history of Edam.
The 'Steenen Coopmanshuys' - Damplein 8
The beautiful late-gothic merchant's house is Edam's oldest stone house and was built between 1540 -1550. The Edam city council decided to purchase the property in 1893 and, after a thorough restoration led by Pierre Cuypers and Victor de Stuers, put it into use as a museum from 1895. The interior was hardly changed. When you cross the threshold of the building, you step right into the golden age.
The floating basement is famous here! It is a loose container, floating on the groundwater. Due to ebb and flow (the Edam museum is located at the Dam, where there used to be a (sea) lock), the Zuiderzee influenced the groundwater level. Because the cellar could move with the groundwater level, it was never flooded. Floating cellars are not unique. Edam, and especially Amsterdam, had many. However, the floating cellar in the Edam Museum is the only publicly accessible one in the Netherlands and therefore unique!
The Town Hall of Edam - Damplein 1
On the first floor of Edam's old town hall, dating from 1737, is the second location of the Edam Museum. These rooms, including the monumental mayor's room, are the backdrop for a changing exhibition each year.
The Dam
The Dam is a canopied lock in the centre of Edam. Although Emperor Charles V had already ordered its construction in 1544, the Dam Lock was not built until 1569.
The Dam
The Dam is a canopied lock in the centre of Edam. Although Emperor Charles V had already ordered its construction in 1544, the Dam Lock was not built until 1569.
On the east side, the suspension for the lock gates can still be seen and in the south quay wall, the coat of arms of the "Hoogheemraadschap van de Uitwaterende sluizen in Kennemerland en West-Friesland" (now Noordhollands Noorder Kwartier). Opposite them are the arms of the dike grave and the high water boards from 1701, who were entrusted with the maintenance of the lock since that year. The coat of arms stones recall the various renewals.
The story of Edam cheeses
In the historic centre of Edam, Henri Willig has built an experience where the glorious history of Edam cheese is told and where you can learn all about Edam cheese of the past and present.
The story of Edam cheeses
In the historic centre of Edam, Henri Willig has built an experience where the glorious history of Edam cheese is told and where you can learn all about Edam cheese of the past and present.
Because do you know why exactly this cheese has gained so much fame worldwide? What is the reason this cheese is round? And where and how this cheese is produced?
Take an interactive dive into the history of Edam cheese and learn a lot about this world-famous regional product through special stories! The Experience is suitable for all ages.
Play tower
This tower of Our Lady's or Little Church dates from the 15th and 16th centuries. A church or chapel on this site was mentioned as early as 1350. The church itself was demolished in 1882, but the stone foundation was rebuilt in 2006-2007.
Play tower
This tower of Our Lady's or Little Church dates from the 15th and 16th centuries. A church or chapel on this site was mentioned as early as 1350. The church itself was demolished in 1882, but the stone foundation was rebuilt in 2006-2007.
The slender late Gothic tower carries a carillon from 1561, cast by Pieter can de Ghein from Mechelen. Later, the carillon was considerably enlarged, which is also the reason why some of the bells hang outside the open lantern. In 1972, a local resident discovered that the tower was in danger of toppling over, fortunately the danger could be averted in time.
TOP Middelie
TOPs, short for Tourist Transfer Points, offer a convenient start to your exploration of the rural area. Each TOP provides parking facilities, after which you can explore the area by bike, on foot or even by boat
TOP Middelie
TOPs, short for Tourist Transfer Points, offer a convenient start to your exploration of the rural area. Each TOP provides parking facilities, after which you can explore the area by bike, on foot or even by boat
On the information kiosks at each TOP you will find various routes that lead you to the most beautiful spots, peaceful surroundings and beautiful nature of Laag Holland. During your tour, you will pass surprising resting points and cosy catering establishments, and the TOPs show you the way to find them. You can recognise the TOPs by their green information columns.
The Zeevang polder is a quiet, open peat meadow area with lots of water, located between Purmerend, Oosthuizen and Edam. The area is characterised by long strips of land, separated by narrow ditches, and includes ribbon villages such as Warder, Middelie and Kwadijk. Zeevang is a valuable nature reserve with unusual birds such as black-tailed godwits, lapwings and common terns. In and around Zeevang are elements of the Defence Line of Amsterdam, including the Fort North of Purmerend and the Fort near Edam. Edam, an attractive town on the IJsselmeer, offers picturesque views with old and modern ships along the quay, picturesque houses and streets.
Rest point: Kwadijk
The ribbon village of Kwadijk, between world heritage site De Beemster and Edam-Volendam, lies in the polder De Zeevang.
Rest point: Kwadijk
The ribbon village of Kwadijk, between world heritage site De Beemster and Edam-Volendam, lies in the polder De Zeevang.
Through old peatland with elongated grasslands, wide ditches and ribbon villages, a meadow bird area par excellence. Near the water tower of Kwadijk, we offer cyclists and walkers a Rest Point.
Fort Benoorden | Purmerend
Fort Benoorden is part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Hollandse Waterlinies'. This defensive line of forts was built 15 to 20 kilometres around Amsterdam between 1880 and 1914.
Fort Benoorden | Purmerend
Fort Benoorden is part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Hollandse Waterlinies'. This defensive line of forts was built 15 to 20 kilometres around Amsterdam between 1880 and 1914.
Within this ring, the army, government and king could retreat in case of (possible) attacks on the Netherlands. An ingenious system allowed the land around the defence line to be flooded. Too shallow for boats and too deep for men and horses. Five forts and an inundation sluice of this defence line are located in De Beemster.
This fort was built to defend the vulnerable points formed by the Beemsterringdijk, Purmerenderweg and Rijperweg roads. The defensible earthwork was completed in 1895. The bombproof main building from 1912 is connected by covered corridors to the two lifting turret buildings. Today, wine is stored between the thick walls of this fort, as a wine importer has been located here since 1981.
The fort north of Purmerend was only added to the Defence Line of Amsterdam at a late stage (1907). The construction of this fort, which is part of the northern front of the Defence Line, made use of several new insights. One of the novelties applied was the construction of so-called poternes - corridors covered with steel and concrete - which formed a completely safe connection between the main building and the artillery units.
Poternes were constructed to the two lifting turrets, which housed the large artillery pieces, and to the machine gun emplacements set up at the front. On the right side of the fort's front, part of the terrain was excavated. This was done when a new access road was built.
Fort along Nekkerweg
The fort on Nekkerweg is part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Hollandse Waterlinies'. This defensive line of forts was built 15 to 20 kilometres around Amsterdam between 1880 and 1914.
Fort along Nekkerweg
The fort on Nekkerweg is part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Hollandse Waterlinies'. This defensive line of forts was built 15 to 20 kilometres around Amsterdam between 1880 and 1914.
This fort created a kink in the main defence line. To prevent the Zuidoostbeemster from being flooded when the Beemster Polder was inundated, both the Nekkerweg and the Volgerweg were raised. This fortress had to prevent the enemy from moving easily via these two elevated roads.
The Fort on Nekkerweg was not completed until 1912. The fort changed its use almost immediately afterwards. In 1918, it was put into use as a military prison. In the period that followed, many conscientious objectors mainly served their sentences here. Almost nothing remains of the fort's original interior. However, the concrete machine gun emplacements on the front wall remain reasonably intact, as does the fort watchman's house.
The fort that once housed soldiers has now been transformed into a luxury eco-chic wellness resort, with two restaurants and 16 luxurious rooms and suites.
Beemster Tree Museum
The Beemster Museum of Trees is a unique collection of woody plants, which can continue to grow in a park-like setting in the Beemster for ages.
Beemster Tree Museum
The Beemster Museum of Trees is a unique collection of woody plants, which can continue to grow in a park-like setting in the Beemster for ages.
The Beemster Tree Museum is the third largest collection of trees and shrubs in the Netherlands. The collection consists of 2,600 species and varieties and the total number of trees and shrubs is around 6,000. The total area of the arboretum is 7.5 hectares.
The museum shows what many species and varieties of woody plants look like in mature condition. Although the museum is relatively young, there are substantial trees on display. As the museum is one of the very few located on clay soil, this is a unique opportunity to see how the different species and varieties behave on this heavy and chalky soil. Most arboreta in our country are on sandy soil.
Guided tours
They regularly organise guided tours for groups. These should be requested in advance via 06-23746371 or beemsterarboretum@gmail.com. Lunch and/or coffee/tea can also be provided.
Children's party
They also organise fun children's parties. Send an e-mail for wishes and possibilities.
Regional products
There is regularly a stall at the gate of the Beemster Tree Museum, selling delicious (home-made) products.
The Neckermolen
The Neckermolen (Nekker mill) from 1631 is a reed-covered octagonal ground-sailor with an old Dutch sails. Together with an electric pumping station, the polder mill pumps the Wormer, Jisp and Neck water board.
The Neckermolen
The Neckermolen (Nekker mill) from 1631 is a reed-covered octagonal ground-sailor with an old Dutch sails. Together with an electric pumping station, the polder mill pumps the Wormer, Jisp and Neck water board.
Neckermolen tea garden
Under the smoke of Purmerend, you will find this idyllic gem of the region. Enjoy homemade delicacies or a delicious high tea in the garden with your friends or family among the fruit trees in summer.
Neckermolen tea garden
Under the smoke of Purmerend, you will find this idyllic gem of the region. Enjoy homemade delicacies or a delicious high tea in the garden with your friends or family among the fruit trees in summer.
Reservations
Reservations can only be made for High Tea's and for groups larger than 10 people. For lunch, drinks or cake, feel free to come by and make a reservation at the door. There is almost always a place for you.
Do you have something to celebrate?
Do you have a birthday, an anniversary to celebrate or another reason to celebrate something? At Theetuin de Neckermolen, part of the orchard can be hired during opening hours! Click the button for more information or contact us by mail info@theetuindeneckermolen.nl.
Inundation sluice in South Beemster ring dyke
The Inundation Lock is part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam and was constructed by the Department of War between 1890 and 1891.
Inundation sluice in South Beemster ring dyke
The Inundation Lock is part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam and was constructed by the Department of War between 1890 and 1891.
The sluice formed the main point in the water control of the Beemster polder and was built for the purpose of "flooding the Beemster polder". It consisted of a sluice section in the dyke body and then a bowl section in the upper Beemster polder. Water from the North Holland Canal was let into the polder via this bowl. When the polder was flooded in 1940, it was done via this lock. After its military function ceased, the lock fell into disuse. The openings on the canal side were sealed with concrete and the sluiceways and discharge bed with earth.
Fort along Middenweg
The fort on Middenweg is part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Hollandse Waterlinies'. This defensive line of forts was built 15 to 20 kilometres around Amsterdam between 1880 and 1914.
Fort along Middenweg
The fort on Middenweg is part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Hollandse Waterlinies'. This defensive line of forts was built 15 to 20 kilometres around Amsterdam between 1880 and 1914.
The fort is located on the southern ring dyke of polder De Beemster. The North Holland Canal runs behind the fort and the dike. An inundation sluice for the Beemster is located east of the fort. The purpose of the fort was to seal off and defend the accesses formed by the Middenweg and Zuiddijk roads. The original situation around the fort has been preserved: open polder landscape outside the Defence Line and the dike and canal inside the Defence Line.
The fort was used as a warehouse complex from unknown date until after 1974 and on 1-12-1950 as a gunpowder magazine. Later used by Eurometaal (vm Artillerie Inrichtingen); still in use in 1980/1983. Narrow gauge track was present for this purpose.
Facilities for a Detention and Residence Camp for political offenders were partially made in 1946 but the fort was not used as a camp.
Flora & Fauna are of great natural value. Due to strong temperature changes on the barren fort site, distinct dune vegetation occurs here. To be found are, among others, Wall Pepper, Sand Wall, Common Wallow, Jacob's Cross and Rough forget-me-not. Also found are Wolf's-foot, Red-water-herb and Pennywort. Long-eared owl and freshwater prawn are also residents of the nature reserve around the fort.
A special feature of this fort was the washroom for the soldiers. An ingenious system cleans rainwater before it enters the wash basins. The sinks themselves can be tipped over so that the dirty water flows away.
The Fort on Middenweg can be admired but not visited.
Fort near Spijkerboor
The fort near Spijkerboor was the main fort in the northern front of the Defence Line of Amsterdam. From here, the highly strategic dykes around the Beemsterringvaart and the North Holland Canal were defended.
Fort near Spijkerboor
The fort near Spijkerboor was the main fort in the northern front of the Defence Line of Amsterdam. From here, the highly strategic dykes around the Beemsterringvaart and the North Holland Canal were defended.
The Fort near Spijkerboor was therefore equipped with the heaviest artillery of any fort in this part of the front. At the front, a rotating armoured turret was even fitted with two pieces of artillery of 10.5-centimetre calibre with a range of no less than ten kilometres. This turret and artillery are still present and can also be visited.
The two-storey fort building was used as a prison several times after the First World War. The bars in front of the windows and the interior murals date from those periods.
In 2026, the fort will reopen its doors for viewing! On these days, you can join guided tours, or set off on your own via a marked walking route.
Fort near Markenbinnen
The fort near Marken-Binnen is located in the Starnmeer polder. The fort is part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam and is very isolated from the surrounding forts.
Fort near Markenbinnen
The fort near Marken-Binnen is located in the Starnmeer polder. The fort is part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam and is very isolated from the surrounding forts.
There was not even a direct connecting road to the fort at Spijkerboor and the fort at Krommeniedijk. Years ago, the fort was built to defend the Markervaart canal, and when the bombproof building was ready for use in 1905, the photo could begin to perform its function.
During World War I and World War II, soldiers were mobilised at the fort, but after World War II, the fort no longer had a function. Fortunately, the fort has been beautifully preserved and we can still enjoy it to the full today. Today, various activities are organised in and around the fort (FORTtreffelijk), such as laser gaming, treasure hunts, escape rooms, guided tours and much more. Do you dare to take up the challenge? Then visit the website and discover all the possibilities.
The fort is also the place to be for safety training, team building sessions, company outings, wedding parties, etc.
Fort K'ijk
At Belevingscentrum Fort K'IJK, nature and the strategic landscape in the Defence Line of Amsterdam come to life.
Fort K'ijk
At Belevingscentrum Fort K'IJK, nature and the strategic landscape in the Defence Line of Amsterdam come to life.
Experience here how the Defence Line protected first man and later the landscape.
Through an audio tour, the forester and fort keeper take you on a journey through the fort. Imagination, projections, light and dark do justice to the fort's unique architecture. During a visit to Fort K'ijk, you can enjoy not only the fort, but also the beautiful nature around it.
On top of the former lifting dome, you will therefore find a beautiful viewpoint 'De K'ijk-koepel'. From this point, you have magnificent views of the typically Dutch landscape and the meadow birds. In spring, the area is teeming with meadow birds!
Want to make a reservation?
Then send an e-mail! Due to the thickness of the fort walls, telephone accessibility is not always optimal. Therefore, reservations and questions are recommended by e-mail.
Fort near Veldhuis
Years ago, the fort near Veldhuis was used to defend the dike road coming from Heemskerk/Assumburg. The fort belongs to the Defence Line of Amsterdam and is located near the border of Assendelft and Heemskerk built in 1893.
Fort near Veldhuis
Years ago, the fort near Veldhuis was used to defend the dike road coming from Heemskerk/Assumburg. The fort belongs to the Defence Line of Amsterdam and is located near the border of Assendelft and Heemskerk built in 1893.
The fort could house 310 soldiers in times of war. Today, the fort houses the Air War Museum arg '40-45. Among other things, the museum displays salvaged plane wrecks and bombs from WW2.
After all the exploring and learning, you can have a cup in nostalgic café, where it feels like going back in time.
