Fancy a bike ride full of history, nature, and special places to linger? Then this 25-kilometer fortified route around Uitgeest is an absolute must. You'll cycle along Amsterdam's old defense line, through a surprisingly green and open landscape that was once intended to protect the capital from enemy attacks.
A route with stories
You start at Fort bij Krommeniedijk (Fort K'IJK) – a beautifully restored fort with an experience center, terrace, and tea room. Here you can see how the forts once offered protection to people and how they now enrich the landscape. You then cycle past:
Fort aan den Ham – Museum with bunkers, old casemates and stories about the defense line of Amsterdam
Fort near Veldhuis – converted into an aviation museum
Aagtendijk Nature Reserve – breeding area for birds such as bluethroats, reed warblers and reed buntings
Fort Zuiderwijkermeer – now a cheese factory
Bombproof Powder Magazine – a hidden gem in the landscape
You cycle on roads with names like Vuurlinie , Militaire Weg and Geniedijk , which immediately tell you something about the military history of this unique area.
Practical information
Starting point: Fort am Krommeniedijk, Lagendijk 22 in Uitgeest
Distance: 25 km
Parking: Free at the fort
Food & Drink: Tea room at Fort K'IJK (starting point) and various rest areas along the trail
Opening hours of the fort: Seasonal – current times can be found at www.fortkijk.nl
A wonderful day for nature lovers and history buffs
This route is ideal for those who enjoy cycling but also want to see and experience something along the way. The combination of forts, dikes, nature reserves, and views over the polders makes this tour an unforgettable experience.
Tip for guests of Boutique Stay Uitgeest
If you're staying overnight at 't Hutje or Dorpsgeluk , you can reach the starting point of this route in ten minutes by bike. Perfect for a relaxing day with a mix of fresh air, culture, and something delicious on a fortress terrace.