Castle of Amsterdam: Muiderslot ( Muiden).
The best kept medieval castle of the Netherlands. This castle has played a major part in Dutch history.
The history of Muiden Castle begins with Count Floris V who built a stone castle at the mouth of the river back in 1280, when he gained command over an area that used to be part of the See of Utrecht.
​
The Vecht river was the trade route to Utrecht, one of the most important trade towns of that age. The castle was used to enforce a toll on the traders. It is a relatively small castle, measuring 32 by 35 metres with brick walls well over 1.5 metres thick. A large moa surrounded the castle.
​
The castle that you see today was build on the ruines of former castle.
In 1297 the castle was conquered by Willem van Mechelen, the Archbishop of Utrecht, and by the year 1300 the castle had been razed to the ground.
A hundred years later (ca. 1370-1386) the castle was rebuilt on the same spot based on the same plan, by Albert I, Duke of Bavaria, who at that time was also the Count of Holland and Zeeland.
​
There are many tours you can follow at the castle.
Fort Pampus
Pampus is an artificial island and late 19th-century sea fort located in the IJmeer near Amsterdam.
It's open to visitors.
Together with the artillery battery on the lighthouse island near Durgerdam and the battery at the Diemer seawall, Pampus protected the entrance to IJ Bay and the harbour of Amsterdam. It was part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam (Dutch: Stelling van Amsterdam).
In 1996, UNESCO designated the entire Defence Line with its 42 forts a World Heritage Site.
​
Pampus can be reached by ferry from the dock of Muiderslot. Its a visit that will take at least 3 hours including a ferry ride of 30 minutes to and from the island.
​
​
Fortified town of Naarden
What is the Gooi & Vecht area’s secret?
Why does this area harbour so many fortresses and castles?
What was it that needed all this protection?
It might be hard to imagine now, but this peaceful part of Holland used to be the ultimate defence line against enemies from the east trying to get to Amsterdam’s riches.
That is why the Dutch started building these defences in the Middle Ages.
The sturdy Amsterdam Castle (Muiderslot) controled the river Vecht’s estuary, the fortified town of Naarden guarded the only piece of dry land between the South Sea (Zuiderzee) and the lakes.
Later the fortresses and fortified towns like Weesp, Muiden and Naarden worked together to keep the entire area safe. Nowadays this peaceful and pretty area does not need all these military forces.
But the fortresses, castles and fortified towns are still an essential part of the landscape. They are waiting for you to come and explore them!
When it became possible to travel by barge from Amsterdam to 's- Graveland, it became very popular among the rich people of Amsterdam to build a retreat there and travel to it when they wanted.
You can still witness the splendour of these retreats of which 'Trompenburgh' (see picture) is one of the most beautiful.
​
's- Graveland is also the village where one of the largest Nature Conservation Charities is located and manages a visitors center where you can walk and cycle in the beautiful surroundings of 's Graveland.
The Watersport town of the Netherlands: Loosdrecht
The town of Loosdrecht is famous for its beautiful lakes and small islands. Experience and explore the lakes and this beautiful area of the Netherlands. At the location of our Boatrental partner "Jachthaven Wetterwille" you can rent a boat and at a partnerlocation "In de Watertuin" you can enjoy a drink and a meal.
Utrecht: The lively, beating heart of Holland
Utrecht is the lively, beating heart of Holland.
It was built around the Dom tower, which you can see from any point in the city, so there is no way you can get lost in the attractive, car-free city centre.
Utrecht boasts beautiful canals with extraordinary wharf cellars housing cafés and terraces by the water. As well as the Dom tower, Utrecht boasts hundreds of other monuments that each contribute to the special atmosphere in this centuries-old university town.
Waterlinemuseum: The museum of the Dutch Defence Lines.
It will take a week to visit every fortress of the Dutch Defence Lines. During the hop-on, hop-off tour you will see many of the fortresses and we will stop at some of them. This museum will take you on a journey through history and why the Dutch build the Defence lines and how they did it!
Culemborg where the bells still sound every day as they did in the olden days when they were closing the gates. Culemborg is history.
Culemborg is history. You can really experience how it was to live in Holland in medival times. Walk in the castle garden, walk in the floodplains, experience the historic city center. And Culemborg was the first city to have the longest railroad bridge of the world.
Our Hop-on, hop-off tourbus crosses the river Lek by carferry a short but very enjoyable experience. .
Fort Everdingen: One of the largest fortresses of the Dutch Defence Lines
Fort Everdingen is on of the largest fortresses of the Dutch Defence Lines. After being neglected for many years its currently being renovated and will be a place where you can enjoy very original beer, food and camp out.
Walking on the large terrain of the fort you will be amazed about its size and design.
Vianen: The last german owned city in Holland. Vianen became part of Holland only in 1795
Vianen was part of the republic and governed by the german house of Lippe.
Vianen is a large fortified city with its historic gates, buidlings and historic city center.
The 'hofpoort' is a silent reminder of castle Batestein which was once the most beautiful castle of Holland.
Every streetnames in Vianen honours its famous residents and lords.
Stop at Vianen and walk in the small streets of its historic center, and enjoy the small shops and the beautiful town hall.
​
​