Fortified towns in the region.

As this countryside was strategically important to the defence of Amsterdam, there are 3 small fortified towns within easy cycling range : Weesp, Muiden and Naarden.
Plus an abundant number of forts, bunkers and other military constructions all around.
Weesp and Muiden are the only towns in the Netherlands that were part of two defence systems : the Dutch Waterline (running north-south) and the Defence Line of Amsterdam, a 135 km long circular defence around the city (on the UNESCO world heritage list).

Weesp is a small town (18.000 inhabitants) about 15 km south-east from the centre of Amsterdam.
A charming fortified centre, 3 windmills in town and others in the countryside, town hall (1776) with local museum, gothic 15th-century church with tower partly of around 1200 AD, and more.
The station of Weesp is an ideal starting point for day trips. Frequent and direct train lines from Amsterdam Central (only 15 minutes) and Schiphol Airport, see timetables (generally 4 trains per hour in all directions). Bike rental at the station.

Muiden is a small fortified town 2 miles or 3 km north of Weesp.
Home port of a fleet of traditional sailing ships. At the mouth of the river Vecht, the medieval castle Muiderslot.
Ferry to the fortress Island of Pampus. The boat ride is about half an hour. Interesting location and great views, but count a couple of hours for a visit.

Naarden (about 8 km east of Weesp) is one of the best preserved fortified towns in Europe. With an intact double ring of 17th century fortifications, and many historical buildings.
In one of the forts you can visit the interesting Fortress Museum.

  For a quick tour in pictures, you could flip through the photo pages.

For thematic suggestions for bicycle day trips click here.
For a couple of short video clips, click here.
Here, on this website you'll find more links on the regional pages for Weesp, Muiden and Naarden.
More links with general information on the towns of Weesp, Muiden and Naarden :

• On www.wikitravel.org (English version) you can find good information on Weesp, Muiden and Naarden : here are direct Wiki-links to Weesp, Muiden and Naarden .
• Two personal sites on Weesp, one from Denmark, www.weesp.dk, and a Dutch one www.rgaros.nl/weesp (both in English).
• www.panoramio.com : loads of pictures. Link starts in Weesp, but zoom out and move over the Google-map for the other places.
• www.weesper.nl/vvw : Tourist Office in Weesp (Dutch only).
• www.muidenvesting.nl : Tourist info on Muiden (Dutch only).
• www.vvvgooivecht.nl : Regional tourist office (Dutch only).

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