Possibilities
Fortified towns
As the region was strategically important to the defence of Amsterdam, there are 3 small fortified towns within easy cycling range. Plus a large number of forts, bunkers and other military constructions.
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. Bike rental at the station. Frequent and direct train lines from Amsterdam Central (only 15 minutes) and Schiphol Airport, see timetables (generally 4 trains per hour in all directions).
Muiden is a small fortified town 2 miles or 3 km north of Weesp.
In summer a lot of recreational ship activity around the old sea locks. At the mouth of the river Vecht, the medieval castle Muiderslot (site in Dutch, but lots of pictures and video).
Naarden (about 8 km east of Weesp) is one of the best preserved fortified towns in Europe. With a unique intact 17th century centre, and many historical buildings.
In one of the forts you can visit the interesting Fortress Museum.
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.naarden-cultureel.nl : on Naarden, in Dutch (with English resume), but a lot of pictures.