Stelling van Amsterdam - Definition and Overview

Stelling van Amsterdam is the name (in Dutch) given to a ring of fortifications around Amsterdam. These fortifications are unique and form part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Amsterdam. The fortifications consist of a ring of 42 forts, and a ring of land that can easily be flooded in time of war. The flooding was designed to give a depth of about 30 cm, insufficient for boats to transverse the flooded land. Any buildings within 1 km of the line had to be made of wood, so that it could be burnt and the obstruction removed.

The Stelling van Amsterdam was constructed between 1880 and 1914. The invention of the aeroplane and tank made the forts obsolete almost as soon as they were finished. Many of the forts now are under the control of the town councils and the nature department, and may be visited. Monumentdag, on the second saturday in September, is the ideal day to visit as entrance is free.