From the fortified town of Naarden via the tranquil Naardermeer and the Hilversumse Meent to Nederhorst den Berg — 16.7 km past UNESCO heritage and rare nature.
Forts, spoonbills and a forgotten line
Stage 10 of the Waterliniepad (LAW 17) takes you through one of the most surprising and historically rich corners of North Holland. In 16.7 kilometers, you walk from the famous fortified town of Naarden-Bussum straight through the Hilversumse Meent to the quiet village of Nederhorst den Berg — deep in the Gooi and Vecht region. Along the way, you pass two authentic forts of the Defence Line of Amsterdam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once intended to protect all of Holland. This stage is part of the larger Waterliniepad that runs from Volendam all the way to Dordrecht — but it also stands beautifully on its own.
Through the Meent, along the line
You start in Naarden, one of the best-preserved fortified towns in Europe. From the center — with its characteristic six-pointed star shape — you walk south towards the Naardermeer. This is the oldest nature reserve in the Netherlands, and also one of the most beautiful. On the southern side of the lake lie vast reed banks and open polders. Here you can hear the wind rustling through the reeds and look out over a wide watery landscape. In spring, spoonbills, herons, and terns breed. Keep your binoculars at hand.
Next, you walk into the Hilversumse Meent. This open, peaceful polder landscape is nestled between Naarden, Bussum, and Hilversum. Few visitors know it—and that is precisely what makes it special. You pass meadows with grazing cows, small canals, and a farm here and there. The silence is striking, so close to the Randstad. Next, you reach Fort Uitermeer, one of the remnants of the Amsterdam Defence Line. The fort lies directly on the Vecht, which meanders peacefully through the landscape here. A little further on lies Fort Hinderdam, also on the Vecht. The presence of water here was no coincidence: in the event of war, the surrounding land was flooded. You see the landscape with different eyes when you know that. The end point of the stage is Nederhorst den Berg, a picturesque village on the Vecht with a castle in the background.
Highlights along the way
- Naarden Fortress — One of the best-preserved fortified towns in the Netherlands, with an impressive star-shaped layout. Explore the ramparts before you leave — it is a worthy prelude to what is to come.
- The Naardermeer — The first protected nature reserve in the Netherlands (1906), beloved by birdwatchers. In spring, the southern shore teems with spoonbills, cormorants, and purple herons.
- Hilversumse Meent — An unknown polder gem south of Naarden. Quiet, green, and almost always deserted. A breath of fresh air in the middle of the Randstad.
- Fort Uitermeer — Authentic fort of the Amsterdam Defence Line, situated right on the Vecht. Part of UNESCO World Heritage. Gives you a vivid picture of how the line once operated.
- Fort Hinderdam — The second fort along this stage, also on the Vecht. The combination of water, landscape, and military history makes this a memorable point along the way.
Holland's smartest defense
The Defence Line of Amsterdam was not a wall or a moat — it was water itself. Through sluices and inundation fields, the land surrounding Amsterdam could be flooded in a short time, just deep enough to be impassable, but not deep enough to sail. Enemy armies would become trapped. The forts along the Vecht were part of this ingenious system. In 1996, UNESCO recognized this unique water defence line as a World Heritage Site.
Tips and practical information
- Public transport: Naarden-Bussum station is a short walk from the starting point — you can take the train and board directly for the walk. At the end point in Nederhorst den Berg, a bus runs towards Weesp or Hilversum, where you have train connections. This way, you walk the stage without a car.
- Marking: The route is signposted in both directions with the white and red LAW markings of Wandelnet. Follow the posts carefully in the open polder area.
- Dogs: Dogs are welcome, but please keep them on a leash during the breeding season (April–July) around the Naardermeer and the forts.
- Seasonal tip: Spring (April–May) is ideal for bird lovers: spoonbills, purple herons, and other migratory birds are active at the Naardermeer during this time. In summer, the landscape is lush green; in autumn, the Hilversumse Meent has a golden hue.
- Accessibility: The route largely follows paved and unpaved paths through open polder terrain. Not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers due to the unpaved sections and potential ferry crossings.
- Route changes: Always check the current route changes on wandelnet.nl/routewijzigingen-waterliniepad before departure.
- Walking guide: The official LAW guide for the Waterliniepad is available via the Wandelnet webshop.
