Waterliniepad etappe 10: Naarden-Bussum - Nederhorst den Berg

Walk 16.7 km past historic forts and enjoy unique birds at the vast Naardermeer in Naarden. Discover the Defence Line of Amsterdam in North Holland.

This stage of the Waterliniepad (LAW 17) is a beautiful 16.7-kilometer walk that takes you from Naarden-Bussum to Nederhorst den Berg. Here, you immerse yourself in the beauty of North Holland and the rich history of the Amsterdam Defence Line, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Waterliniepad is a 346-kilometer long-distance hiking trail that runs from Volendam to Dordrecht and takes you past beautiful cities and old fortified towns.

You walk straight through the Hilversumse Meent, a vast nature reserve on the south side of the expansive Naardermeer. Here, with a bit of luck, you can spot special birds such as the elegant spoonbill. The route shows you how the Defence Line of Amsterdam was a crucial defence zone, featuring impressive structures such as Fort Uitermeer and Fort Hinderdam, both strategically located on the Vecht. You smell the fresh air and hear the rippling water of the Vecht while enjoying the peace and space around you. In spring and summer, you see flowering aquatic plants and hear the song of meadow birds. Be sure to come by public transport; both the starting and ending points are easily accessible.

Highlights along the way

1. Naardermeer: One of the oldest nature reserves in the Netherlands, known for its birds.
2. Hilversumse Meent: A green area that forms an oasis of tranquility between the urban area and the Naardermeer.
3. Fort Uitermeer: A historic fort on the Vecht, part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam.
4. Fort Hinderdam: Another important fort that completed the defensive line.
5. The Vecht: A picturesque river that played a central role in the Water Line.

Background story

The Amsterdam Defence Line and the New Dutch Water Line are masterpieces of military defence, making clever use of the Dutch landscape and water. These defence lines, now UNESCO World Heritage Sites, protected the Netherlands by flooding large areas, thereby holding back enemy troops. The forts you encounter along the way, such as Fort Uitermeer and Fort Hinderdam, were key positions in this ingenious water defence system. They form a tangible reminder of a time when water was the ultimate defence.

Tips and practical information

1. Dogs: Dogs are allowed on a leash, unless otherwise indicated at specific locations (for example, in vulnerable nature areas).
2. Public transport accessibility: The starting point in Naarden-Bussum is easily accessible by train. From Naarden-Bussum station, you can easily walk to the beginning of the route. The end point in Nederhorst den Berg is accessible via bus lines connecting to surrounding stations. Plan your journey via 9292.nl.
3. Marking: The route is marked as part of the Waterliniepad (LAW 17), recognizable by the red and white markings.
4. Accessibility: Partially paved and unpaved paths; not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers everywhere. Please take this into account.
5. Seasonal restrictions: During the breeding season, access to some parts of the route near the Naardermeer may be restricted. Consult local signs for up-to-date information.