Fort Naarden Ramparts Walk

Naarden is a small fortified town east of Amsterdam, and the best way to understand it is to walk the ramparts. The fortifications form a continuous ring around the town, a regular polygon with six pointed bastions, and the grass-covered earth banks, the water of the moats and the lines of trees give a long, quiet circuit with changing views. Because the walls are low and made of earth, in the style of the seventeenth century, the walk feels more like a stroll through a park than a march around a castle, and it can be done in an easy pace by almost anyone.

The form of the defences was designed to resist artillery. In the sixteenth century, cannon made high medieval walls useless, as stone was shattered by the force of shot. The answer was to build low, thick banks of earth, backed by brick, and to shape them into angular bastions that stuck out from the line of the walls, so that defenders could fire along the flanks of any attacking force. A double ring of moats made it harder to approach, and a flat open field in front kept the attackers exposed. Naarden was rebuilt on this principle after Spanish troops destroyed it in 1572, and it was modernised several times in later years. It later became part of the Dutch Water Line, which used controlled flooding as a defence, and the line is now recognised as a World Heritage site.

Walking along the ramparts, visitors see the structure from above, which makes the star shape clear. The path passes bastions, bridges and gates, and views open over the roofs of the town, with the tower of the Grote Kerk rising in the centre, and over the moat and the countryside beyond. The water is home to ducks, herons and other birds, and the banks are covered with wildflowers in summer. A good starting point is the Nederlands Vestingmuseum, in the Turfpoort bastion, which explains the history and has underground passages and casemates to explore. A museum boat takes visitors along the moat for another perspective.

Near the town there is a park that has been laid out around further earthworks, aimed at children, with ramparts and moats to climb and explore. It is free and suits families looking for a playful way into the subject. Bring your own food, since there may be no vendors.

The walk suits families, history lovers, photographers and anyone who enjoys a gentle circuit. It takes about an hour or more, and the town's cafes offer a rest afterwards. Naarden-Bussum station is a short bus ride away.