Fort Pampus is a fortified artificial island located in the Pampus channel, off the coast of Amsterdam. Built at the end of the 19th century, the fort was part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam, a strategic system designed to protect the Dutch capital against potential enemy attacks. Today, the island belongs to the municipality of Gooise Meren and is open to visitors, offering a fascinating insight into the military history of the Netherlands.
Galerie photos
Johan Bakker, CC BY-SA 3.0 NL, via Wikimedia Commons
A strategic fortification in the 19th century
After the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, the Netherlands feared an attack on Amsterdam. The government then decided to strengthen the city’s defense by building a line of fortifications. Fort Pampus was erected on a sandbank located east of the Pampus channel. The artificial island rests on 4,000 pillars, each 11 meters long, and was completed in 1895.
Its main role was to prevent enemy ships from reaching Amsterdam and to protect the city from potential bombardments. However, the fort was never used in an actual war context and was closed in 1933, shortly after the dyke sealing off the Zuiderzee was built.
A site occupied by the Germans during World War II
Despite its official closure, Fort Pampus was re-armed in 1939. During the German occupation, it served as a base for an anti-aircraft defense battery. In 1944–1945, the harsh winter turned the frozen sea into a temporary land route. The people of Amsterdam, lacking fuel, collected all the wood available on the island to heat their homes, after the Germans had already removed most of the metals for their war industry.
Restoration and opening to the public
Permanently abandoned in 1952, Fort Pampus gradually fell into ruin. In 1990, an association bought the site and began its restoration. Today, the island and its fort are open to visitors. The site offers guided tours, allowing people to discover the military history of the Netherlands and enjoy stunning views over the IJmeer.
How to visit Fort Pampus?
Fort Pampus is accessible by boat from Amsterdam, Muiden, or Almere. The site offers immersive activities, historical exhibitions, and themed events throughout the year. Ideal for a cultural and historical outing, the fort is a unique testimony to the Netherlands’ military past.