Must-see fortified towns of the Netherlands

Located in North Holland, Naarden is renowned as one of the best-preserved fortified towns in the country. Its unique star-shaped defense structure features ramparts, bastions, and moats. The historic center of Naarden showcases beautiful old buildings and narrow streets, providing a glimpse into its rich history.

Willemstad is a town with a population of 3,125 in the Noord-Brabant province of the Netherlands. Its historic center lies within a 17th century star fort on the south bank of the Hollands Diep river. Willemstad is the namesake for the capital city of Curaçao, an island country in the Dutch Caribbean.

Bourtange is often considered one of the best-preserved fortified towns in the Netherlands. It was once a significant defensive fort and is now an open-air museum. Bourtange features an impressive star-shaped defense structure with ramparts, bastions, moats, and well-preserved historic buildings.

Elburg, located in Gelderland, is another well-preserved fortified town in the Netherlands. It features a rectangular defense structure with walls, bastions, and a moat. The historic center of Elburg is characterized by its many old buildings and narrow streets, including a fisherman’s port and a town wall.

Heusden, located in the province of North Brabant, is a beautifully restored fortified town. It boasts well-preserved fortifications, including ramparts, bastions, and gates. The town’s historic center is a delightful place to wander, with its old houses, picturesque squares, and a scenic harbor.

Situated in the province of North Brabant, Woudrichem is a well-preserved fortified town on the banks of the river Merwede. It has a rectangular defense structure with walls, bastions, gates, and a moat. The historic center of Woudrichem charms visitors with its old houses, picturesque squares, and its riverside location.

The IJmond, located at the mouth of the North Sea Canal in the Netherlands, features several significant civil engineering structures. These include the sea lock complex, comprising the Noordersluis and Zuidersluis locks, which regulate water levels and allow ships to pass between the North Sea and the Amsterdam port area, and the Central Breakwater, a large barrier that protects the entrance to the canal from the forces of the North Sea, ensuring safe navigation for vessels. With a width of 70 meters, a length of 500 meters, and a depth of 18 meters, the largest lock is one of the largest in the world.

Brielle, located in the province of South Holland, is a fortified town with a rich history. Its fortifications include walls, bastions, and a moat. The town’s historic center has many beautifully preserved buildings from different architectural periods, including the famous 15th-century St. Catherine’s Church.