Fort bij Aalsmeer

Gazing upon Fort bij Aalsmeer, one can almost hear the echoes of history. Fort bij Aalsmeer, also known as Fort Rijsenhout, stands as a silent sentinel. It whispers tales of a time when Amsterdam’s defenses were paramount. This fort, a vital part of the Stelling van Amsterdam, is more than just brick and mortar. It’s a time capsule, transporting us back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Construction of Fort bij Aalsmeer began between 1890 and 1895. The bombproof structures were added about 10 years later, finally completed in 1905. Fort bij Aalsmeer is an A-type fort. It boasts two separate buildings for gun turrets and a front building connected to the main structure by a passage. Remarkably, these gun turret buildings are still in excellent condition. A unique feature of Fort bij Aalsmeer is its double moat, a design also found in Fort bij Vijfhuizen. During World War I, Fort bij Aalsmeer housed approximately 280 soldiers, ready to defend Amsterdam. Behind Fort bij Aalsmeer lies a double lock system. This ingenious system, connected to the Ringvaart canal, could flood the southwestern part of Haarlemmermeer in case of an attack. Interestingly, this lock also facilitated the transport of goods, particularly sugar beets, to the sugar factory in Halfweg. While the lock fell into disuse after 1950 and remains in poor condition today, it played a crucial role in both defense and trade. Near Fort bij Aalsmeer stand three sheds. The oldest, a wooden engineering shed, dates back to 1894. The two others were built after World War II, used for storing military vehicles and goods. Today, Fort bij Aalsmeer houses the CRASH Air War and Resistance Museum ’40-’45. The museum chronicles the numerous plane crashes in the Haarlemmermeer area during World War II. Guided tours offer a glimpse into the fort’s hidden corners, revealing even more of its rich history. Fort bij Aalsmeer is a testament to Amsterdam’s strategic past. It stands as a reminder of the ingenuity and foresight that went into protecting this historic city.