Fort bij Kudelstaart

“Can a fort also be a haven?” a child’s voice piped up from the group. Indeed, Fort bij Kudelstaart proves that it can. This fort, part of the Stelling van Amsterdam, stands before us, a testament to a history far removed from its current peaceful atmosphere. Fort bij Kudelstaart, completed in 1906, was designed to protect Amsterdam. Its mission was to lock down access to the Kudelstaartseweg and the navigable Westeinderplassen. Interestingly, Fort bij Kudelstaart lies slightly ahead of the main defense line. This unusual positioning gave it a clear field of fire, unhindered by existing buildings at the time. The fort’s front wall houses two unique double gun emplacements with concrete waiting areas for the crew, a feature not found in other forts of the Stelling. A sluice at the throat of the fort was used for inundating the Zuidelijke Legmeerpolder and was restored in 2007. After serving its military purpose, Fort bij Kudelstaart took on a new life. From 1972, the fort’s grounds were used as a marina for vacationing military personnel, managed by Vafamil (Vakantie Faciliteiten Militairen). Though Vafamil’s management ended in 2015, the marina tradition continues, adding a layer of recreational charm to this historic site. Today, Fort bij Kudelstaart stands as a unique blend of history and leisure. It offers a glimpse into Amsterdam’s defensive past, while also embracing its present as a peaceful harbor. The fort’s journey, from a strategic military stronghold to a tranquil marina, makes it a truly captivating destination.