Intrigued by a fortress that can vanish beneath the water? Fort bij Krommeniedijk is such a place. This is a key part of Amsterdam’s defense system.
Welcome to Fort bij Krommeniedijk. It stands as a testament to Dutch ingenuity. It is a piece of the Stelling van Amsterdam. This ingenious defense line once protected the capital. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Built in 1903, Fort bij Krommeniedijk was strategically positioned. It guarded the Lagendijk dike. This dike was crucial for controlling inundation. The fort ensured no enemy could sneak in via the Crommenije river. A nearby auxiliary battery provided extra firepower.
Picture this: the land around Fort bij Krommeniedijk flooded. This created a water barrier about 40 to 50 cm deep. It stopped enemies from advancing on foot or by boat. Fort bij Krommeniedijk helped control this strategic flooding.
The fort’s construction is impressive. It features unreinforced slag stone concrete walls. These walls are 100 to 120 cm thick. A concrete roof tops it all off. The roof is almost 2 meters thick. Originally, a half-meter of earth covered the roof. This helped it blend into the landscape.
Inside Fort bij Krommeniedijk, you would find a front building and a main building. These buildings are connected by a poterne. Two casemates stand at the rear of the main building. The fort had separate concrete bases for 6 cm cannons. They were housed in retractable turrets.
Interestingly, the interior still holds many original details. You can still see the latrines and concrete urinals. The kitchen boasts three large cooking kettles. These kettles are from the Klinkenberg company in Wormerveer. Iron shutters, doors and frames remain intact. Even graffiti from prisoners and German soldiers adorn the walls.
In 2011, an archeological dig uncovered one of the retractable turrets. During World War II, the Germans tried to destroy them. They wanted the steel for weapons.
Before its military days ended in 1956, Fort bij Krommeniedijk housed up to 296 soldiers. After the war, it served as a camp for political prisoners. Later, it became a storage depot.
Since 2006, volunteers have worked to preserve Fort bij Krommeniedijk. They manage the grounds. They offer tours. They share the fort’s history. In 2017, Fort bij Krommeniedijk was transformed. It became a residential complex for people with autism. It also became a visitor center and restaurant. It is now known as Fort K’IJK bij Krommeniedijk.
Each March, the area around Fort bij Krommeniedijk floods. This recreates the historic inundation. It also attracts many birds. Bird watchers flock here to spot various species.
Fort bij Krommeniedijk shows us the importance of strategic defense. It demonstrates how the Dutch protected their land. It is now a place where history meets nature and community. The Fort bij Krommeniedijk blends the past with the present. It also provides unique living and learning experiences.