Ever wonder how Hilversum connects to Amsterdam by water? It involves the Hilversumsch Kanaal. This canal offers a fascinating glimpse into Dutch engineering and history.
Welcome to the banks of the Hilversumsch Kanaal. It is more than just a waterway. It’s a testament to Hilversum’s growth and connection to the wider world.
At the start of the 20th century Hilversum was booming. However its water connections were poor. The Hilversumsch Kanaal was the answer. In 1919 a report highlighted the need for a better waterway. It would link Hilversum to Amsterdam and beyond. The Gooisch Kanalen-Comité formed in 1924 to push the project forward. Anton Mussert served as the technical advisor. He later became the leader of the NSB.
Seven route options were considered. The chosen path connected the canal to the Vecht River. This was near ‘t Hemeltje farm. Construction of the lock at ‘t Hemeltje was tendered in June 1931. The Hilversumsch Kanaal shared a water level with the Kortenhoefsche and Loosdrechtse Plassen. A pumping station south of the lock maintained this level. The Gabriël mill in Kortenhoef became unnecessary.
The Hilversumsch Kanaal was a costly project. It required an investment of 1.35 million guilders. The national government covered 30 percent. The province of North Holland paid 40 percent. Hilversum covered the remaining 30 percent. Hilversum would manage the canal and not impose any tolls.
Work began in 1933. The Hilversumsch Kanaal opened in 1937. It was a significant improvement over the old route. That route used the Gooische Vaart and ‘s-Gravelandsevaart. It ended at Fort Uitermeer on the Vecht. Now ships up to 50 meters long and 2.35 meters deep could use the Hilversumsch Kanaal.
Today the Hilversumsch Kanaal runs alongside the N201 provincial road. It is south of the Kortenhoefse Plassen. It also lies north of the Loosdrechtse Plassen. The Sluis ‘t Hemeltje lock connects the canal to the Vecht River. A short channel also links it to the Wijde Blik lake. Fort Kijkuit and the Voorste Molen lie along the canal. A marina sits closer to Hilversum. The municipality of Hilversum owns the eight-kilometer canal.
Imagine the canal bustling with boats carrying goods and people. Think of the impact it had. It spurred economic growth and connected Hilversum to the Netherlands.
The Hilversumsch Kanaal is a reminder of Dutch ingenuity. It is a symbol of Hilversum’s ambition and connection to the world. As you stand here reflect on the history and engineering that shaped this vital waterway.