Fort Velsen

Fort Velsen is a military fortification in Beverwijk located where the North Sea Canal meets Zijkanaal A, featuring a preserved gun turret and front structure. The site displays the original concrete construction with its heavy defensive walls and armored positions.

The fortification was built between 1885 and 1899 as part of the Amsterdam Defense Line with large-caliber cannons protecting shipping routes. Much of the structure was demolished decades later, yet key elements survived as evidence of this military period.

The structure reflects Dutch military engineering through its concrete design and role within the country's water defense system. Visitors can see how the original gun placement and construction methods reveal the strategic thinking of the era.

The fort grounds are accessible for visitors to view the preserved structures and original gun turret. Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain is uneven, and the waterside location means it can be windy and damp.

This was the only fort in the Amsterdam Defense Line built entirely from concrete, a bold engineering innovation for its era. Despite extensive demolition in the 1980s, what remains still demonstrates this forward-thinking construction method.