It's easy to spot the tall tower of the fort's central Grote Kerk, a Gothic basilica with stunning 16th-century vault paintings of biblical scenes. You can climb the tower's 235 steps for a view of the leafy Gooi and the Vecht river. Organ concerts are held throughout the year – check the agenda for times and varying prices.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Comenius Museum

0.12 MILES

The 17th-century Czech educational reformer, Jan Amos Komensky (Comenius), is buried in the Waalse Kapel (Walloon Chapel) of the fortress's former…

2. Vestingmuseum

0.2 MILES

The Vestingmuseum brings context to the vast star-shaped fortress, which is the only one in Europe featuring a buffer of two walls and two moats. You can…

3. Muiderslot

4.7 MILES

Built in 1280 by Count Floris V, son of Willem II, the exceptionally preserved moated fortress Muiderslot is equipped with round towers, a French…

4. Pampus

6.18 MILES

Off the coast of Muiden lies a derelict fort on the island of Pampus. This massive 19th-century bunker was a key member of the Stelling van Amsterdam …

5. Blijburg

7.34 MILES

This artificial beach is a fantastic escape on a sunny day, with a water-sports centre, Surfcenter IJburg, for hiring SUPs and windsurfers. It's the only…

6. De Bijlmer

9.21 MILES

This reinvented high-rise housing estate, built in a hexagonal formation in 1966, was once known for crime and deprivation, and in 1992 was partly…

7. Flevopark

10.18 MILES

Formerly a Jewish cemetery, this area was bought by the city in 1956, when it was turned into a park. It has a wilder, more rambling feel than Amsterdam's…

8. Frankendael House

10.44 MILES

This area was rolling countryside several centuries ago. In the 18th century, wealthy Amsterdammers would pass their summers and weekends in large country…