Naarden

A trip from fortress Uitermeer to the easternmost point of Naarden and back 18 km. A round trip passing Muiden and Weesp is also possible, but the long straight stretch between Naarden and Muiden is not very interesting (about 24 km). No kayak rentals.

GPS Fort Uitermeer: Lat 52.292300, Lon 5.084500

Take exit S113 from the A9 south of Amsterdam and take the N236 in the direction Weesp and Bussum. After the bridge across the Vecht turn left to the fortress Uitermeer. There are kayak piers on both sides of the locks, but you can not park the car there. You can park at the entrance of the fortress (before the bend in the road). The sides of the 's Gravelandse Vaart are very low here, so you can start here as well. 

From the fortress you head south on the 's Gravelandse Vaart. There is some noise from the busy N236 just beside the canal. But when you turn left into the Karnemelksloot you leave the traffic behind. After a railroad bridge you enter Naarden. You pass a home for birds, mainly ducks I think. Then you reach the fortress Naarden. You can not navigate around it, but you can go to the other side. First turn left and then keep to the right under a bridge. On your right you can enter a canal that passes through the fortress. At the end you pass the great sea gate and then you can paddle a short distance to the left or to the right.

You go back the same way. You'll have to pass the locks to the Vecht if you want to see the fortress Uitermeer. Recently the canal surrounding the fortress was filled with water again. Unfortunately you can not enter it by kayak. 

Karnemelksloot

Karnemelksloot

Karnemelksloot

The sea-gate of Naarden. A memorial stone indicates the year 1632. But the gate as it it today was built in 1789.

The sea-gate as seen from the outside.

Canal inside the fortress.

Fortress Uitermeer on the Vecht.