Stelling van Amsterdam - Zeesluis Muiden

Built around 1672 as part of the Old Dutch Waterline, replacing the Hinderdam. The lock served three purposes: shipping between the Zuiderzee and the Vecht, flood protection, and military water management.

Completed in 1674 as a wooden, double-returning lock with sluice gates on both sides. Additional storm surge gates closed during extremely high water. In 1676, a protective wall was built along the mouth of the Vecht.

Around 1800, the locks were leaking, and the Vecht waters became silted up, posing a problem for Amsterdam. Restoration began in 1809 on the orders of Louis Napoleon. In 1813, the complex was renovated: made of stone, with three wider openings. The cost: approximately 600,000 guilders.

After the construction of the Merwede Canal (1894), its importance declined. A pumping station dating from 1930 (designed by Anton Mussert) pumped water during high Zuiderzee water levels, but lost its function after the Afsluitdijk (1932) and was demolished in 1941.

Restored in 1975–1976 and fitted with hydraulics. Cost: 8 million guilders. Currently used for pleasure craft. The complex has three chambers; the largest is 49 x 7.60 m. The swing bridge dates from 1870.

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Source

• Text: TracesofWar
• Photos: TracesofWar
• stelling-amsterdam.nl