Muiden

Muiden is a pleasant town in the Netherlands of approximately 4000 people, on the shores of the IJmeer, at the mouth of the Vecht river. The town is known for its yacht harbor and for its historic castle, the Muiderslot. Its proximity to Amsterdam - it is just 12 km east of the city centre - makes it a good day trip for anyone looking to get out of the city.

The whole historic centre of the town is a protected area (Rijksbeschermd gezicht Muiden). There are a few nice places to see in Muiden: the historic river quayside, the boats moored there, the lock, the forts of the Stelling van Amsterdam and above all the Muiderslot.

• Muiderslot, Herengracht 1 (There are also direct tours by a ferry from Amsterdam. Apr-Oct Mo-Fr 10:00-17:00, Sa-Su 12:00-17:00; Nov-Mar Sa-Su 12:00-17:00. is a 13th-century castle on the banks of the river. You can visit independently most parts of the castle and the surrounding gardens. The very nicely furnished living quarters on guided tours only. The tours are in Dutch but will be given in English if requested, there is a handout with an English translation as well; inquire in advance €13,50, children 4-11 y/o €9.
• Groote Zeesluis. It is the other landmark of the town, listed Rijksmonument. It's just such a fun to chill out in a quayside cafe and watch numerous boats negotiating the lock.
• Muizenfort. The fortress is a part of the Stelling van Amsterdam a series of fortifications ringing Amsterdam, which used water to protect from invasion. This unique system has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. There are 45 forts in total 3 of which are in, or accessible from Muiden. Muizenfort is located just south of the main lock.
• Westbatterij. The West Battery is a smaller fort from the Stelling van Amsterdam. It is located near the waterfront at the western end of town, there is a very small but nice sandy beach next to it.

Muiderslot, Herengracht 1 (There are also direct tours by a ferry from Amsterdam. Apr-Oct Mo-Fr 10:00-17:00, Sa-Su 12:00-17:00; Nov-Mar Sa-Su 12:00-17:00. is a 13th-century castle on the banks of the river. You can visit independently most parts of the castle and the surrounding gardens. The very nicely furnished living quarters on guided tours only. The tours are in Dutch but will be given in English if requested, there is a handout with an English translation as well; inquire in advance €13,50, children 4-11 y/o €9.

Groote Zeesluis. It is the other landmark of the town, listed [[w:Rijksmonument|Rijksmonument]]. It's just such a fun to chill out in a quayside cafe and watch numerous boats negotiating the lock.

Muizenfort. The fortress is a part of the Stelling van Amsterdam a series of fortifications ringing Amsterdam, which used water to protect from invasion. This unique system has been included on the [[UNESCO World Heritage List]]. There are 45 forts in total 3 of which are in, or accessible from Muiden. Muizenfort is located just south of the main lock.

Westbatterij. The West Battery is a smaller fort from the Stelling van Amsterdam. It is located near the waterfront at the western end of town, there is a very small but nice sandy beach next to it.

Boat trips are possible on the river Vecht and on the Gooimeer (former Zuiderzee). Also rental of all sizes of rowing/motorboats and sailing ships, with or without captain.

Favorite restaurants are "Graaf Floris van Muiden" which attracts most tourists and sailers and the more exclusive "De Doelen". Both are situated on the quayside.

Cafe Ome Ko is the favorite place on the waterfront. Watch the boats go by!

Within an easy reach by bicycle are the fortified towns of Weesp and Naarden.