Forteiland Pampus

Forteiland Pampus runs the fortress island of Pampus, a fort of the Defence Line of Amsterdam in the middle of the IJmeer, turned into a museum and an island that supplies its own energy and food. The visit includes the boat from Muiden or from Amsterdam-IJburg.

Who they are

Behind it is a foundation with an office in Muiden, recognised as a public-benefit organisation (ANBI) and open to donations, which has volunteers as guides. The office is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:30 on +31 294 262 326 and at [email protected]. Pampus is one of the first artificial islands in the world, built when the IJsselmeer was still the Zuiderzee, and its fort, sunk into the ground and resting on almost 4,000 piles, was part of Amsterdam's defensive ring. Today the foundation also presents it as a fossil-fuel-free island: it produces its own energy and grows part of what is served in the kitchen.

What it offers

Days on the island from spring to autumn, with the crossing, a free tour of the fort and a pavilion for eating, and in winter the Winterlicht dinners, with the fort lit up. Tickets are bought on their website, which announces each season.

Most visitors spend between two and four hours on the island. Inside the fort, the Het Verhaal van Pampus trail recreates with multimedia the dining rooms, dormitories and workshops of a century ago, and is done at your own pace. There are free guided visits every day, of about three quarters of an hour and for a maximum of 25 people, which take in the artillery towers and the narrowest passages; the next one is announced in the square. There is also a free audio tour in Dutch, English and German, on your phone or with a device from the shop. There is no Spanish version. On Wednesdays the bird ringers are usually on the island, and for children there are treasure hunts. Almost all of the fort is covered, so the visit also works in the rain.

The boat

The ferry leaves from Muiden, on the Herengracht at number 33, and takes about 25 minutes; it is best to arrive ten minutes early, because it does not wait. You book only the outward journey; the return leaves every hour on the hour from the island, the last at 17:00, and you choose on the spot. There is no return boat from the island to IJburg. In force 7 winds or more the service may be suspended; in that case they notify you by email and the ticket is valid for another day.

Bikes cannot be taken on the ferry (there is no supervised parking in Muiden) nor dogs, except assistance dogs. Pushchairs can board, but there are steps on the boat and in the fort, so a light buggy or a baby carrier is more practical. A folding wheelchair can be lifted aboard if the person can manage a few steps with help; scooters do not fit. In the pavilion there is an accessible toilet, payment is by card only and there is no drinking water from the taps.

Tickets and conditions

Book online choosing the boat time; without a reservation you can buy on board if there is room, but it costs more. Tickets are not refundable, although they can be moved to another date up to five working days before by replying to the confirmation email, or given to someone else. With the Museumkaart or the I amsterdam City Card entry to the island is free and you only pay for the boat. Children up to age 3 do not pay. For groups of 14 or more: [email protected].