Kudelstaart: Fort History and Church Remains

In Kudelstaart, the history of a peat landscape meets water sports on the Westeinderplassen. Church heritage, fort history and historic routes complement these themes. If you are looking for a hotel in Kudelstaart, consider which of these interests you would like to shape your stay.

From Settlement to Fort

Kudelstaart was established around 1200 as a settlement during the drainage and cultivation of the peatland. The place was first mentioned in 1237 under the name “Schoenedorp”. This makes it possible to distinguish chronologically between the settlement’s early origins and the later written record of its name. Kudelstaartseweg also developed from a drainage and cultivation axis that is still clearly visible.

Fort bij Kudelstaart is a fort surrounded by a moat and part of the Stelling van Amsterdam. It was built to defend an access route along Kudelstaartseweg. The fort is not open to visitors. Its construction divided the ribbon village into two parts; the centre subsequently shifted from Vrouwentroost in the north to the south. The Inlaatsluis near Kudelstaartseweg 83 is also part of the Stelling van Amsterdam.

Churches and Architectural Heritage

The R.K. St.-Johannes de Doperkerk is a three-aisled church with a polygonal-ended choir and a partly incorporated tower. These features offer a tangible insight into the building’s architecture.

Near Kudelstaart, a church remnant of Calslagen with several grave slabs is located on the Westeinderplas. At the former church site, a wall just a few courses high was built on the church foundations. Several grave slabs from the original church floor lie within the original church space. Check access arrangements before visiting the site.

Historic Routes

A historic cycling and walking route passes through Aalsmeer, Kudelstaart and Calslagen and visits 36 historic sites. Information boards and QR codes provide background information about the sites. This allows the route and historic stops to be included together in your plans. Check route details before travelling, as they may change.

The Fortenfietsroute is a separate route: its turning point is at Kudelstaart on the Amstel, before it returns to Aalsmeer. The different routes offer practical guidance if you would like to explore historic sites by bicycle or on foot.

Westeinderplassen and Activities

The Westeinderplassen cover about ten square kilometres. Villages in the surrounding area include Aalsmeer, Kudelstaart and Leimuiden. This gives a sense of the lakes’ place in the wider landscape without describing them as a body of water that surrounds Kudelstaart.

Waterskischool CopinSki is located directly on the Westeinderplassen in Kudelstaart and caters to water-skiers and wakeboarders of all ages and skill levels. If you are planning lessons or equipment, check availability before your trip. Surfeiland Aalsmeer is also nearby, between the old centres of Aalsmeer and Kudelstaart. Activities there include water skiing, windsurfing, stand-up paddling and flyboarding.

Jachthaven Kudelstaart has a bistro, a fuel station and a sanitary building with a washing machine and dryer. Free parking is available for guests and day visitors. Colourful tulip fields lie southwest of Kudelstaart, near the Westeinderplassen. As a seasonal attraction, they add the landscape to your travel plans alongside local and architectural history.

For the broader travel overview: Aalsmeer.