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Tolhuissluis Starting Point 61 afbeelding

Routes from this starting point

Landscheidingspad (oranje)
Unpaved path (partly) No dogs allowed
9.9km
Tolhuissluispad (paars)
Unpaved path (partly) No dogs allowed
16.52km

The Tolhuissluis lock was built in 1823 on the initiative of King William I. To improve the navigation link between Amsterdam and Rotterdam, he had two canals built, the Aarkanaal and the Amstel-Drechtkanaal, and the Amstel and Drecht rivers widened. Where the Aarkanaal, the Drecht and the Amstel-Drechtkanaal met, a lock was built to bridge the difference in water level between the Amstel and the Rhine, ranging from about 10 to 30 cm. There was also a small shop and café located at the lock. Another interesting fact is that the Huis ter Drecht has stood here since the 17th century and was an important stop along the tow barge connection between Amsterdam and Gouda.

  • The Landscheidingspad or Land Division Path (orange) takes you to the town of Kudelstaart along a centuries-old grass dike separating Amstelland and Rijnland. The walk goes over one of the most beautiful grass dikes of the Aalsmeer and Uithoorn region and treats you to panoramic views over lakes and polders. The walk also travels along the Westeinderplassen lakes and the Drecht and Amstel rivers.
  • The Tolhuissluispad or Tolhuis Lock Path (purple) also leads over the old canal dike to Kudelstaart and continues along the Westeinderplassen. Between the Fort at Kudelstaart and the Fort at De Kwakel, you walk across the old firing line. Like the two forts, it was part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam created in the 19th century to defend the capital. You return to the Tolhuissluis lock via the former towpath along the Amstel-Drechtkanaal.