Geniedijk: the green connection of Vijfhuizen, Hoofddorp & Aalsmeer
Not just any dike
The Geniedijk is not just a dike. An engineering dike is a water-retaining dike that has been specially constructed by the Ministry of Defense to protect a piece of land after an inundation. This means, deliberately flooding an area. The Geniedijk in Haarlemmermeer is part of the Defense Line of Amsterdam. This line of defense was set up between 1880 and 1920. The area consists of canals, dikes with dams and locks, areas that could be flooded and 46 forts and batteries.
Smart hydraulic engineering concept
The idea behind the Defense Line of Amsterdam was a unique hydraulic engineering concept at the time. Thanks to this smart system, the land around the line could be flooded. This could create a pond that was not deep enough for ships but too deep for man and horse. To repel the enemy in this way.
But the concept of the Defense Line had one major competitor: the airplane. With the arrival of the aircraft, the line lost its strength. Because with an airplane every place was easy to reach. The forts and infrastructure of the Defense Line of Amsterdam were preserved. This has created a unique monument of defensive and hydraulic engineering.
Forts along the Geniedijk
The Geniedijk takes you past three historic forts. The dike starts at the Fort of Vijfhuizen on the Cruquiusdijk. And continues to the Fort near Hoofddorp to where the Geniedijk ends, at the Fort near Aalsmeer on the Aalsmouderdijk. The lesser-known Fort de Liede and Fort bij Heemstede can also be found in Haarlemmermeer. These are part of a predecessor of the Defense Line of Amsterdam, the Posten van Krayenhoff.
Nice to know: Fort van Vijfhuizen now has a new destination, namely as a cultural institution. The Kunstfort bij Vijfhuizen has been a museum for art and culture since 2005, where visual art and military heritage come together.
Green backbone as a cycle route
The Geniedijk is no longer used for military purposes, but it is an ideal place for recreation. The Geniedijk runs like a green ribbon through the center of Hoofddorp and is a popular cycling and walking route. The cycle path connects the adjacent neighborhoods and recreational areas. Here you can enjoy an oasis of peace, with a view of beautiful fields with sheep and cows.
The green backbone of the Geniedijk is also an important ecological connection. Along the dike you will find different types of plants, birds and small mammals. It is also an important migratory route for animals, such as the butterflies and bats that migrate through Hoofddorp along the Geniedijk.
Genius park and orchard
The Geniepark is located around the eastern part of the Geniedijk, between Hoofddorp station and the Ringvaart. This park will be further expanded in the coming years, especially over the A4. As a new green heart, the Genie Park offers space for culture, recreation and relaxation in the midst of activity.
In 2015, 260 fruit trees were planted in Genie Park. You can pick your own fruit in the orchard, such as apples, plums and walnuts. So don't forget to bring your basket in the summer and join the harvest!
