Fort de Schans
A star-shaped earthen fort begun in 1574 and expanded under Napoleon, ringed by two moats. It is one of the best-preserved earthen forts in the Netherlands.
Fort de Schans lies south of Oudeschild. William, Prince of Orange, first ordered it built in 1574 to protect the Texel Roads. After Napoleon inspected it in 1811, it was enlarged into a five-pointed, star-shaped earthen fort surrounded by two moats. Today its ramparts are covered in grass, and you can walk the full circuit along the top of the embankment to look out over the Wadden Sea. Occasional guided tours and historical events take place in summer. Admission is free, and it is about a 5-minute bike ride from Oudeschild.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Hoge Berg
- Texels Bierbrouwerij
- Museum Kaap Skil
- De Traanroeier
- Oudeschild Harbour
- Den Burg
- De Mok
- Den Hoorn