A spectacular medieval gate from 1425 that controls both land and water traffic into the city — one of the few combined land-and-water gates still standing in Europe. The huge wooden wheels that operate the water gates still work; watching them chug open is a highlight, especially for children. The gate sits at the point where the Eem enters the old city, and the view from the water side is one of the most photographed scenes in Amersfoort.
Koppelpoort
Rare medieval gate controlling both land and water traffic since 1425
A story
The Koppelpoort was built in two phases: the land gate came first in 1380, and the water gate was added in 1425. The wooden treadwheels that raise the sluices work on the same principle as a medieval crane — two people walking inside the wheel provide the leverage. The mechanism still works today, and on special open days you can try it yourself.