Fort Nieuw Amsterdam was built between 1734 and 1747 at the point where the Commewijne River meets the Suriname River, to protect the plantations upstream. It later served as a prison until 1967 and is now an open-air museum run by a foundation.
You can walk the earthworks and moats, see the old gunpowder houses, prison cells, cannons, World War II bunkers and a moored lightship, and visit exhibitions on slavery and Suriname's history. It is an easy half-day trip and a common stop on Commewijne boat tours.
18th-century Dutch fortification
Good to know
- Distance from Paramaribo
- About 10 km northeast of Paramaribo in the Commewijne district
- Getting there
- By car or taxi over the Wijdenbosch bridge via Meerzorg, by bicycle, or as a stop on a Commewijne boat tour
- Time needed
- 1 to 2 hours on site
- Entry and permits
- A small entrance fee in SRD, with a lower rate for residents; check on site for the current price
Tours that go here
Tour operators listed on Explore Suriname, with a direct link to their own tour page.
Prices and dates change. Check with the operator before you book.
Location
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