Vreeland, the charming and smallest town on the Vecht, owes its name to Vredelant Castle, built in 1250 by Bishop Henry of Vianden. This castle had to protect the passage between Utrecht and Holland. A settlement arose around the castle and was soon granted city rights. The street plan of this medieval fortress is still visible in Vreeland.
Vreeland is located about 20 kilometers south of Amsterdam, on the Vecht River. This river was an early trade route between Utrecht and Holland. The route connected to the network of rivers such as the Kromme Rijn and later the Vaartse Rijn.
Along the same route, Amsterdam also developed. Around the year 1000, a settlement arose at the mouth of the Amstel River. Later, a dam was built there: Amstelledamme. In a document from 1275, Count Floris V granted the inhabitants freedom to pay tolls, which attracted trade and laid the foundation for Amsterdam as a commercial city.
Vreeland and Amsterdam are thus geographically and historically connected. With Hendrik, this connection comes together again.