Plizio Visual Lab

Fort Nassau

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

Weather…

Fort Nassau, located about 88 kilometers up the Berbice River, was the historic capital of the Dutch colony of Berbice. It was founded in 1627 by Abraham van Peere and named after the House of Orange-Nassau. The fortress served as the hub for trade, administration, and the defense of the plantations along the river. The complex originally consisted of a wooden fort, later supplemented by more massive structures, as well as a government building, a church, and warehouses. A turning point in the fort's history was the Berbice Slave Uprising of 1763, led by Cuffy. During the rebellion, the fort was burned down by the Dutch themselves to prevent it from falling into the hands of the insurgents. Although the capital was later moved to New Amsterdam, the ruins of Fort Nassau remain a significant monument to colonial history and the struggle for freedom in Guyana. Today, archaeological remains such as foundations and tombstones can be found on the site, which is protected as a National Monument.

Location: Guyana
Top sights: Sand hill Berbice river · Friendship Berbice river
Nearby: Blairmont (38 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Sep, Oct.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	26	26	26	27	26	26	26	26	27	28	28	27
Rain mm	138	111	103	149	266	235	228	147	66	65	93	183

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Fort Nassau is the remains of the former capital of the Dutch colony of Berbice, located about 80 kilometers inland. The ruins are freely accessible but partly overgrown and unsecured.

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Typical hours

The ruins are accessible at any time, but travel during daylight is strongly recommended as the jungle path can be difficult. Visitors should return before sunset.

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Photography

Photography is allowed, but vegetation may obstruct the view. For moody shots, use a wide-angle lens to capture the expanse of the ruins.

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Time needed

Allow at least 1 to 2 hours for exploring the ruins and surrounding grounds. The path through the jungle requires sturdy footwear and time.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with the nearby settlement of Fort Wellington and Fort Sint Andries at the mouth of the Berbice River. A boat trip on the Berbice River rounds off the experience.

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Getting there

Fort Nassau is off main roads; the best way to get there is with a 4x4 vehicle from New Amsterdam or Georgetown. Local guides are recommended as the route is unmarked.

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Insider tip

Bring insect repellent and sturdy boots as the area is very swampy and mosquito-ridden. A guide can explain the site's history and point out hidden structures.

Geography

Coordinates

5.76670, -57.75000

Facts

The fort was founded in the year 1627.
It served as the first capital of the Berbice colony.
Abraham van Peere received the concession for the settlement from the Dutch West India Company.
The fort was destroyed in 1763 during the Berbice Slave Rebellion.
The ruins are located approximately 55 miles (88 km) up the Berbice River.
The site was declared a National Monument of Guyana in 1999.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Ebini Livestock Station13 km · WExplore →

Kimbia Agricultural Centre24 km · SWExplore →

Rusal Aroaima Mine35 km · WExplore →

Fort Sint Andries37 km · NEExplore →

Blairmont38 km · NEExplore →

Mission Chapel (New Amsterdam)38 km · NEExplore →

Bush Lot38 km · EExplore →

Kwakwani Bauxite Mine43 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Fort Nassau (2)

Sand hill Berbice river🌿 nature

A high sand hill on the banks of the Berbice River, offering a wide vista over the winding waterway.

Friendship Berbice river🌿 nature

A riverside vantage point along the Berbice River near the historic Fort Nassau area.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is Fort Nassau located?

It is situated about 88 kilometers up the Berbice River in eastern Guyana.

Who built the fort?

It was built around 1627 by the Dutch to defend the Berbice colony.

Can the fort be visited?

Yes, it is declared a national monument, but it is accessible only by boat.

What happened here in 1763?

The fort played a central role during the Berbice Slave Rebellion led by Cuffy.

What is the condition of the ruins?

Only fragments of the foundations and graves remain of the fort, surrounded by jungle.

Fort Nassau: where is it located?

Fort Nassau is located in Guyana.

Fort Nassau: what is there to see?

Highlights include Sand hill Berbice river, Friendship Berbice river.

Fort Nassau: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Sep, Oct.

Fort Nassau: why is it worth visiting?

Fort Nassau, located about 88 kilometers up the Berbice River, was the historic capital of the Dutch colony of Berbice.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →