Dutch Water Lines
Historic defense line with forts, waterworks and nature
Unesco World Heritage Hollandse Waterlinies
The Dutch Water Lines form a unique defensive system that remained in use until the 20th century. This strip of land could be flooded, thereby protecting against invaders: the water was too deep to wade through, but not deep enough to navigate by boat. Forts and fortifications were built at the weak points along the line.
Traces of this remarkable history are also clearly visible along the Biesbosch Line. All but one of the four forts, two locks, various casemates, and one fortified town of the New Dutch Water Line are open to visitors. Discover, for example, Fort Altena, Fort Bakkerskil , and the Woudrichem fortified town, and experience along the way how water and landscape became integral parts of the defense system.
You can experience the waterline in various ways: walk or bike along the historic fortifications, visit a fort, or discover the stories about the landscape and the people who lived here. This way, you’ll uncover the history of the Dutch Waterlines right in the heart of the Biesbosch Line landscape.
Visit forts and the fortified town
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Woudrichem
Woudrichem
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Fortified Towns by the Water
Fortified Towns by the Water
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Fort Bakkerskil
Fort Bakkerskil
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Fort Altena
Fort Altena
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Fort Giessen
Fort Giessen
Routes in the Dutch Waterline
Stories Dutch Waterline
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4 of the most beautiful routes in the fall
Fall is a wonderful time to explore the Biesbosch Line in a different way. Golden hues, crisp days, and a landscape full of tranquility. Put on your hiking boots, enjoy the autumnal scenery, and discover the most beautiful routes along the Biesbosch Line.
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24 Hours as a Tourist in Your Own Region
While our “Tourist in Your Own Region” campaign is in full swing, the “24 Hours in the Biesbosch Line” Instameet will take place during the last week of May. Seven women from all corners of the Netherlands will come to discover what the Biesbosch Line has to offer.
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4x the most beautiful routes in the summer
Summer is the time to discover the Biesboschlinie. Long days, plenty of sunshine and a landscape bursting with life make this season ideal for getting out and about. We tip you off to the best routes in summer.
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The Almpad, walking along the water, Fort Giessen and meadows
The Almpad, between Giessen and Uitwijk, was enthusiastically conceived this spring by our volunteer Lianne. The walk takes you through the Almbos, along Fort Giessen, the small river Alm and through the outskirts of Giessen and Uitwijk.
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Discover Woudrichem: a day full of history and adventure
Photographer and storyteller Jeanine discovers Woudrichem with her family. They sail with the new foot ferry to Slot Loevestein, dive into the history of the fortified town and end the day relaxed with an overnight stay in the fortified town.
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The Oostwaardpad, walking across farmland
The Oostwaardpad, on the edge of De Biesbosch National Park, is a walk through farmland that our volunteer Lianne discovered. It’s the kind of hiking trail you want to take everyone to at least once because you’re so enthusiastic about it yourself.
Woudrichem: lock and fortified town
Fortified town Woudrichem also belongs to the New Dutch Waterline. As a fortified town of course, but the lock at the Schapendam also played a major role as a defensive structure. If you visit Woudrichem, park in the Schapendam parking lot. On the way to the parking lot you will pass the lock.
Woudrichem is a well-preserved fortified town that is still inhabited. With a pleasant mix of culture, restaurants and stores, the town is well worth a visit.
Learn more
It’s time to celebrate: 5 years as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—the Dutch Waterlines!
Five years ago, the New Dutch Waterline was added to the then-existing UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Defense Line of Amsterdam. Together, they have since formed the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Dutch Waterlines.”
The Dutch Water Lines form a ribbon stretching over 200 kilometers, from Edam to the Biesbosch. Scattered along this route are a hundred remarkable sites—from forts and fortifications to castles—each of which tells a part of the story. A story in which water has been used for centuries as a clever defense.
Here in the Biesbosch Line, the defensive lines are visible in forts, dikes, and waterworks. A unique landscape with water as an ally and forts as a strong front. We cherish this heritage, for today and tomorrow.
During this anniversary year, visit one of the sites of this unique heritage and immerse yourself in its history.
Not finished yet?
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Beautiful polders
Wide fields and broad horizons: in the polders of the Biesboschlinie you come to yourself, with only the sound of water and wind around you.
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Art & Culture
From centuries-old castles and fortified towns to museums, galleries and creative studios, here you'll find a rich mix of history and imagination. Whether you love art or history, there is always something to discover.
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Are you staying the night?
The Biesboschlinie is the ideal destination for a long weekend or midweek getaway. From camping to B&B, these are all locations to stay overnight.