Dutch Water Lines
Historic defense line with forts, waterworks and nature
Unesco World Heritage Hollandse Waterlinies
The Hollandse Waterlinies is a unique defense system that served until the 20th century. This strip of land could be flooded and thus protected against invaders: the water was too deep to wade, but not deep enough to navigate. On the weak spots in the line came forts and fortresses. The 4 forts, 2 locks, several casemates and one fortified town of the New Dutch Waterline are, except one, all to be visited.
Visit forts and the fortified town
-
Woudrichem
Woudrichem
-
Fortified Town Triangle
Fortified Town Triangle
-
Fort Bakkerskil
Fort Bakkerskil
-
Fort Altena
Fort Altena
-
Fort Giessen
Fort Giessen
Routes in the Dutch Waterline
Stories Dutch Waterline
-
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.
-
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.
-
The Oostwaardpad, walking across farmland
The Oostwaardpad, on the edge of National Park the Biesbosch, is a walk across farmland that our volunteer Lianne discovered. One of those hiking trails that you want to take everyone on sometime because you are so enthusiastic about it yourself.
-
Casemates in Altena
You find them scattered throughout Altena: small concrete buildings with a roof in the shape of a flattened pyramid. They sometimes stand in unexpected places. But what are these structures and why are they here?
-
Woudrichem: from medieval town to protected fortified town
Woudrichem developed from medieval town with fishing rights, to strategic defense point and fortified town. The fortified town of Woudrichem was designated a protected townscape in 1972.
-
Rich history and freshly baked fish, the fish auction of Woudrichem!
Just inside the gate of Woudrichem stands the old fish auction, once the center of the local fishing industry. Fishermen from the area sailed far up the rivers and brought their catch here to auction. Today, fresh gurnard is still baked here regularly.
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
Not finished yet?
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.