Fortified Town Triangle
One day, five places, three provinces: connected by water
Visit the Fortified Town Triangle
The Vesting Triangle is the area between the fortresses of Gorinchem, Woudrichem, Zaltbommel, Slot Loevestein and Fort Vuren. Grab your bike, hop on the ferry, and your adventure can begin! By bike you can visit all the places in one day. If you prefer to take it a little easier, Fort Vuren has accommodation options, from camping to hotel room or Bed & Breakfast.
Ferry and foot ferry
All locations in the Fortified Town Triangle are connected by water. Take Riveer’s ferries across the Maas, Waal, Linge, and Merwede rivers, traveling from fortified town to fort to fortified town. During peak season, you can board a ferry nearly every half hour, and you can bring your bike for free. Missed the boat? The water taxi is ready to take you, or take the foot ferry: a small boat designed especially for hikers. It takes you from Woudrichem to Slot Loevestein and back again.
Woudrichem
A picturesque fortified town, where history is still very much alive. Take a walking tour on your own, or let a city guide tell you all about its rich history.
Gorinchem
Gorinchem is the largest fortified city whose ramparts are still complete. Take a walk along the ramparts, past the Dalempoort, cannons and windmills. But also be sure to visit the bustling city center!
Zaltbommel
Zaltbommel is also worth a visit. Wander through the center, visit the St. Maartenskerk or the Stadskasteel. In this museum, be sure not to miss the exhibition on Fiep Westendorp: the famous illustrator of Jip, Janneke, Otje, Pluk van de Pettenflat and Pim & Pom.
Slot Loevestein
The famous castle from which Hugo de Groot escaped. With your personal key you will learn all about the castle, its history and inhabitants.
Fort Vuren
This Tower Fort was built in 1845, as part of the New Dutch Waterline. The fort has been fully restored, and has since been used as a catering and accommodation facility. Guided tours are available by appointment.
Tip: In the fortified town, visit WWII & Airmen Museum. This museum is part of the Route Second World War: Honoring Allied Airmen Lingewaal.
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Hiking
The fortified town triangle is not only worth visiting for its forts and fortresses, the river landscape is wonderful for walking. Take a city walk through historic Woudrichem, stroll through the fields of Altena or from fortified town to fortified town on the Liniepad.
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Bikes
Cycle a 'round of ferries' (21 km) through the fortified town triangle! Combine the cycle junctions with a day pass for the ferries, and cycle around the entire fortified town triangle in one day. Route maps are available from VVV Gorinchem, or downloadable from their website.
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Sailing
Venture out with the walking & boating route (8.7 km). Explore the charming fortified towns of Woudrichem (North Brabant) and Gorinchem (South Holland), walk through the Groesplaat nature reserve and sail twice along the Merwede. A varied route with the wind in your hair!