Walking through the Linielandschap: a hike through a unique part of the Netherlands
Earlier this year, the new QRfgoed route “Walking Through the Line Landscape ” was launched. Lianne and Marlies laced up their sturdy walking shoes and set out on this 19-kilometer hike through a unique part of the Netherlands: the landscape of the Dutch Waterlines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They’d love to take you along on this hike.
Waaiersluis, dikes, and nature
“As the trees slowly but surely shed their leaves and the sun does its best to break through the clouds, we set out on this brand-new QRfgoed walking route.”
Along the way, you can scan a QR code at twelve special locations to read or listen to stories that take you on a journey through the ingenious defense line and the landscape. We choose to listen to the stories. That way, we can look around us as we go, bringing the stories even more to life.
The first QR code is located on the outskirts of the beautiful Brabant fortified town of Woudrichem. We’ll learn about the rare fan-shaped lock, look out over the Munnikenland toward Slot Loevestein , and walk along the dikes to the Struikwaard nature reserve.
Struikwaard
Struikwaard is a diverse nature reserve along the Afgedamde Maas, featuring pools, thickets, hedgerows, and small-scale meadows. You’ll find many birds here, including the partridge, common swift, and kingfisher. Beavers have also left their mark here, and a herd of cattle grazes the open areas. We walk carefully across the wooden bridge spanning the pools. Because of the rain from the night before, it’s quite slippery, but step by step we make it to the other side. Don’t say we didn’t warn you ;)
From Kerkepaadje to the fort
Before crossing the Wilhelmina Lock into the Gelderland section of this route, we turn toward Giessen. The centuries-old Kerkepaadje path leads us toward the village, with Fort Giessen as our destination.
The sun has come out, and we plop down on a picnic bench at the fort’s entrance. As we pull coffee and sausage rolls out of our backpacks, a few Barnevelder chickens scurry around us. Wow, this is such a treat!
After our well-deserved break, we’ll listen to the story of Fort Giessen, the southernmost fort of the Dutch Water Lines. During the spring and summer months, the fort is open to visitors once a month. We’ll continue along the route and take a loop around the fort via the Koekkoekspad.
To Gelderland
Time to cross the river. We’ll leave the island—yes, the Biesboschlinie is actually an island—behind us and head into Gelderland. You might just walk right past it, but here you’ll pass the centuries-old Poederoijen lock complex.
The QR code at Brasserie de Buurman tells us about the Batterij onder Poederoijen defensive structure. Of course, we’ll also take a short walk to the fort, which is located behind the brasserie. The original access bridge has been preserved, and we want to see it with our own eyes—it’s definitely worth the trip!
We continue our journey through the Boezem van Brakel. Here you’ll find “wielen”—deep pools formed by dike breaches. Also located here is Batterij onder Brakel, a former defensive structure that now serves as a nature fort and provides shelter to various species of bats.
The Munnikenland
And then Munnikenland stretches out before us. Peace, space, and nature in abundance. Herds of fiery-red cattle and Koninkpaarden graze in this area. So there’s a good chance you’ll come across a few of these large grazers. You can pass them safely by keeping your distance and walking calmly.
Our final destination is Slot Loevestein, the spot where the Afgedamde Maas and the Waal rivers converge. Thanks to its strategic location on the water, this castle played an important role in the history of the Dutch Water Lines.
Back to Brabant
We take the foot ferry back to Brabant. The sun has since disappeared, the wind is picking up, and it’s getting chilly. On the other side, we treat ourselves to a warm mug of hot chocolate with whipped cream at ’t Koffiehûske’ and look back with satisfaction on a successful trip.
This hiking trail is highly recommended for lovers of hiking, nature, history, and beautiful views.