Fortified Town Triangle
Want to spend an active day soaking up culture from the saddle? The fortified towns of Gorinchem, Woudrichem, Zaltbommel, Slot Loevestein , and Fort Vuren are all connected by water. Grab your bike, hop on the ferry, and let the adventure begin!
Fortified Towns by the Water: One Day, Five Places, Three Provinces
All five locations 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, ferries depart nearly every half hour, and you can bring your bike for free. Missed a 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. Start the route wherever you like and discover all the towns along the way.
Woudrichem
A 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 the rich history.
Gorinchem
Gorinchem is the great...
Fortified Towns by the Water: One Day, Five Places, Three Provinces
All five locations 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, ferries depart nearly every half hour, and you can bring your bike for free. Missed a 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. Start the route wherever you like and discover all the towns along the way.
Woudrichem
A 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 the 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!
Fort Vuren
This Tower Fort was built in 1845, as part of the New Dutch Waterline. The fort was recently fully restored, and has since been used as a catering and accommodation facility. Guided tours are available by appointment.
Tip: Inside the fort, visit WWII & Airmen Museum. This museum is part of the Route Second World War: Honoring Allied Airmen Lingewaal.
Slot Loevestein
The famous castle from which Hugo the Great escaped. With your personal key you will learn all about the Castle, its history and inhabitants.
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.
The route can be shortened by taking the pedestrian and bicycle ferry from Woudrichem to Slot Loevestein. You’ll find it near the Janus Baks Bastion.
You can rent a (electric) bike from various rental locations. Contact them for availability and bike rental.
What you will see
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Nature reserve Struikwaard
Struikwaard Nature Reserve (Stop 1)
Nature reserve Struikwaard
Wilhelmina lock
Andel
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80
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