The opening of the forts season is upon us again! During the Biesbosch Fortress Tour, you can visit the disembarkation points below. Check this page for an overview of all activities this weekend. Stop by at Biesbosch MuseumEiland, listen to the radio play at Fort Bakkerskil or get a guided tour at Fort Altena. There is plenty to do!
Cycle the Biesbosch Fortress Tour and get off along the way to participate in fun activities. Go tower climbing, for example, or visit one of the exhibits.
All junctions in a row, including nice stops: Starting point Fort Bakkerskil (Kildijk 143, Nieuwendijk) - 20 - 14 - 12 - 22 - 10 - 29 - 15 - 18 - 16 - 21 - 22 - 20 - Biesbosch MuseumEiland - 08 - 02- 04 - 27 - 11 - 10 - 22 - 30 - 23 - 80 - 31 - 78 - 32 - Woudrichem - 33 - 74 - 71- 41 - Fort Altena - 40 - 25 - End Fort Bakkerskil (of course you can cycle the other way around!)
Woudrichem: Martinustoren climb (from 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.)
Fisheries museum: where you meet a sturgeon, where old crafts revive and the fishing history of Woudrichem is preserved (specially opened from 13.30 - 16.30 because of the opening of the forts season)
Fort Bakkerskil: open for lunch, coffee and cake or a nice drink. Listen to the QR hearing game
Biesbosch Museumeiland: exhibition 'Half a century Cor de Kock' (from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
Fort Altena: guided tour (at 2 p.m.)
Fort Bakkerskil: open for lunch, coffee and cake or a nice drink. Listen to the QR-hearing game
Biesbosch Museumeiland: exhibition 'Half a century Cor de Kock' (from 11.00 - 17.00 hours)
Theetuin Binnen en buiten: Kerkeinde 14 in Sleeuwijk (from 10.30 - 17.00 hours)
Looking for fun outings with kids in the Biesbosch Line? The petting zoo, a climbing park, the pancake boat.... We have put together a list of the best activities for children of all ages. In fine weather, but also in less fine weather.
De Pannekoekenbakker is quite an experience in itself! Enjoy, on a boat overlooking the Meuse, more than 200 (!) different pancakes. Children can choose for example a princess or pirate pancake. Afterwards they can use their tokens to pick out a present in the gourmet store. Happy faces guaranteed!
Kinderboerderij Floreffehoeve in Werkendam is good for a whole afternoon of fun. Besides the animals, there is also a playground where children can have a great time full of (running) bikes, go-karts, scooters, etc. Just relax with a bag of chips or an ice cream, and on you go! (O)pa and (o)ma can sit comfortably on a bench with a cup of coffee or tea.
Children can have a blast at Slot Loevestein. They can dress up as a damsel or knight, escape from Hugo de Groot's book chest, and explore the castle with their own key.
Slot Loevestein is part of the fortress triangle. All locations in the fortress triangle are connected by water. From Woudrichem you can take the foot ferry or the large ferry to Loevestein. This boat trip alone is worth it!
Enjoy climbing and scrambling at their own level: that's possible at Klimpark Biesbosch. With 7 courses and 75 obstacles on an island, children can be active in nature on the edge of the Biesbosch. Safe and sound, they choose the route that suits their level. There is also more than 400 meters of zipline. For the kids there is a special children's zipline course.
Children can totally expend their energy in the subtropical swimming paradise at De Kurenpolder. Features include a slide up to 100 meters long, rapids, bubbling bench and jacuzzi. Every Friday there is disco swimming and the music and lights go on.
In the summer there is also plenty to do outside, such as play equipment to clamber around in or the skate park where the toughest stunts are performed. They can also jump on trampolines and play table tennis.
Starting in April, Kasteel Dussen is open every Sunday to visit on your own or book a guided tour. There are also regular events. You can find an overview of all activities in Kasteel Dussen 's calendar.
At number 29 of all cinemas in the Netherlands is "our" Hollywoud. Press the button and a server comes to take your order. Just during the movie! The popcorn is popped and is right in front of your nose. Without missing anything of the movie. A great outing for children.
From the Biesbosch Line, the Efteling is easily accessible. Depending on the starting point, you can be in Kaatsheuvel in as little as 20 minutes. Walk with your little one through the Fairytale Forest, dream away in the Droomvlucht or go on the super-fast roller coaster Max & Mortiz for the older kids.
Tie the laces, shake the muscles loose, take a deep breath, shoulders straight, chin up and ... scavenge away! This scavenger hunt runs for 1.5 hours and is super fun to do with kids. Ask someone on the street for help if you don't know an answer. Maybe you'll hear an exciting story from a real Woerkumer!
Download the scavenger hunt using the button below. Finished scavenging and wondering if you are a good scavenger? Read the answers here.
Tip: Inside the fortress is the Fisheries Museum. Nice to take a look there. Children can make their own jump rope there.
Want to make it a sporty day on the water? Rent a canoe and explore the Biesbosch. Let children search for beavers and beaver tracks. Then moor the canoe to enjoy a picnic.
Tip: go on a quiet day, such as a study day. That way you can canoe at your own pace and there is no heavy boating traffic.
Because of the fifth anniversary of the municipality of Altena, we developed five new routes. One of them is the gnome route through the Almbos. Search along and find the gnome children's nuggets. This route lets children run, climb, search and guess. Nice and active and outdoors!
We also had a coloring page created. Click on the image to the right to download the coloring page.
Restaurants and lunch spots abound in the Biesbosch Line. Of course, we already mentioned De Pannekoekenbakker. What is also very nice is Brasserie de Laegt. There children can play in the playground, playroom and even at the petting zoo. At Bistro de Heerlijckheid there is also a small playground.
Parents and children are exhausted and fulfilled after a day at Biesbosch Line. Sleep literally ón the Biesbosch water in a AquaHome (children find this super fun, of course!). Prefer the mainland? Then camp at farm campsite De Speeltol where children can have fun in the on-site nature playground. Or camp in a hiker's hut in the middle of the Biesbosch. When the sun goes down, the beavers show themselves among the reeds in search of food and tree roots. If it's clear, you can see a huge starry sky.
Spend the night after a day enjoying the Biesbosch Line? Dream away in a fortress, sleep in a gypsy wagon or on a boat in the Biesbosch. You can even wake up among the alpacas! There is something for everyone. Below are the best accommodation tips for a weekend in the Biesbosch Line. All addresses for B&B, hotel, camping or apartment can be found here. Rest well before a new day full of activities in the Fortress Triangle, Biesbosch or the New Dutch Waterline.
A weekend getaway in the Fortress Triangle? Sail with the ferries of Riveer across the Maas, Waal and Merwede from fortress to fortress andSlot Loevestein. Sleep in historic fortified town of Woudrichem to further explore the Vestingdriehoek the next day.
The Fortress Triangle is the area between the fortresses of Gorinchem, Woudrichem, Zaltbommel, Slot Loevestein and Fort Vuren. All locations are connected by water. Your bicycle can travel for free on the ferry.
The New Dutch Waterline, since 2021 also Unesco World Heritage Site, is worth seeing. In the Biesbosch Line you will find the southernmost part of this line. Sleep on a fort in Nieuwendijk or in a casemat in Woudrichem. This special fortified town was part of both the Old and New Dutch Waterline!
De Biesbosch is a unique nature reserve. There is plenty to do: walk, bike or sail on your own in nature, or learn everything about the flora and fauna of the Biesbosch on an excursion with a forester of Staatsbosbeheer. Spend the night on the water with your own boat, rent a 'AquaHome', camp in a hiker's hut or sleep in a hotel. Discover the next day Biesbosch MuseumEiland, which is worth a special visit.
There are plenty of b&bs to be found in the Biesbosch Line. Sleep in a Scandinavian Pod where you have a hot tub at your disposal or in a quiet b&b in the vast polder. On the river Maas in the middle of nature you will find Bed & Breakfast Maas. Spot beavers and hear lapwings at b&b Op De Terp. Or wake up among the alpacas at b&b Loenestein Even more fun: choose a beautiful bike or walking route and visit them all!
Sleep in a gypsy wagon at campsite De la Rue, in Woudrichem at campsite De Mosterdpot or at campsite Oldershof, within walking distance of nature reserve 'the Pompveld'.
On vacation with children?
Then it is fun to go to the child-friendly and cozy farm campsite De Speeltol. Bring old clothes and the kids can let loose in the natural playground on the grounds!
From December through February, there is hibernation in the Biesbosch Line. But that doesn't mean there's nothing to do. There is something for everyone: a winter walk, a scavenger hunt or warming up with a hot chocolate or lunch during a beautiful hike. We collected all the activities on this web page.
There is nothing like a brisk walk on a beautiful winter day. During this city walk, you'll warm up past the most remarkable spots and monuments in the historic fortress of Woudrichem.
Or book a tour with one of our city guides. Experienced and enthusiastic guides, who have lived in Woudrichem all their lives, will tell you all the stories about the past and present of the fortress and its inhabitants.
The Sleeuwijks Kerkje is known for its small-scale concerts. From up-and-coming talent to professional musicians. The good acoustics and small, intimate space make the Kerkje ideal for chamber music, recitals and solo concerts. This winter there are several types of concerts.
A ticket costs €15 and can be purchased through the website. It is not possible to buy a ticket at the door.
Sail through the narrow Biesbosch creeks in an electric (heated) boat while the skipper guides you, or hike with a guide from the Forestry Commission. Biesbosch MuseumEiland organizes several winter boating and hiking tours in the Biesbosch. Combine it immediately with a museum visit for a real day out.
Thursday, Jan. 25, "Grámhara" plays at Theater Apolonia in Woudrichem.
Location: Hoogstraat 19A in Woudrichem
Cooperative Fishing Association De Hoop in Woudrichem bakes fish once a month during the winter months. The fish they fry is gurnard and the proceeds go to the maintenance of the fish auction.
When: Jan. 27 and Feb. 24 from 8:30 a.m. - 12.00 a.m.
Location: Kerkstraat 2 in Woudrichem
In addition to the Battlefield Tour along the Bergsche Maas, the War Museum in Veen is now organizing a tour that focuses entirely on World War II in the Overdiepse polder. Using maps and photo material, you will learn more about the local history.
The tour lasts three hours and includes coffee, tea and some goodies. On Jan . 27, 2024, the tour will be given for the first time; exactly 79 years after the Battle of Kapelsche Veer.
Enjoy special performances at Kasteel Dussen. Theater for adults as well as for children, art lectures and musical performances: bright spots on long, dark winter evenings.
Tours are available every Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 12.30 & from 2 p.m. to 3 p. m. Slot Loevestein. Discover the historical highlights of Loevestein's nearly 700-year history. Who had the castle built and why in this location? The castle is famous because of Hugo de Groot, but which other prisoners were in the State Prison? You'll also discover why Loevestein was part of the Dutch Waterline. Fun for young and old.
Winter walks call for warming up along the way, with hot drinks or a hearty meal. For a cup of coffee and cake, or a lunch, for example, go to lunchroomGewoon Ploon. Would you like to dine extensively? That is possible at Restaurant de Stroming. Always check the website for opening hours.
In our hospitable overnight accommodations you are most welcome. The choices are many. Sleep in a powder cellar, a hiker's hut or in a luxury B&B. Sleep well and see you tomorrow!
We regularly publish new guides to best inform tourists in our area with, for example, cycling routes and activities in the region. The guides are available free of charge. Thus, together we ensure that the guides are in as many places as possible. On this page you will find an overview of all current guides. Are you through and would like new guides? Then please contact us.
Boating with the wind in your hair and the sun in your face. With the wetlands in the Biesbosch and Altena, the Biesbosch Line is a wonderful area for recreational boating. In this boating guide you will find canoe routes in the municipality of Altena, canoe junctions in the Noordwaard, marinas and boat rentals.
Through polders and woods, along rivers, forts and fortresses: in the Biesbosch Line every hiker will find something to his liking. Clear your head in nature or wander through old streets in the fortified town of Woudrichem. Stroll along forts and casemates through the line landscape of the Dutch Waterline (Unesco World Heritage) and enjoy the beauty that the Biesbosch Line has to offer. Click on the image to the right to download the walking guide.
Pick a beautiful day and get on your bike. The routes in this guide take you past (Unesco World) heritage sites, through natural areas, along and even over water. The routes follow the cycle junctions as much as possible. If we deviate from them, it is because we want to show you just that one beautiful spot. Click on the image to download the cycling guide.
The fortified town of Woudrichem may call itself a Unesco World Heritage Site since the summer of 2021. The town is part of both the Old and New Dutch Waterline. You can taste the atmosphere of past centuries in the decor of old buildings and narrow streets. You can relax on a terrace by the water, on a platform, on a square or under the tower after a lovely walk over the city wall and along the historic harbor.
In this guide you will find ideas to further explore Woudrichem and its surroundings. Click on the image to the right to download the guide.
Where (Unesco World) heritage, nature and water come together. Where you experience the rich history of Hollandse Waterlinies. From mills to forts, from fortresses to castles. Where you walk, bike or sail through polders, woods and along rivers. The Biesbosch Line: home of centuries-old heritage and beautiful nature.
Good preparation with this handy cycling map!
Click on the image to the right to download the map.
Where (Unesco World) heritage, nature and water come together. Where you experience the rich history of Hollandse Waterlinies. From mills to forts, from fortresses to castles. Where you walk, bike or sail through polders, woods and along rivers. The Biesbosch Line: home of centuries-old heritage and beautiful nature.
Get inspired and discover this unique area!
Tip: Visit our region on Open Monument Day.
Fort Altena is one of the nature gates of Brabant. It is the oldest fort in the Biesbosch Line and you can enjoy a snack or drink in the brasserie. You can also go there for information about nature, culture and recreational routes. The fort, together with Fort Bakkerskil and Fort Giessen, is managed by Brabants Landschap.
Hiking
Explore the fort and the surrounding area with the 12 km walking tour Around Fort Altena.
Cycle past heritage and through the Biesbosch with this 70 km bicycle route. You start at Fort Bakkerskil. Then you cycle along Fort Altena, Fort Giessen and Fort Steurgat. You will pass through the fortified town of Woudrichem and end at the inundation sluices (the most important part of the waterline).
A beautiful route to admire all the heritage in the Biesbosch Line. Our Prisca went out and cycled part of this route, read her experiences in the blog'With the wind at your back along the forts'.
A true hidden gem, Fort Giessen is literally buried under nature. It was built to prevent a direct attack on fortified Woudrichem. Now in an enchanting setting you will discover the fort with one of the largest intact artillery sheds in the Netherlands.
Hiking
The walk Rondje Giessen starts at Fort Giessen and leads you through Giessen, towards the Wilhelmina Lock, over the dike and Almbos (picking is allowed) to the end point.
The mills in the Biesbosch Line are unmissable icons of this beautiful area. Once they ensured dry feet, today they still grind the flour for the baker, and tell us the story of a rich history.
Mills visits
The mills can be visited by appointment and when the sails are turning. The millers are all proud of 'their' mill. With great pleasure and enthusiasm they explain everything about their mill and the miller's profession. So be sure to drop in, you are most welcome!
The walking route 'Het Liniepad' is a 10.4 km route and is a unique combination of heritage and nature. Follow the signs along the trail and pass by the most beautiful spots of the Biesbosch Line. Forts, locks, mills, fields and polders; from the Papsluis lock to the fortress of Woudrichem. Along the way you will feast your eyes!
Tip!
A fun stop is the bird-watching cabin "Het Vinkenestje. Here you can spot grazers and birds!
Fort Bakkerskil is Unesco World Heritage Site that the Papsluis had to secure. You will be immersed in the times of the past with the luxuries of today. This beautiful heritage site is the ideal base for hiking and biking tours, but also perfect as a rest stop along the way. You can stay overnight in the fort and there is a radio play where you can delve into the history through QR codes.
Round Fort Bakkerskil
This route takes you past (World) heritage and through the polder: a fun 8 km walk through the Brabant Waterline landscape!
The Vesting Triangle: one day, five places, three provinces The Vesting Triangle is the area between the fortresses of Gorinchem, Woudrichem, Zaltbommel, Slot Loevestein and Fort Vuren. Download the route, grab your bike and hop on the ferry. Your adventure can begin! An active day of culture tasting.
Ferry
All locations in the fortress triangle are connected by water. Sail with Riveer ferries across the Maas, Waal, Linge and Merwede rivers from fortress to fortress to fortified town.
Kasteel Dussen
The 13th century castle has a rich history, and now the gates are wide open for tours and various activities are organized.
Slot Loevestein
Already since 1361 watches over Slot Loevestein Maas and Waal. From toll station to state prison and the military fortress of the Dutch Waterline. This sturdy castle was one with numerous functions. Now Slot Loevestein is part of Unesco World Heritage, there are exhibitions, you can stay overnight and have a delicious lunch.
Fine stopovers to recharge and refuel: catering establishments abound! In the summer months (and when the weather is nice in the early and late seasons), tea gardens are open. They indicate this with a modest roadside sign.
In our welcoming overnight locations, you are most welcome. Here you will see that the choice is vast. Sleep in a powder cellar, a hiker's hut, a luxury B&B or moor up with your boat in a marina. Sleep well and see you tomorrow!
It has been 350 years since the Old Dutch Waterline was successfully deployed against attacks by the French and others. This anniversary will be celebrated with all kinds of events and activities along the line. Stichting Oude Hollandse Waterlinie also organizes a photo contest in this special year.
This oldest and important water line lends itself wonderfully to all kinds of recreation such as walking, cycling and boating. In addition, you can relax on a terrace in the cozy centers of the many beautiful fortified towns in our line. That is why the theme 'Recreation in the Old Dutch Waterline' has been chosen. Go out and don't forget your camera!
How do you participate and what can you win?
It is a condition that the photo was taken in the area of the Old Dutch Waterline, from the Muiderslot in Muiden to Slot Loevestein near Gorinchem. In the municipality of Altena, Woudrichem was part of the Old Dutch Waterline. Want to know what else belongs to that area? Then take a look at the website. The photos submitted should not be older than two years and it is important that the digital photos are at least 1.5 MB in size.
There are great cash prizes to be won: the first prize is no less than €150,-! There is also a second prize of €100,- and third prize of €50,-. You have until October 1, 2022 to send in a maximum of three (digital) photos. This can be done by e-mail to: contact@ohwl.nl. You can read the info and conditions on the website.
Lots of fun and success!
Get on the pedals of your bike July 2 and/or July 3, 2022, discover our beautiful region, make a culinary and cultural pit stop at local entrepreneurs and support charities. With your bicycle tour you will raise money for foster families from Altena and Stichting WensAmbulance by cycling one of the routes in our region. Together with your friends, family or colleagues. One big experience with an even bigger meaning. Double enjoyment!
Looking out for each other by cycling together. That is the goal. A two-day bike ride organized by the Cooperating Service Clubs from Altena: Kiwanis Heusden Altena, Rotary Club Altena, Lions Heusden and Altena and Lions Werkendam. Completely disinterested, but with an eye for each other.
The charities
WensAmbulance Brabant Foundation
Every person has a last wish. To visit family, a day at the beach or to see the parental home one last time. They seem wishes that are very easy to fulfill, but for people who do not have long to live, it is really not always obvious. Stichting WensAmbulance brings terminally ill people to their favorite place one last time. By cycling one of the bike routes, you support this charity!
Foster families from Altena
A safe environment. A place where development can recover and be fostered. Foster families offer children a warm, loving and effective solution. A home. To give these families in Altena a boost, get on your bike to offer them a day out.
Which route do you bike?
A medieval castle, ancient history, oases of rest, watery nature and culinary and cultural stops. All ingredients for unforgettable and unique bicycle tours through Altena. Three beautiful cycling routes (30 km) have been mapped out, all for the same beautiful purposes.
Castles and peasants
Starting point: Boven 't Gat Woudrichem
Starting point: Tol Oost - Fort Altena
Starting time between 10.00 - 17.00 hours
Tip: view Woudrichem from a great height
Get off your bike and climb - via 190 steps - to the highest point of the Woudrichem tower, popularly known as the "Mustard Pot." Via a spiral staircase that becomes narrower and narrower, past the beautiful clockwork and clock, the highest point - 34 meters - is reached. At the top, a sweeping view of fortifications and the river awaits you. A true experience!
* Visiting only on Saturday, July 2, 2022
* € 1.50 p.p. to benefit the charities
Tip: unique opportunity: visit Water Tower Uppel
It is the chance to get into a hidden place that is normally closed. Because Watertoren Uppel in Almkerk will open its doors once on July 2 & 3, 2022. Functional then as a drinking water supply, today as a mobile phone transmitter mast. But is still a beacon in the landscape!
Tip: crawl back in time in Fort Altena
Be guided through narrow entrances, chilly walls and dark rooms. On a guided tour of Fort Altena, at 11 a.m. or 2 p.m., crawl back in time, discover its rich history and experience what life was like at the fort in the past.
Fishermen and poachers
Starting point: Restaurant De Waterman in Werkendam
Starting point: Tol Oost - Fort Altena
Starting time between 10.00 - 17.00 hours
Tip: crawl back in time in Fort Altena
Be guided through narrow entrances, chilly walls and dark rooms. On a guided tour, at 11 a.m. or 2 p.m., at Fort Altena crawl back in time, discover the rich history and experience what life at the fort used to be like.
Tip: history in a radio play on Fort Bakkerskil
Experience the history of the fort through a QR radio play. Walk around the fort, scan the QR codes with your phone and be taken back in time.
Tip: food for all the senses
Visit the Open Studio days of artist Ruud Visser! See the beautiful creations of and immediately useful a delicious refreshment and then continue the bicycle route full of inspiration.
Tip: check out 'Landart' Washing moon
A veritable maze of canals, weirs, pumping stations, dikes and quays: the landscape artwork "The Waxing Moon" by artist Paul de Kort. The labyrinth tells the story of the changing views of hydraulic engineering that have shaped the appearance of De Biesbosch over time.
Wheat and cheese
Starting point: Hartenjager Giessen (Saturday terrace open, Sunday not) and Bij Janne In Dussen
Starting time between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Tip: taste and discover local honey from beekeeper The HoneyBin
In a quiet spot in the polder is a veritable bee world: beekeeper The HoneyBin of Albert and Anita Bin. They love to tell you about their passion: the honeybee in all its facets. Taste and discover the local honey!
* Visiting only on Saturday, July 2, 2022
Tip: get ice cream at Lekker Gemekker
Slightly exciting, yet familiar: delicious, homemade goat ice cream from Lekker Gemekker. Take a look around the ice cream farm, get an ice cream and enjoy it on the cozy terrace; with a little luck, there will be lambs too! All this makes an ice cream from Lekker Gemekker an unforgettable experience.
* Visiting only on Saturday, July 2, 2022
Tip: wander through the rich history of Kasteel Dussen
Experience history? Stroll across the stone bridge over the moat into Kasteel Dussen. A beautiful picture from the outside, but it's only on the inside that you'll wander away completely. The guide knows how to bring the rich history of the castle to life with exciting stories and funny anecdotes.
On Sunday, July 3, you are also welcome to attend the outdoor concert. Fanfare Wilhelmina from Dussen and St. Ceacilia from Hank will provide the music, the friends of Kasteel Dussen will provide drinks. The concert starts at 2 p.m. and admission is free.
Also take a look at: https://www.kasteel-dussen.nl/activiteiten/agenda/
* Visiting only on Sunday, July 3, 2022 from 2 p.m. (€3.00 p.p.)
You will receive the route, for € 10.00 per family, group of friends or colleagues, at the starting point of the route. You cycle the tour entirely at your own risk.
Are you cycling alone or together? Then buy your route on July 2 or 3 at one of the starting locations for € 5.00.
400 years ago, on March 22, 1621, Hugo de Groot escaped in a book chest from Slot Loevestein. That prompted the declaration of 2021 as Hugo de Groot Year. Did you know that a famous part of Hugo de Groot's life took place a stone's throw from the Biesbosch Line?
If you stand facing the river and look from the quay walls of Woudrichem to the right, you see Slot Loevestein, where Hugo was imprisoned. If you look to the left, you see Gorinchem in the distance. In his book chest, he sailed to this town, to flee from there to freedom. Do you remember who Hugo de Groot was? What were his views and why was he imprisoned at Loevestein? We refresh your memory in this blog.
Hugo de Groot is born into a well-to-do, intellectual family. His father was mayor of Delft at the time. It soon became apparent that Hugo learned extremely quickly: at the age of 8 he was already fluent in Latin and Greek. He went through the Gymnasium in Delft, and when he was 11 years old he moved into a host family in Leiden to study humanities at the university. After his graduation and doctorate, he settles in The Hague. There he sets up a law practice and fulfills a variety of public functions.
Hugo de Groot lived during the time of the Dutch Revolt, or Eighty Years' War (1568-1648). It is a turbulent time, which has a great influence on his course of life and thought. In 1609, a truce is declared in the war between Spain and the Netherlands. The Spaniards are in bad shape financially and are also waging war on multiple fronts. The pause suits them.
On the contrary, the Netherlands is divided over this truce. Council pensionary Johan van Oldenbarnevelt is in favor. He sees opportunities in the truce to strengthen the trading position of the Netherlands. Stadholder Maurice, commander-in-chief of the armed forces, is not pleased. Together with Willem Lodewijk, stadholder of the provinces of Groningen and Drenthe, he fears that the Spaniards will recover and achieve a crushing victory over the Netherlands after the truce. In addition, Maurice's political influence diminishes considerably in peacetime. With the armed forces inactive, Van Oldenbarnevelt has the upper hand, and that stings.
During the pause in the fray, religious divisions in the Netherlands also became apparent. Until then, the Protestant - or at least "tolerant" - Netherlands marched together against the Catholic Spaniards. Now that that common enemy is not in the picture, the different views among Protestants lead to conflict. Remonstrants face off against counter-demonstrants. Van Oldenbarnevelt sides with the Remonstrants, as does his political ally Hugo de Groot. Maurice sided with the Counter-Remonstrants. Tensions run high, leading to riots in the cities. Van Oldenbarnevelt believes that peace must be maintained in the Republic, and has the States of Holland pass the Sharp Resolution. This resolution empowers the cities of Holland to hire mercenaries (waardgelders) to act in the event of riots against remonstrants.
This is against Maurice's wishes. After all, he was commander of the armed forces, and now that position too was in trouble. With the approval of the States General, he fired the worthies and had Van Oldenbarnevelt and a number of his supporters arrested. One of those supporters is Hugo de Groot. Van Oldenbarnevelt receives the death penalty, Hugo is sentenced to life imprisonment. He is transferred to Slot Loevestein.
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Are you experiencing the Hugo de Groot year with us? The Biesbosch Line is the perfect place to experience the exciting journey of Hugo de Groot in his book chest. From Woudrichem it is a stone's throw by ferry to Loevestein Castle. There, a special exhibition on Hugo de Groot is currently on display. You get insight into his thinking, but also learn how his ideas are still relevant to current issues today.
After visiting Loevestein, take the ferry to Gorinchem. There you can visit the gate through which the book chest was brought into the city. With your cell phone, explore its escape route using special posters with QR codes and learn all about one of the greatest Dutch scholars in history.
At Loevestein, Hugo's freedom is taken away from him, but he does have permission to write and study there. Therefore, he regularly receives a chest full of books. A befriended bookseller in nearby Gorinchem fills the chest for him, and also takes the books back.
Hugo's wife, Maria van Reigersberch, lives with Hugo at the castle, as does his maid Elsje van Houweningen. They are both allowed in and out freely. When after several months the controls on the book chest slacken, Maria sees opportunities for Hugo's escape. Night after night, she has him practice being able to sit in the coffin for several hours without moving. On March 22, 1621, the day of the Annual Fair in Gorinchem, the time has come. Maria puts the books with Hugo's clothes in bed, Hugo crawls into the book chest. When the soldiers come to collect the coffin, Elsje travels with the coffin to distract the soldiers if necessary. The plan succeeds. Hugo, after a stop at the bookstore, travels disguised as a bricklayer via Antwerp to Paris.
In France, Hugo is welcomed with open arms; King Louis XIII even grants him an annual stipend. He can therefore devote himself quietly to writing and studying.
In 1631, he returned to the Republic. He estimates that the worst of the storm has passed, especially now that Maurice has died and his son Frederick Henry has succeeded him. He even opens a new law practice. Several senior figures such as the poet P.C. Hooft even argue for his amnesty. However, the States General demand that Hugo apologize, which he refuses. He is convinced that he has done nothing wrong. The States then issue a new arrest warrant and Hugo again goes into exile.
From 1634, Hugo de Groot worked as a Swedish state envoy in Paris. 10 years later, Queen Christina of Sweden calls him back to the Swedish court. She wants Hugo to advise her on foreign policy. In addition, she wants him to set up a scientific library for her. Both Hugo and his wife feel little interest in this, also because they do not like the inclement climate in Sweden. Thereupon the Swedish court dismisses him. On his crossing back to mainland Europe, his ship sinks. He manages to get to safety, but becomes exhausted on the long journey home and falls ill. On Aug. 28, 1645, he died in Rostock, Germany. Hugo de Groot is buried in the Nieuwe Kerk in Delft.
Hugo de Groot is the author of a large number of works. He was extremely versatile, and his work shows this. The work consists of both Latin and Dutch tragedies and poems, translations of classical works, as well as theological, historical and legal treatises.
Best known are the works De iure belli ac pacis (On the Law of War and Peace) from 1625 and Mare Liberum (The Free Sea) from 1609.
De iure belli ac pacis discusses the rules and laws of just warfare. The work is considered the basis for modern international law.
The same is true of Mare Liberum. In this work, Hugo de Groot argues that the seas should be open to all for free trade and travel. Although he wrote the work to refute Spain and Portugal's claim to exclusive rights to trade in the West and East Indies, to this day it is the standard for current maritime law. Every country, even today, has a right to free passage through the seas beyond its territorial waters.
Did you know that the Biesbosch Line is a wonderful place for a few days away? Ideal for a break from the drudgery of home and to take your mind off things. There is plenty to see and do to enjoy a long weekend or midweek in a beautiful part of North Brabant.
De Biesbosch is of course obvious if you want to get out into nature in the Biesbosch Line. But actually that is just the beginning of all the beautiful nature in Altena. The entire island is actually one big patchwork quilt of natural areas. Most are connected by water. A beautiful piece of nature, for example, is the Pompveld.
De Biesbosch and the land of Altena are known for their watery nature. Rivers and countless creeks and streams rule the green landscape. Artist Paul de Kort has depicted the interplay of man, nature and water in natural artwork De Wassende Maan(location). The artwork changes with the tide, and thus always has a different appearance.
Tired of walking, hot on your bike? Learn more about local crafts at the Clogmaker, at the Fisheries Museum or at one of the many mills in the area. After a long day, relax on a terrace and enjoy local specialties such as a Woerkum beer. Then crawl between the fresh sheets in one of the many accommodation options in the area. How about sleeping in a real casemate? At Brasserie Zus you can!