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!