New Dutch Waterline - VVV Biesbosch Line Woudrichem

The New Dutch Waterline is an ancient, unique line of defense. A defense work worth seeing: it is not only the largest national monument in the Netherlands, but since 2021 also Unesco World Heritage Site. The Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie consists of 45 forts, 6 fortresses, 2 castles, 85 machine gun casemates, more than 700 shelters and over 100 military locks. They are all connected by water.

The Waterlinie stretches more than 85 kilometers from north to south, from the island of Pampus near Amsterdam to the Biesbosch. The southernmost tip of the line can be found here, in the Biesbosch Line.

The Waterline: the defense of Holland

The line was built as a replacement for the Dutch Water Line. This protected the important Holland. The New Water Line also provided a defense for Utrecht. The area of the water line is a strip of land 3 to 5 kilometers wide, stretching from Muiden to the Biesbosch. Between all these defenses, it is possible to flood the land. A knee-high layer of water was the perfect defense against invasions from the east: too shallow to sail, but too deep to wade through and move war gear.

Visit the New Dutch Waterline

All but one of the 4 forts, 2 locks, several casemates and one fortress of the New Dutch Waterline can be visited. Our storyteller Prisca Visser made a bicycle tour along the 4 forts and wrote a blog about it.

Fort Altena

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 is available by appointment for meetings, events and outdoor activities.

Hiking and biking

Explore the fort and its surroundings with the walking route Rondje Fort Altena. The 70 km bicycle route Fortentocht lets you cycle past Fort Altena and the other forts in the Biesbosch Line.

Fort Altena

Fort Giessen

Fort Giessen focuses on nature conservation and education. During your visit you will learn all about World War I in this area. Visit the trenches and powder rooms , or discover the special nature on and around the fort. Fort Giessen has also become a home for bats. The conditions for these creatures there are ideal: it is damp, quiet and dark.

Hiking at Fort Giessen

Explore the fort and its surroundings with the walking tour Around Fort Giessen.

Fort Giessen

Fort Bakkerskil and the Papsluis

Fort Bakkerskil is a small fort that has served as a Bed & Breakfast and summer terrace since 2012. In this National Monument you can stay overnight in the old kitchen, the officers' quarters, in the infirmary or powder room. In the summer months you can also visit the terrace for lunch, ice cream or drinks.

The Papsluis is an inundation sluice near the fort. By opening this lock, a strip of land over a few kilometers wide is flooded: inundated. This water formed a barrier to an advancing enemy, thus protecting the hinterland. This made the lock a strategically important location in the Water Line.

Walking on Fort Bakkerskil

Explore the fort and its surroundings with the hiking trail Around Fort Bakkerskil.

Fort Bakkerskil

Fort Steurgat

Fort Steurgat was built in the years 1881-1882. It served to seal off the river and dike along the Merwede River. The fort now houses luxury apartments in the barracks and in the fort wall. It is occupied, making it private property. This fort cannot be visited.

Woudrichem: Lock and Fortress

Fortified town Woudrichem also belongs to the New Dutch Waterline. As a fortress of course, but the lock at the Schapendam also played a major role as a defensive structure. If you visit Woudrichem, park in the Schapendam parking lot. On the way to the parking lot you will pass the lock.

Woudrichem is a well-preserved fortress that is still inhabited. With a pleasant mix of culture, restaurants and stores, the town is well worth a visit.