Waterlines in Utrecht Region

Discover the Waterlines

The Netherlands is a nation shaped by water. Among its characteristic features are the large number of waterlines. As many as ten of the Dutch waterlines built over the centuries provided a defence system to flood the land and make it impassable. The province of Utrecht is home to three waterlines. The Old and New Dutch Waterlines and Grebbe Line. Starting from the ‘disastrous year’ of 1672, when the nation was attacked from all sides, the Old and New Dutch Waterlines for centuries formed the backbone of the Netherlands' defence system. The Grebbe Line meanwhile served as a delaying buffer for the Dutch Waterline. Follow the trail of the waterlines. Discover old forts and the largest national heritage site in the Netherlands while exploring this stunning region by bike.

Read their stories

Discover all locations in Utrecht region

What makes the Waterline so special

The old fortified city and military settlement of Utrecht was the logistics centre and headquarters of the New Dutch Waterline. You will also find a double ring of forts around Utrecht (from 1820 and 1880), complete with the wooden houses built in compliance with the so-called Kringenwet, or Circle Law, which set requirements for all structures within a certain distance of fortifications, and many concrete structures between Maarssen and Nieuwegein via Bunnik. Lastly, there is the main intake: the military sluice dating back to 1860 in the Lower Rhine at Wijk bij Duurstede and the sluice complexes at Vreeswijk. 

Discover the New Dutch Waterline in the Utrecht region

  • Utrecht

    Various scenic cycling, hiking and canoe routes take you through the beautiful and open landscape of the Waterline, with mysterious forts featuring inviting outdoor cafés and museums along the way.

    Visit Utrecht
    Utrecht

  • Woerden

    The fortified town of Woerden was the headquarters of the water-based defence system. Most of the fortifications, gates, ramparts and walls have been dismantled and demolished and most of the inner canal has been filled in. 

    Experience Woerden
    Woerden

  • Kromme Rijn Region

    The New Dutch Waterline and the Limes (the old border of the Roman Empire) cross the Kromme Rijn and Lek River region.

    Visit Kromme Rijn region
    Kromme Rijn Region

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