Old Dutch Waterline - forts, fortified towns and routes

The Old Dutch Waterline is a historical defence line from the Disaster Year 1672 and runs through the west of the province of Utrecht. In this low-lying area, polders were flooded to stop enemies.

Today, along this waterline you will discover fortified towns like Montfoort, Oudewater, Leerdam and Vianen, impressive forts and historic castles. Walk or cycle along dikes, inundation fields and fortifications and experience the military heritage of the Utrecht Region.

Visit the fortified towns - in Utrecht Region

Visit the fortified towns along the Old Dutch Waterline in the province of Utrecht. Discover historic town centres, old city walls and characteristic canals in Woerden, Montfoort, Oudewater, Leerdam and Vianen. Each town tells its own story within this centuries-old defence line.

Highlights on the line - Forts and castles

Discover highlights along the Old Dutch Waterline in the province of Utrecht. From impressive forts and castles to historic fortified towns and inundation fields: along this centuries-old defence line you will experience the Disaster Year 1672 up close. Explore icons such as Montfoort Castle, Fort Nieuwersluis and the Linie van Linschoten in the characteristic landscape of the Utrecht Region.

  • Montfoort Castle

    Montfoort is home to the Castle and various remnants of the city wall and ramparts. Montfoort was hit hard by French soldiers in 1672 and the entrance gates are all that remains of the castle. You can now come here for lunches, dinners, parties and other gatherings.

    More about Montfoort Castle
    Montfoort Castle

  • Fort Nieuwersluis

    Fort Nieuwersluis predates the New Dutch Waterline, although the fort itself was heavily rebuilt in the 19th century. Tip: go for the waterline walk in Nieuwersluis and discover more about its history.

    More about Fort Nieuwersluis
    Fort Nieuwersluis

  • Linie van Linschoten

    The historical line is visible in the landscape of Linschoten. You can admire a four-metre-long concrete model of the line here. The Linschoten Line was more than a kilometre long and had ramparts four metres high, surrounded by moats.

    Admire the Linie van Linschoten
    Linie van Linschoten

  • Leerdam

    Leerdam and its surroundings formed one of the easternmost parts of the Old Dutch Waterline. Several defences were built here, some of which you can still admire, such as the city wall and square wall towers.

    Discover Leerdam
    Leerdam

Follow the trail of the French troops - Disaster year route | 45 KM

Get on your bike and follow the trail of the French troops In December 1672, the French general Luxembourg tried to force a breakthrough through the frozen Waterlinie from the occupied fortified town of Woerden, marching via Zegeveld along the Meije towards Alphen. But due to the thaw, this failed; on the way back, the French set fire to Zwammerdam and Bodegraven. The Disaster Route follows the trail of the French troops.

Take a Waterlinie tour - Discover the treasures of the Waterlinie

Discover the Old Dutch Waterline via short walking and cycling routes around Leerdam, Montfoort, Oudewater and Nieuwersluis. These waterline detours introduce you to forts, dykes and fortifications in the Utrecht landscape. Perfect for an active day out in the region.

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