Fort Nieuwersluis
Location
History of Fort
As early as 1673, there was a fortification on the site of the current fort to guard the strategically important sluice in the river Vecht. In the 19th century, Fort Nieuwersluis became part of the New Dutch Waterline. This line protected the cities of Utrecht and Holland in the 19th century. In the mid-nineteenth century, a tower fort was built at Fort Nieuwersluis. Around 1880, earthen walls, gun emplacements, a bombproof barracks and three depots were added.
At the time of the Cold War, the fort was a command post of the BB (Bescherming Bevolking). Old wall maps recall this period. After 1987, the fort was used for a time as a command post of the Mobile Columns.
Plants and animals at the fort
Because for the foundation ...
History of Fort
As early as 1673, there was a fortification on the site of the current fort to guard the strategically important sluice in the river Vecht. In the 19th century, Fort Nieuwersluis became part of the New Dutch Waterline. This line protected the cities of Utrecht and Holland in the 19th century. In the mid-nineteenth century, a tower fort was built at Fort Nieuwersluis. Around 1880, earthen walls, gun emplacements, a bombproof barracks and three depots were added.
At the time of the Cold War, the fort was a command post of the BB (Bescherming Bevolking). Old wall maps recall this period. After 1987, the fort was used for a time as a command post of the Mobile Columns.
Plants and animals at fort
Because sand was used for the foundation of the fort, there are different plants than you would expect in this environment. You'll find birdseye, crab apple and common knotweed, for example. In the grounds, you see many hawthorn bushes. These have been planted as 'barbed wire'. At the edge of the fort are pollard willows. The roots held up the earthen ramparts and the willow branches were used as firewood in the kitchen.
The tower fortress is a great hibernation spot for bats, including the rare bearded bat.
Looking around the fort
The fort can be visited during excursions and on Open Monumentendag.