Grebbesluis

For centuries you have found mysterious defenses around Renswoude. Covered in greenery, the dikes, locks and fortifications awaited the moments when the national interest would bring them to life. Until 1951, the military structure of the Grebbelinie was one of the most important lines of defense in the Netherlands. In peacetime this water line was almost invisible, but when the locks on the Grebbe near Rhenen were opened, an impressive water surface was created in the Gelderse Vallei, an inundation that stretched to Spakenburg. The dikes were to prevent the water from draining to lower parts of the Valley. It is no coincidence that there are so many earthen establishments in the municipality of Renswoude. They were mainly intended to close off the high and dry entrance over Emmikhuizerberg. Important examples of fortifications within the municipal boundaries are the Linie van Juffrouwwijk, the Battery on the Schalmdijk, the Werk aan de Engelaar and the largest defensive work on the line, Fort aan de Buursteeg. Although the earthworks were built in the 18th century, the concrete casemates and tank barriers remind us of the fighting that also took place in the municipality of Renswoude during the May days of 1940. The line served three times: in 1795, 1940 and 1945, soldiers populated the earthen walls to dig in and place artillery. With the drying up of the last inundation, the future of the Grebbelinie began as a green heritage, where beautiful walking and cycling trips can be made. The Grebbelinie has been a national monument since 2011. The completely restored Fort aan de Buursteeg is definitely worth a visit. The fort is developing into the central visitor center of the Grebbelinie, an ideal starting point for further exploring the line.