Slaperdijk

For centuries, the Gelderse Vallei was the scene of floods. Because the water level in the Rhine was much higher than that of the IJsselmeer, the dike at Rhenen regularly collapsed. The water could flow unimpeded into the valley, even as far as the city of Amersfoort. In 1652, therefore, a sleeper dike was built between the Amerongse Berg and the Emminkhuizerberg, right through the Gelderse Vallei. The Slaperdijk was so named because it only lost its resting existence if the Grebbedijk broke through. In the 18th century, a defense system, the Grebbelinie, was constructed between Rhenen and Amersfoort. Thanks to the Slaperdijk, the lower Gelderland Valley to the east of the line could easily be flooded to stop the enemy. At the end turn right, still Achterberglaan.