Bussum, Vreeland and Nederhorst den Berg

The New Dutch Waterline played an important role in Dutch history as a line of defence. The New Dutch Waterline was constructed in the eighteenth century and replaced the Dutch Waterline, which dates from the end of the seventeenth century. The new line stretched 85 kilometres from an island in the Zuiderzee to the Biesbosch. The defence line included 46 forts and the fortified towns of Muiden, Weesp, Naarden, Gorinchem and Woudrichem. By means of an ingenious system, the height of the water in certain areas near the waterline could be regulated, so that passage became impossible for ships and men on foot or on horseback. In places where inundation was not possible, or where roads had been constructed, massive forts were built. Because these forts were developed to optimally defend the environment, most of the fortifications are unique. The construction of the waterline was planned in 1815 and was not completed until 1870; the construction therefore took several decades! The waterline was used during the Franco-German War and during the First and Second World Wars. Fort Werk IV is one of the defensive positions that is part of the Dutch Waterline. The work was built between 1868 and 1870. It is the largest and most important of a series of five works that lie around Bussum and could house 100 men. The fort has three brick buildings: two bombproof and one portgene. Because the fort was not permanently occupied, there was also a supervisor's house. This original house was demolished in 1942, but was rebuilt in 2003. Behind the fort is an artillery storage, where workshops are now given. The start and end point of the route is at Profile Platje in Bussum. Before you leave, you can have your bike thoroughly checked by the bicycle specialist. You can, among other things, have your tires pumped up, the brakes adjusted, the chain lubricated or your lights repaired, so that you can enjoy your trip in a relaxed manner. Take your bicycle discount card with you, because this will give you a 10 euro discount on maintenance or repairs.