Bilthoven, Maarssen and Westbroek

The Netherlands is known worldwide for its ingenious waterworks and brilliant water management. We have always known how to push back the water and use it for military purposes. The forts of the New Dutch Waterline all tell their own story and are connected by a beautiful cultural history. The New Dutch Waterline played an important role in Dutch history as a defensive line. 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 kilometers from an island in the Zuiderzee to the Biesbosch. The defense 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 was impossible for ships and men on foot or on horseback. Massive forts were built in places where inundation was not possible, or where roads had been built. Because these forts were developed to optimally defend the environment, most fortifications are unique. Construction of the water line was planned in 1815 and was not completed until 1870; the construction therefore took several decades! The water line was used during the Franco-Prussian War and during the First and Second World War. The route starts in Bilthoven. Profile Van Weelden is located here. After you have parked your car for free in the parking lot, you can get a 10 euro discount at this Profile branch with your bicycle discount pass. This discount applies to maintenance and repairs, so have your bike thoroughly inspected before you set off, so that you can safely start the bike ride. After 5.5 kilometers you will arrive at the beautifully restored Fort Voordorp. The original fort, together with three other forts, was constructed as a second line of defense in the period between 1867 and 1871. This line was built in such a way that the Netherlands could use the water itself as a means of defense in the event of an attack. The main function of this specific fort was to defend the railway line between Utrecht and Amersfoort, which was built in 1863. In 1997, seven years after the fort came into private ownership, it was decided to make the fort suitable for business affairs. For that reason, a major restoration took place. You will soon come across the second fort when you continue cycling. Fort Blauwkapel (or Blaucapel) was built between 1818 and 1821 and is one of the largest forts of the New Dutch Waterline. The quadrangular fortress initially consisted only of raised earthen walls that were planted and moats. Large planted oaks and chestnut trees were intended to give the enemy the impression from a distance that there was no defense here, but that this was a natural environment. If the enemy came closer, they came across hawthorns that were used as natural barbed wire. Military buildings were later added to the natural defenses. When you have cycled eleven kilometers, Fort Ruigenhoek on the Ruigenhoeksedijk presents itself. This fort was built between 1967 and 1870 and therefore dates from the same period as Fort Voordorp. Staatsbosbeheer currently owns the fort. The existing natural areas are thus preserved, but the fort also has cultural and recreational functions. You can view the inside of the fort with a guide. This is how you get to hear about the New Dutch Waterline and the defensive function of the complex. During those tours, the lucky visitor can spot the kingfisher and a large number of lichens, among other things. Fort De Gagel was also built between 1819 and 1821 in the spirit of the defensive function of the New Dutch Waterline. L-shaped earthen walls with emplacements for artillery were erected behind excavated canals. From 1848 the fort was expanded considerably. Among other things, a bombproof guardhouse of 256 m2 was built. A moat was also built around this guard house and this building was also equipped with (heavy) artillery. Forty years later, the fort was reinforced again, filling in the moat around the guard house and drastically rebuilding the inside of the guard house. The state of the guardhouse is now the same as after the renovation in 1880. During the second half of the bike ride you will come across Fort Tienhoven, a fortress that was built between 1848 and 1850 to close off the Tienhovense Vaart. The fort defended the inundation quay, a dam lock and a crow lock against hostile traffic over water. The fort is not accessible, but even from the outside the fort is an imposing building.