Bilthoven, Maarssen and Westbroek

The Netherlands is known worldwide for its ingenious waterworks and brilliant water management. We have known for ages 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 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 water level in certain areas near the waterline could be regulated, making passage 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 only completed in 1870; the construction therefore took several decades! The waterline was used during the Franco-Prussian War and during the First and Second World Wars. The route starts in Bilthoven. This is where Profile Van Weelden is located. After parking your car for free in the parking lot, you can get a 10 euro discount at this Profile location with your bicycle discount card. This discount applies to maintenance and repairs, so have your bike thoroughly checked 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 was built, together with three other forts, as a second defensive line 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 purposes. For that reason, a major restoration took place. You will soon come across the second fort when you cycle further. Fort Blauwkapel (or Blaucapel) was built between 1818 and 1821 and is one of the largest forts of the New Dutch Waterline. The quadrangular fort initially consisted only of raised earthen ramparts 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 defensive structure here, but that this was a natural environment. If the enemy did come closer, they would encounter hawthorns that were used as natural barbed wire. Later, military buildings were added to the natural defences. After cycling eleven kilometres, 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 and natural areas are thus preserved, but the fort also has cultural and recreational functions. You can view the fort from the inside under the guidance of a guide. This way you will learn about the New Dutch Waterline and the defensive function of the complex. During these tours, the lucky visitor can spot the kingfisher and a large number of lichens, among other things. In the spirit of the defensive function of the New Dutch Waterline, Fort De Gagel was also built between 1819 and 1821. L-shaped earthen ramparts with gun positions were constructed behind excavated moats. From 1848 onwards, the fort was significantly expanded. Among other things, a bomb-proof guardhouse of 256 m2 was built. A moat was also dug around this guardhouse and this building was also equipped with (heavy) guns. Forty years later, the fort was reinforced again, with the moat around the guardhouse being filled in and the guardhouse being drastically renovated on the inside. The condition of the guardhouse now is the same as after the renovation in 1880. During the second half of the cycle tour, 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.