Defense of Utrecht

The Defense Line of Utrecht consists of 16 forts to the north and east of the city and forms part of the New Dutch Waterline. After the Second World War, the Waterline lost its function and the forts, locks and inundation canals fell into disrepair. It was not until the end of the 20th century that there was a new interest in this military heritage. Most forts are being restored and given a new purpose. You cycle via a beautiful, green route through the area of the New Dutch Waterline. Along the way there is plenty to discover that reminds of the Waterline: - Group shelters, made of reinforced concrete, which were mainly built just before World War II to protect soldiers against incoming fire: everywhere around the forts - Inundation canals that flooded areas: Klopvaart -'Asparagus\\\': steel beams in the ground to prevent the advance of tanks: Fort Blauwkapel - Reduit: last refuge when the rest of the fort had already fallen: island with guard house on the south side Fort Blauwkapel - Artillery sheds: wooden sheds for artillery and men: Fort aan de Klop - Kringenwethuizen: wooden houses that could be quickly demolished/burnt down for a free field of fire: Voordorpsedijk and Biltsestraatweg - Inundation locks: with these locks the area could be flooded: lock in Kanonsdijk at Fort Ruigenhoek - Schotbalkenloodsen : storage of beams placed in the locks to bring the water to the desired level: black shed, Chapel road, Fort Blauwkapel - Bombproof guardhouses: buildings of heavy masonry that were resistant to 19th century projectiles: Forts Aan de Klop, de Gagel, Blauwkapel, Rijnauwen, Vechten