Fort route between Culemborg and Leerdam

The New Dutch Waterline runs from Muiden to the Biesbosch. This route takes you past a number of defensive works between the rivers Lek and Linge. You will also visit the picturesque towns of Culemborg and Leerdam. In the water-rich polders it is quiet cycling between the meadows and the numerous waterways. Along the banks of the Lek you cycle to the first fortification on the route, Fort Everdingen from 1847. Together with Fort Honswijk on the other side of the Lek, this fort hermetically sealed off the high passage of the Lek dikes and the floodplains. The fort is not open to the public. Via the village of Schoonrewoerd you cycle to Leerdam, located on the Linge. This town had a flourishing wood and glass industry in the eighteenth century. The rich history is still clearly visible in various old buildings and the remaining city walls. Although Leerdam is also called the glass city, it is mainly known for the cheese of the same name. Along the floodplains of the Linge you will reach two more forts. The first is KunstFort Asperen, an impressive monument. In the past, the tower fort was surrounded by a moat and could only be reached via a wooden drawbridge. As a history buff, you will find plenty to enjoy here, but also if you love art. Various exhibitions and art manifestations are organised in this historical environment. A few kilometres further on is Werk op spoor Diefdijk. This fortification was built in 1880 on both sides of the Dordrecht-Elst railway. The railway line cut through the Waterline and had to be protected. Movable crane bridges were located in front of and behind the work. One unique example can still be viewed. The route starts and ends at Werk aan het Spoel in Culemborg, which is also part of the New Dutch Waterline. In 1815, a fortified lock was built here in the Lekdijk to flood the area behind it in the event of an attack. Nowadays, there is an amphitheatre in the heart of the fort. Various cultural activities are organised on the premises. The new wooden Forthuis houses the Veldkeuken restaurant. Here you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner or just a cup of tea or coffee with cake. The Veldkeuken serves pure and organic products. In 2013, the restaurant was named the Purest Restaurant by Puur! Uit Eten.