Cycling route Frisian Waterline 45 km

Bakkeveen, De Wilp, Waskemeer

From the Zuiderzee to Groningen a defense line was constructed in 1580. This Frisian Waterline was to protect Leeuwarden and the rest of the north against the Spanish in the Eighty Years' War. During this route you cycle along the eastern part of this Frisian Waterline, the first section.

Along the way you will pass several forts where the Frisians hid to protect Leeuwarden from the enemy. The area around the fort was flooded to ensure that the enemy had little chance of reaching the fort and conquering the area. However, this did not always work. At Schans Frieschepalen the Spanish succeeded in reaching the fort and even used it as a home base for a while. Nevertheless, the defense line offered sufficient resistance and kept the Spanish out of the north.

A century later this line of defense came in handy again in the time of'Bommen Berend\\\' in 1672. The Netherlands was attacked from all sides and Bommen Berend saw it as his mission to catholicize the protestant Groningen. Groningen was well prepared and Bommen Berend had to try to enter the city from different sides. Bommen Berend's plan failed and he retreated with his tail between his legs.

Later, this line of defense was still useful when various robbers from Drenthe tried to enter the area to get food from Friesland.

Now most of the forts have been restored and rebuilt. Add the forts to your route and go back in time.