Dutch Waterlines Bicycle Boat Route

2 hour 45 minutes (41.0 km)

Discover world-class heritage and experience the water-rich landscape of the Hollandse Waterlinies UNESCO World Heritage Site in Gooi and Vecht region in a unique way. 

Follow the former line between safe and unsafe territory along river Vecht, through old Dutch landscapes and take a scenic tour around the Loosdrecht Lakes (Loosdrechtse Plassen).

Tip: alternate this cycle route with sailing and board the Bicycle Boat (De Fietsboot) on the Vecht or the Loosdrechtse Plassen. Check the website for the current sailing schedule. 

Dutch Waterlines UNESCO World Heritage Site
Two important defence lines meet here in Gooi & Vecht: the New Dutch Waterline and the Defence Line of Amsterdam. Awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site Dutch Waterlines (Hollandse Waterlinies) together since 2021. The sturdy forts, centuries-old castles and atmospheric fortified towns still have a prominent place in the landscape and form the perfect backdrop for a day out. 

Take a look

Sights on this route

Starting point:

TOP Maarsseveense Plassen
Herenweg 53
Maarssen
Navigate to starting point
47
61

Construction on Fort de Gagel was begun in 1819.

Fort de Gagel
72

Fort aan de Klop is like a green oasis in the city of Utrecht. You are already there if you cycle fifteen minutes from the Dom along the Vecht. The fort is located on the border of the Overvecht and Zuilen districts.

Fort aan de Klop
53

45
46

Bicycle Boat, Maarssen

Hop on the Bicycle Boat and cruise along the winding Vecht. The Fietsboot is the hop-on-hop-off sailing connection between Vreeland and Oud-Zuilen for cyclists and walkers. Alternate your...

Bicycle Boat, stop NIeuwersluis

Hop on the Bicycle Boat and cruise along the winding Vecht. The Fietsboot is the hop-on-hop-off sailing connection between Vreeland and Oud-Zuilen for cyclists and walkers. Alternate your...

87
84

Bicycle Boat, stop Breukelen

Hop on the Bicycle Boat and cruise along the winding Vecht. The Fietsboot is the hop-on-hop-off sailing connection between Vreeland and Oud-Zuilen for cyclists and walkers. Alternate your...

02

Fort Nieuwersluis is situated in the heart of the Netherlands, between Loenen and Breukelen. In the 19th century, this fortress was part of the New Dutch Waterline, an ingenious series of water-based defences. Today, bats spend the winter in its central t

Fortress Nieuwersluis

Bicycle Boat, stop NIeuwersluis

Hop on the Bicycle Boat and cruise along the winding Vecht. The Fietsboot is the hop-on-hop-off sailing connection between Vreeland and Oud-Zuilen for cyclists and walkers. Alternate your...

25

Fort Spion

Fort Spion was part of the New Dutch Waterline. This defence line was erected between 1815 and 1885 and underwent several modifications until 1940, when it was last used as one of our country’s...

07

26
28

27
23

Fort Maarsseveen

The defence work near Maarsseveen is one of the last ‘forts’ of the New Dutch Waterline, built in 1881 to close off access to the Maarsseveense Vaart. It housed a garrison of 80 men. Only the bo...

62
47

Bicycle Boat, Maarssen

Hop on the Bicycle Boat and cruise along the winding Vecht. The Fietsboot is the hop-on-hop-off sailing connection between Vreeland and Oud-Zuilen for cyclists and walkers. Alternate your...

End point:

TOP Maarsseveense Plassen
Herenweg 53
Maarssen
Navigate to endpoint
  • 47
  • 61
  • 72
  • 53
  • 45
  • 46
  • 87
  • 84
  • 02
  • 25
  • 07
  • 26
  • 28
  • 27
  • 23
  • 62
  • 47

Attributes