Waterlines
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Waterlines
Discover Utrecht's finest
Discover old forts, go for the most scenic cycling routes and find out the historic stories of the Old and New Dutch Waterline and Grebbelinie. Which route will you take?
The Netherlands is a land of water. A typical feature of 'The Netherlands: land of water' is the number of Waterlines in the country. Three of these lines are located in the provence of Utrecht. The Old and New Dutch Waterline, which have formed the backbone of our defence for centuries, and the Grebbeline, which served as a delaying for the Dutch Waterline. In the middle of the countryside, you will find the forts of the Waterlines together with embankments, locks, canals and bunkers. They form an ingenious system designed to protect the Netherlands from enemy troops during wartime.
Many forts in Utrecht region are worth visiting; you can walk around the grounds and visit museums. Festivals and other activities are also regularly organised at the forts There is plenty to discover... We selected the most beautiful walking and bike tours along the Waterlines!
Walk along the lines - Stroll through the greenery and discover the treasures of the Waterline
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Oudewater Waterlinie - 4 km
Oudewater Waterlinie - 4 km
Stroll around the fortified town of Oudewater! Following the rampjaar or ‘disaster year’ of 1672, Oudewater was reinforced and expanded as a fortified town on the Old Dutch Waterline. In addition to being the oldest town in the Green Heart of the province, it is also a charming and historic town with dozens of sights worth seeing.
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Bunker trail - 4 km
Bunker trail - 4 km
Explore the region between the forts at Vechten and Rijnauwen south of the city of Utrecht. This hiking trail cuts across a meadow filled with bunkers and finishes at the Waterline Museum, where you can learn lots more about the New Dutch Water Line. Also a favourite with kids!
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Farm and waterline trail - 10 km
Farm and waterline trail - 10 km
Ramble through meadows, past a string of farms and see the forts that make up the New Dutch Water Line. The Farm and Water Line Trail is part of the Klompenpad (‘clog path’) network that takes you off the beaten track – here to enjoy the sweeping views, serenity and stories of the New Dutch Water Line in the Kromme Rijn river region.
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Daatselaar trail - 14 km
Daatselaar trail - 14 km
Discover the Grebbe Line in the Gelderse Vallei region. The Daatselaar Trail is part of the Klompenpad (‘clog path’) network that takes you off the beaten track. Leaving from De Dennen restaurant in Renswoude, it criss-crosses rural estates, farmsteads and the Grebbe Line.
On a journey of discovery by bike - Past forts and through lovely fortified towns
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Disaster year route - 45 km
Disaster year route - 45 km
Hop on a bike and follow the trail of the French troops. This route follows the Old Dutch Waterline. It is a scenic cycling route with a thrilling story... Discover the story and enjoy beautiful sceenery and warm hospitality in Woerden and surroundings.
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Past Locks and Forts - 42 km
Past Locks and Forts - 42 km
The Past Locks and Forts bike trail (19, 42 or 62 km) takes you through the region surrounding the meandering Kromme Rijn river and the medieval city of Wijk bij Duurstede. The historic New Dutch Water Line landscape is exceptionally well preserved here, letting you relive the past.
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Grebbe line bike trail - 33 km
Grebbe line bike trail - 33 km
Discover the heart of the Grebbe Line while cycling past forts, locks and dykes. Owing to its critical role during the Second World War, many elements of the Grebbe Line are visible in the landscape to this day.
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Vecht loop - 43 km
Vecht loop - 43 km
The Vecht river and lakes played a key part in the New Dutch Water Line. This loop takes you through the picturesque Vecht region to explore its history, including its locks, canals, forts and of course the beautiful river itself.