Oudewater, Woerden, Schoonhoven

Between the 15th and 18th centuries, mighty walls, sturdy ramparts and imposing bastions sprang up in Dutch cities to protect inhabitants from enemy attacks. In uncertain times, all citizens sought refuge within these defences. Each town was a bastion of self-sufficiency, with farms providing food for the community.

On this unique cycle route, you will discover one of the smallest fortified towns in our country: Fortress Nieuwpoort. Founded around the year 1200, this town was often the scene of bloody conflicts. When Nieuwpoort became part of the Hollandse Waterlinie, moats and ramparts were built here too. Slightly older than Nieuwpoort is the Fortress of Haastrecht, erected about 100 years earlier. The nature surrounding these fortresses not only attracts cycling enthusiasts; meadow birds also find a home here.

As you paddle along the winding paths, the route also takes you past the Koeneschans, an inconspicuous little island with an illustrious past in the Old Dutch Waterline. When the Netherlands was under fire in 1672, the land around this entrenchment was flooded to stop enemy troops and ships. Dutch defenders found a strategic base here to protect our country.

On this cycling tour, let yourself be transported to times gone by and enjoy the peace and beauty of historic fortified towns and their impressive defences!