Southern Waterline
Grave-Ravenstein Fortress
Fortifications
of 's-Hertogenbosch-
Heusden
Breda-Geertruidenberg
Fortifications
Fortifications of Willemstad
West-Brabant Waterline
of historic fortified towns
The Southern Waterline runs through five regions, each with its own atmosphere and story.
In the past, forts and fortified towns kept the enemy at bay here. Now you can enjoy sturdy forts, charming towns, and unique nature.
Beneath the old tram depot lie the remains of the fortress: walls, corridors, and staircases. Here you can learn all about the clever defensive tactics of the past.
A magnificent city palace in Bergen op Zoom. Marquis once resided here, and later it became a military hospital and barracks. Now you can explore the grounds and discover the museum.
This is where it all began: the first waterline in the Netherlands. With flooded land and clever waterworks, the inhabitants defended themselves against the Spanish, French, and Belgians. Today, you can still see traces of this past in Tholen, Bergen op Zoom, and Steenbergen.
Brabant
Waterline
Built by Napoleon in 1811, the fort played a role in wars and was later used for ammunition storage. Today, you can explore it yourself.
Built in 1623 as a country residence for Maurice of Orange. The building has served many purposes, from hospital to carrier pigeon station. Today, it still exudes history.
Willemstad
There are five forts around Willemstad and Klundert that protected Holland for centuries. Fort Sabina is the highlight: large, largely intact, and offering beautiful views.
The oldest town in Holland: the fortified town of Geertruidenberg. Stroll along canals, ramparts, and the market, or visit the De Roos museum. Here, history meets conviviality.
A city steeped in history and conviviality. Visit Breda Castle and the Spanjaardsgat, or stroll through the Spinolaschans nature reserve.
Geertruidenberg
Fortifications
Breda and Geertruidenberg were important fortified towns. Because the area was too high to flood, they built additional redoubts and lines of defense here.
A castle on an island in the Dommel River. Prince Maurits and Frederik Hendrik used it as their headquarters during sieges.
A charming fortified town with a rich history. Discover it during a walk or visit the Governor's House.
Built in 1617, later used as barracks, and now a creative meeting place.
The Kruithuis, once a warehouse for gunpowder, is being converted into a museum. Bolwerk Sint-Jan is a historic stronghold and now a lively meeting place.
's-Hertogenbosch and Heusden were strong fortified cities and have been beautifully restored. The landscape still features forts, redoubts, and dikes.
Small but special. Stroll past the mill, churches, and town pump, and discover stories from its rich past.
Often besieged, but still standing proud. Discover De Hampoort and the historic city center.
This region is home to the most attacked fortified town in the Netherlands and a charming town steeped in heritage.
Ravenstein Fortress
Southern Waterline
of historic fortified towns
The Southern Waterline runs through five regions, each with its own atmosphere and story.
In the past, forts and fortified towns kept the enemy at bay here. Now you can enjoy sturdy forts, charming towns, and unique nature.
Fortifications of Willemstad
West-Brabant Waterline
Grave-Ravenstein Fortress
Breda-Geertruidenberg
Fortifications
Fortifications
of 's-Hertogenbosch-
Heusden
A magnificent city palace in Bergen op Zoom. Marquis once resided here, and later it became a military hospital and barracks. Now you can explore the grounds and discover the museum.
Beneath the old tram depot lie the remains of the fortress: walls, corridors, and staircases. Here you can learn all about the clever defensive tactics of the past.
This is where it all began: the first waterline in the Netherlands. With flooded land and clever waterworks, the inhabitants defended themselves against the Spanish, French, and Belgians. Today, you can still see traces of this past in Tholen, Bergen op Zoom, and Steenbergen.
Brabant
Waterline
Built by Napoleon in 1811, the fort played a role in wars and was later used for ammunition storage. Today, you can explore it yourself.
Willemstad
There are five forts around Willemstad and Klundert that protected Holland for centuries. Fort Sabina is the highlight: large, largely intact, and offering beautiful views.
Built in 1623 as a country residence for Maurice of Orange. The building has served many purposes, from hospital to carrier pigeon station. Today, it still exudes history.
Geertruidenberg
Fortifications
The oldest town in Holland: the fortified town of Geertruidenberg. Stroll along canals, ramparts, and the market, or visit the De Roos museum. Here, history meets conviviality.
A city steeped in history and conviviality. Visit Breda Castle and the Spanjaardsgat, or stroll through the Spinolaschans nature reserve.
Breda and Geertruidenberg were important fortified towns. Because the area was too high to flood, they built additional redoubts and lines of defense here.
The Kruithuis, once a warehouse for gunpowder, is being converted into a museum. Bolwerk Sint-Jan is a historic stronghold and now a lively meeting place.
Built in 1617, later used as barracks, and now a creative meeting place.
A charming fortified town with a rich history. Discover it during a walk or visit the Governor's House.
A castle on an island in the Dommel River. Prince Maurits and Frederik Hendrik used it as their headquarters during sieges.
's-Hertogenbosch and Heusden were strong fortified cities and have been beautifully restored. The landscape still features forts, redoubts, and dikes.
Small but special. Stroll past the mill, churches, and town pump, and discover stories from its rich past.
Often besieged, but still standing proud. Discover De Hampoort and the historic city center.
This region is home to the most attacked fortified town in the Netherlands and a charming town steeped in heritage.
Ravenstein Fortress