The Southern Waterline
To hold back enemy troops from the south, the land around the fortified towns was flooded. Several times, this line of defence protected Holland and Zeeland from the Spanish, French and Belgians. Where soldiers once stood at the border, you will now find Brabant conviviality against a backdrop of rich history. Enjoy the charming historic fortified towns, visit one of the forts or relax in the exceptional countryside.
Zuiderwaterlinie: walking and cycling
Did you know that you can walk and cycle along the entire Zuiderwaterlinie? The Zuiderwaterlinie walking trail (290 km) follows the walking junction network in Brabant. The walking route in Brabant is recognisable by its green-and-yellow signposts featuring the Zuiderwaterlinie symbol. Click here for more information about the walking route.
You can also enjoy wonderful cycling along the Zuiderwaterlinie. Cycle from Grave to Bergen op Zoom or vice versa, or tackle it in smaller sections. Along the 160-kilometre-long Zuiderwaterlinie, there are five connected, scenic cycling routes of approximately 40 to 50 kilometres each, which form part of the ANWB junction route network in Brabant. Click here for more information about the cycling route.
Bergen op Zoom
Sometimes, in the fortified town of Bergen op Zoom, you simply forget that you’re in the Netherlands. The medieval centre, with all its monumental buildings, and Fort de Roovere in Bergen op Zoom feel so unmistakably Flemish. Bergen op Zoom had to be protected against an attack by the Spanish because it lay on the trade route from Zeeland to Holland.
Steenbergen
Steenbergen was granted city rights in 1272, so in 2022 it celebrated its 750th anniversary. The remains of the Steenbergen fortifications can still be seen here and there, including the restored bastions, the clearly marked-out line moat and the refurbished town wall. Go out and discover it for yourself!
Willemstad
Defending the sea inlets that provided access to Holland. That was the task of the Willemstad Defence Line for hundreds of years. That is why five forts lie around this charming fortified town, in a wide arc beside the open water. Did you know that Willemstad is a protected townscape? Tip: The eye-catcher is Fort Sabina, which has largely been preserved. From the top of this fort, you can enjoy a clear view of the entire Willemstad Defence Line.
Klundert
Klundert was an important link in the southern defensive line against the Spanish. The traces of this can still be seen today! You can enjoy lovely walks and cycle rides around the restored fortifications.
Geertruidenberg
Geertruidenberg – the city with the oldest city rights in the County of Holland – was situated along important waterways. The city therefore had to protect itself well. Here, you will find beautifully preserved monuments such as defensive moats, bastions and ravelins.
Breda
Breda was an important fortified town in the Southern Waterline. For a long time, Breda was a fiercely contested battleground between the Northern Netherlands and the Spanish. However, the area is too high to flood. That is why you will find all kinds of earthworks and defensive lines on land around Breda, especially near Terheijden and Den Hout. The small rivers were important for connecting Breda with other parts of the Southern Waterline.
Heusden
The fortified town of Heusden has a long history. The town has been beautifully restored, and remnants of redoubts and forts can still be found in the landscape.
's-Hertogenbosch
In the past, the marshland (which is now the Moerputten and Bossche Broek) protected Den Bosch. Today, you can enjoy walking and cycling there along the monuments and fortifications. Lovely outdoor cafés, charming little shops, narrow streets: this is the place to be!
Megen
Ever heard of Megen? Megen is the smallest fortified town of the Southern Waterline. But don't miss this gem on the River Meuse. See this picturesque little town for yourself.
Ravenstein
Small but perfectly formed! That’s Ravenstein. Every building is a treasure in its own right; here, you can imagine yourself transported back in time. Plenty of beauty to enjoy during a day out in Ravenstein!
Grave
No fortified town has been conquered as often as the fortified town of Grave. At times, there were five times as many soldiers as residents. It’s a wonder that so much of its beauty has survived. The town is surrounded by military heritage. You’ll also find the Southern Waterline Visitor Centre here.
