The Zuiderwaterlinie
In the past, forts and fortified cities held the enemy at bay here. Now, you can enjoy imposing forts, charming towns and cities and the exceptional countryside. The Zuiderwaterlinie, or southern water line, is a historical defence line, a hydraulic masterpiece and a chain of heritage sites that connects some of the most beautiful places in North Brabant.
Inspiring travel ideas
-
A weekend for slowing down in North Brabant
-
Culinary road trip through the west of North Brabant
-
Travelling the Pilgrim’s Path from ‘s-Hertogenbosch to Oisterwijk
-
Travel for two days through a landscape full of stories in the west of North Brabant
-
A weekend touring around the Zuiderwaterlinie
Five regions
The Zuiderwaterlinie (southern water line) runs through five regions, each with their own atmosphere and story.
West Brabant Water line
West Brabant Water line
This is where it all began; the first water line in the Netherlands. With submerged land and clever water management, the inhabitants defended themselves against the Spanish, French and Belgians. Today, you can still see the traces of this past in Tholen, Bergen op Zoom and Steenbergen.
-
Het Markiezenhof
Het Markiezenhof
The Markiezenhof residential palace was built in the 15th century for the lords and marquises of Bergen op Zoom.
Willemstad Fortifications
Willemstad Fortifications
There are five forts that protected Holland for centuries in the area around Willemstad and Klundert. Fort Sabina is the highlight: large, mostly intact and offering stunning views.
-
Fort Sabina
Fort Sabina
At the crossroads of North Brabant, South Holland and Zeeland is the strategically located Fort Sabina Hendrica.
Breda- Geertruidenberg Fortifications
Breda- Geertruidenberg Fortifications
Breda and Geertruidenberg were important fortified cities. Extra redoubts and defensive lines were built here because the surrounding area was too high to flood.
's-Hertogenbosch -Heusden Fortifications
's-Hertogenbosch -Heusden Fortifications
The city of 's-Hertogenbosch and the town of Heusden were heavily fortified and have been beautifully restored. The landscape is dotted with even more forts, ramparts and dykes.
-
Museum Kruithuis
Museum Kruithuis
Museum Kruithuis allows you to discover all there is to know about the Siege of ‘s-Hertogenbosch during the Eighty Years’ War. The museum is located in the last existing ‘powder house’ from that period in the Netherlands.
-
The Fortified Town of Heusden
The Fortified Town of Heusden
With its picturesque streets, age-old buildings, many studios and galleries, unique shops and top restaurants, the charming town of Heusden is a great destination for lovers of art, culture, history and good cuisine.
-
Kasteel Maurick
Kasteel Maurick
Kasteel Maurick, an à la carte restaurant, brasserie, hotel and events and meeting centre is hidden away on an island in the River Dommel.
Grave-Ravenstein Fortifications
Grave-Ravenstein Fortifications
This region is home to the most besieged fortified city in the Netherlands and charming cities packed with heritage: Grave, Megen and Ravenstein.
-
Ravenstein
Ravenstein
If you are interested in cultural-historical heritage combined with active social contact, then the fortified city of Ravenstein is definitely worth a visit.
-
Megen
Megen
The typical fortified town of Megen is a must for anyone interested in religious heritage.
Discover North Brabant through the eyes of the Brabanders
-
10 amazing cycling and hiking experiences in North Brabant
-
7 of the most beautiful fortified cities in North Brabant
