Fortified cities, breweries and nature

(55.7 km)

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The Zuiderwaterlinie (southern water line) served as a defence line for centuries and runs all the way from Grave in the east to Bergen op Zoom in the west. While cycling this route you will get to know three fortified towns of the Zuiderwaterlinie: Grave, Ravenstein, and Megen.  You will also pass through the beautiful nature reserve Herperduin. 

From urban to rural areas and back
The cycle route starts in Grave, the most besieged town of the Zuiderwaterlinie. Grave was often home to more soldiers than inhabitants. The town hall houses the tourist information office, as well as a visitor centre for the Zuiderwaterlinie. On the edge of Grave’s centre you’ll find artificial hill De Kat, allowing you to look out over the fortress from a height of 11 metres.

From Grave …

The Zuiderwaterlinie (southern water line) served as a defence line for centuries and runs all the way from Grave in the east to Bergen op Zoom in the west. While cycling this route you will get to know three fortified towns of the Zuiderwaterlinie: Grave, Ravenstein, and Megen.  You will also pass through the beautiful nature reserve Herperduin. 

From urban to rural areas and back
The cycle route starts in Grave, the most besieged town of the Zuiderwaterlinie. Grave was often home to more soldiers than inhabitants. The town hall houses the tourist information office, as well as a visitor centre for the Zuiderwaterlinie. On the edge of Grave’s centre you’ll find artificial hill De Kat, allowing you to look out over the fortress from a height of 11 metres.

From Grave the cycle route continues over forest paths and small dike roads, past fields and farms. You will cross the beautiful nature reserve Herperduin with its lakes Groot Ganzenven lake and Klompven lake. The next town on the route is Megen, the smallest fortified town on the Zuiderwaterlinie. The Gevangenpoort (Prison Gate) is Megen’s main eye-catcher. Built in 1386, the building was part of a city gate while also serving as a prison.

The journey to Ravenstein is perhaps the most beautiful part of the cycle tour. Cycling on the dike you constantly have a view of the Meuse river and the vast landscape. Here and there, churches and windmills adorn the lush greenery. Stroll through the camera-friendly streets in Ravenstein, which lead to charming hidden spots such as the beautifully landscaped city garden with the old tannery. This building today houses a museum on the historical art of tanning. 

Sights on this route

1

Grave

5361 HH Grave
Grave
04 80 30 27 26 25 62 17 23 22 76 15 44 14
2

Oijen Beer Brewery

Oijense Bovendijk 61
5394 LA Oijen
This old farmhouse between Nijmegen and ’s-Hertogenbosch which has been converted into a brewery offers an unbelievable range of activities in a typical Dutch rural setting.
Oijen Beer Brewery
34 35
3

Megen

Broeder Everardusplein 1
5366 BE Megen
The typical fortified town of Megen is a must for anyone interested in religious heritage.
Megen
43 01 41 18
4

Ravenstein

Sint Luciastraat 2
5371 AS 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.
Ravenstein
02 02 19 32 31 20 03
5

Grave

5361 HH Grave
Grave

Directions

1

Grave

5361 HH Grave
Grave
  • Grave is the most besieged city of the Zuiderwaterlinie. The town hall houses the tourist information office, as well as a visitor centre for the Zuiderwaterlinie. 
  • In the beautiful Herperduin nature reserve you'll find watchtower Herperduin. Climb it and you’ll be 31 meters above ground level.
  • An old farmhouse converted into a brewery. Have something to eat and drink in the restaurant or in the outdoor seating area. 
  • In Megen you will find many monumental buildings and charming squares, beautiful little gardens and restaurants. 
  • Ravenstein offers many sights, such as the highest windmill in Brabant, a beautiful city garden with a museum and the oldest fortification made of earth and stone in the Netherlands.
5

Grave

5361 HH Grave
Grave
  • 04
  • 80
  • 30
  • 27
  • 26
  • 25
  • 62
  • 17
  • 23
  • 22
  • 76
  • 15
  • 44
  • 14
  • 34
  • 35
  • 43
  • 01
  • 41
  • 18
  • 02
  • 02
  • 19
  • 32
  • 31
  • 20
  • 03

Attributes