Sluis 't Hemeltje

Right in front of you you will see lock 't Hemeltje, built in 1936 as a connection between the Hilversum canal and the Vecht. The lock was named after the farm 't Hemeltje that lies behind you.

The lock was of great importance in inundating the land. A closed sluice could keep the water level of the Vecht high to enable it to be flooded over the lower meadows. In addition, water could be prevented from flowing away from the inundation area.

Such an important military site had to be protected. Hence the presence of a group shelter type P, built in 1939-1940.

Vertical slots can be clearly seen in the lock. These were intended to be used to stack bulkhead beams. For example, the lock could be closed if the water level was high enough after an inundation, even if the lock gates were broken. The inundated area could not be emptied. To store the bulkhead beams, the wooden shed was built next to the lock.

Incidentally, the farmers were usually not happy with an inundation: their land was often unusable for a long time.

Tip: Cross the lock and after 600 meters you will see a VIS-casemate from 1935 on the right, the same type as on the Kleizuwe. Next to it is a monument in memory of an English plane that crashed here in 1945.

Directions: Turn left onto Bergseweg.

ZichtopdeVechtstreek