Grebbesluis

For centuries you will find mysterious fortifications around Renswoude. Dressed in greenery, the dikes, sluices and fortifications awaited the moments when the national interest would bring them to life. Until 1951, the military structure of the Grebbe Line was one of the most important lines of defence in the Netherlands. In peacetime, this waterline was virtually invisible, but when the sluices on the Grebbe near Rhenen were opened, an imposing expanse of water was created in the Gelderse Vallei, an inundation that stretched as far as Spakenburg. The dikes were intended to prevent the water from draining into lower parts of the Valley. It is no coincidence that there are so many earthen settlements in the municipality of Renswoude. They were mainly intended to close off the high and dry access over Emmikhuizerberg. Important examples of fortifications within the municipal boundaries are the Linie van Juffrouwwijk, the Battery on the Schalmdijk, the Werk aan de Engelaar and the largest defensive structure of the line, the Fort on the Buursteeg. Although the earthworks were built in the 18th century, the concrete casemates and tank barricades are reminders of the fighting that also took place in the municipality of Renswoude during the May days of 1940. The line served three times: in 1795, 1940 and 1945 soldiers populated the earthen walls to dig in and place artillery. With the drying up of the last inundation, the future of the Grebbe Line began as a green heritage, where beautiful walking and cycling trips can be made. Since 2011, the Grebbe Line has been a national monument. The completely restored Fort on the Buursteeg is definitely worth a visit. The fort developed into a central visitor centre for the Grebbe Line, an ideal starting point for further exploration of the line.

Bomoto