Zuiderwaterlinie

This tour is part of a set of 7 tours regarding the water lines in the Netherlands.

A water line is a series of defensive works that are (partly) surrounded by inundated areas.

In the Netherlands, flooding areas turned out to be a good way to stop the enemy. To this end, special water management works were even made (for example, special inundation locks).

A water line is often a string of fortifications with inundation areas in between. The fortifications are located around cities and on higher parts, which cannot be flooded (accesses). Only in case of acute threat were the areas inundated.

The Zuiderwaterlinie is a unique chain of historic fortified towns and their surroundings, connected by the typical Dutch story of defending with the water. It is the oldest, longest and most used waterline in the Netherlands.

Since the Eighty Years' War - more than 450 years ago - people in Brabant have been using water as a means of defence. This is where the first real water line in the Netherlands is located. After the battle against the Spanish, this line served against the French and Belgians, until fighter planes put an end to the Zuiderwaterlinie as a military defense line in World War II.

In the historical documentary 'The story of the Zuiderwaterlinie: past and future', various experts from the line take you along in the story of the Zuiderwaterlinie . Watch the documentary here.