Grebbelinie

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 Grebbelinie is a waterline between the Utrechtse Heuvelrug and the Veluwe, which was built in the 18th century. It is important to know that in 1939-1940 the Grebbelinie formed the main defense of the Dutch Defense Plan under the name 'Valleistelling'. The tactics of the position were that the low area between the Grebbeberg and the former Zuiderzee could be flooded. After the Second World War, the Grebbelinie became invisible due to vegetation, but gained an extra significance as an ecological structure. In the meantime, a lot of work has been done on the line and many defenses are visible again. Numerous parties work together on the right balance between cultural history, natural values and recreation. These three elements together offer visitors to the Grebbelinie an extremely fascinating and unique environment for a day out! Experience the Grebbelinie now via the Smartphone app 'The battle of the Grebbeberg'.

www.grebbelinie.nl

How the Grebbelinie worked...

The most important strength in the designers' vision derived the position from the incorporation of the low area between the Grebbeberg and the former Zuiderzee. At the foot of the Grebbeberg, water from the Lower Rhine was let in at the Grebbesluis, which flooded a large area up to the Slaperdijk near Veenendaal.

By opening the lock at the Roode Haan in the Slaperdijk, the water could fill another inundation bowl at Renswoude. To prevent the water from flowing uncontrollably to the north, transverse quays were constructed at various places in the line. Unfortunately, these quays also formed an access to the liniedijk. In the course of the 18th century, earthen defenses were built in these places. These earthen forts were connected by a line dike from Veenendaal to beyond Amersfoort. On this dike the defenders could defend themselves against the enemy. In addition, the dike ensured that the water remained on the east side of the line. For example, less water was needed for an inundation and the defender kept his feet dry.

Along the way and especially on the line west of Veenendaal, Scherpenzeel to the eastern side of Leusden and Amersfoort there are countless casemates, whether or not hidden and unnoticed.

This route starts at Café Restaurant De Waal, Waalbandijk 37, 4051 CJ Ochten and ends at Moeke Rhenen, Veerplein 1, 3911 TN Rhenen.