Fort Vuren

The fort was built in 1844 as part of the 85 km long New Dutch Water Line that stretched from the Biesbosch to Muiden on the former Zuiderzee.From the fort, the inundation locks were defended immediately west and east of the fort, because these locks were vital for flooding the adjacent river polders. Together with the fortified towns of Gorinchem and Woudrichem and Slot Loevestein, crossfire could be supplied from here to stop enemy ships on the Waal. The oldest part of the fort is the tower, built in 1848. Because it was an easy target, the tower was partially demolished in 1878. The water line has been commissioned three times. During the Franco-Prussian War in 1870, during the First World War and also during the mobilization in 1939-1940, the floodgates opened, but the German aircraft had free rein. The fort was attacked from the air and then occupied by the Germans.

The fort was recently preserved and is now used for events. It also houses an inn and a B&B. Of course you can also take a walk around the fort. In winter, the fort is closed, also because of the wintering bats.

De Wandelmaker