Willemstad – Bergen op Zoom

Travel distance there: 0 km. Route length: 55 km. Travel distance back: 30 km.

During the Eighty Years' War, Steenbergen was long a battleground between Dutch and Spanish troops. Around 1628, the city became a virtually impregnable fortress thanks to reinforced defenses and the construction of Fort Henricus, intended to protect the new harbor, on the initiative of Prince Maurice. This gave Steenbergen an important role in the West Brabant Water Line and the Southern Water Line. In Bergen op Zoom, the Prison Gate, the Markiezenhof, and hundreds of monuments remind us of its rich past. Fort de Roovere, with its famous Moses Bridge and surrounding nature, also attracts many visitors. View the route on Google Maps

Willemstad – Geertruidenberg

Travel distance there: 0 km. Route length: 58 km. Travel distance back: 37 km.

From the fortified town of Geertruidenberg, the route takes you past Oosterhout, where marshy polders, forests, heathlands, sandy plains, and fens alternate. Next comes Breda, one of the largest fortified towns on the Zuiderwaterlinie and rich in history. In Terheijden, polders and inundation areas, such as at the Kleine Schans, are still clearly visible. Klundert also impresses with its restored fortifications in a green nature reserve. The final destination is Willemstad, built by William of Orange to defend the sea arms to Holland. The star-shaped fortress and completely intact ramparts are still beautiful to admire and ideal for walking. View the route on Google Maps

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Heusden – Geertruidenberg

Travel distance there: 37 km. Route length: 61 km. Travel distance back: 62 km.

After leaving Heusden, drive to National Park the Loonse and Drunense Dunes. This is one of the largest areas of drifting sand in Western Europe. Here you will enjoy forest and heathland, and most of all you will find lots of sand.
Final stop Geertruidenberg is also called "Fortress City on the Biesbosch" because of its centuries-long relations with the area. You will discover in the city beautifully preserved monuments such as moats, bastions and ravelins. View the route on Google Maps

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Heusden – Grave

Travel distance there: 62 km. Route length: 66 km. Travel distance back: 125 km.

Although the fortified towns differ from one another, they all offer tranquility and a rich history. Grave was conquered seven times, including by the Spanish and French, making it uniquely besieged, while much of its heritage has been preserved. Megen, the smallest fortified town, was affected by war and fire, but still retains its medieval street pattern. Ravenstein historically belonged to the Duchy of Kleve and was the capital of the Land of Ravenstein. Heusden is the impressive final stop; the carefully restored fortified town won the prestigious Europa Nostra restoration award and attracts many admiring visitors from home and abroad every year. View the route on Google Maps

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Read detailed information about these routes in the "Southern Waterline car route booklet"