Willemstad – Zevenbergen

Travel distance there: 0 km. Route length: 21.3 km. Travel distance back: 20 km.

Klundert was an important link of the southern defense line against the Spaniards. The town was destroyed several times by fires and a flood disaster. Fortunately, the fortifications surrounding the town have been well preserved or restored, so you can still get a glimpse of the past. From Klundert, you walk on to Zevenbergen. The history of this town shows great resilience, for after being hit by war and floods, it has grown into a thriving sugar town. View the route

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Zevenbergen – Terheijden

Travel distance there: 20 km. Route length: 23.4 km. Travel distance back: 31.3 km.

Although there is no fortified town in the municipality of Drimmelen, you will find former defensive works. Near Terheijden are the nature reserves De Kleine Schans and the Linie van de Munnikenhof, two natural pearls where you can relax. Both nature reserves were once part of Breda's line of defense. View the route

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Terheijden – Oosterhout

Travel distance there: 31.3 km. Route length: 23.1 km. Travel distance back: 44.8 km.

The walk won't take you through Breda, but this burgundian downtown is definitely worth a visit. Everywhere you will find legacies of the military past. For years, the fortified city was the battleground between the Northern Netherlands and the Spanish. Today, the former fortified town is a tourist attraction, with the historic Pigeon and Grenade Tower and the Spanjaardsgat. The outlying area is ideal for a relaxing walk along the Spinolaschans or the redoubts on the Zwarte Dijk. View the route

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Willemstad – Dinteloord

Travel distance there: 0 km. Route length: 20.5 km. Travel distance back: 18 km.

Willemstad, named for William of Orange, is protected by five waterfront forts along the Hollandsch Diep. The Zuiderwaterlinie Hiking Trail passes a number of impressive fortifications, such as Fort de Hel and Fort Sabina. Beyond the forts, fortified town Willemstad unfolds with well-preserved ramparts and the Mauritshuis. View the route

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Dinteloord – Steenbergen

Distance traveled: 18 km. Length of route: 21.5 km. Distance traveled back: 10 km.

In the countryside, between the fortified towns, lie the real hidden gems. These were once the essential links in the inundation areas. All perfectly coordinated to be able to flood kilometers of land. The walk takes you through the historic center of Steenbergen fortress and along Fort Henricus, a number of special nature reserves, such as the Dintelse Gorzen, the Steenbergse Vliet and the Volkerak-Zoommeer. View the route

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Steenbergen – Bergen op Zoom

Distance to destination: 18 km. Length of route: 19 km. Distance back: 34 km.

The virgin, that's how they also called Bergen op Zoom. The city earns that nickname from its special reputation: of all the fortified towns, it is the least frequently taken. With its great historical wealth, the city is the perfect place for an introduction to the region's rich fortified past. Dinteloord also has a surprisingly historic heart, and outside the center, the natural areas are great. View the route

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