The Dutch Water
Defence Lines
The Dutch Water Defence Lines are a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising two water defence systems: the Defence Line of Amsterdam and the New Dutch Waterline. The site acquired UNESCO World Heritage status in July 2021. The Dutch Water Defence Lines protected the western part of the Netherlands from invaders by intentionally flooding broad strips of land to knee-high level (inundation). This strategic terrain stretches 200 km from Edam to the Biesbosch National Park and features 96 forts, six fortified towns, two castles, various military defences and ingenious water management structures.
The defence system was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status due to the unique combination of the innovative water management system with sluices, canals and dykes, the open landscape and the military fortifications.
As Utrecht could not be flooded, the city was protected by two fortification belts. The Province of Utrecht is home to a fortified town, 33 forts, 71 water management structures and 393 group shelters. Today, there is so much to see and experience in and around the forts of the Dutch Water Defence Lines, from lovely restaurants and wonderful accommodation to interesting museums and remarkable sights, not least Fort de Gagel restaurant, the Fort bij Vechten Waterline Museum and the botanical gardens at Fort Hoofddijk.
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