The Vestingdriehoek, or Fortress Triangle, a beautiful area of fortifications and water connections. Once a strategic water weapon in the Dutch Waterline, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an abundance of history. Be taken by water and through history. Explore the land on foot or by bicycle and discover a treasure trove of stories!
Zaltbommel
Fortress and Hanseatic city
In the fortified and Hanseatic city you can count on a good deal of history and culture. The city is surrounded by fortifications: a wide, tree-lined belt with moats for protection, along the north side the river Waal.
One of the eye-catchers of this city is St. Martin’s Church. Both the church and the tower were largely built in the 15th century. You will also find the Stadskasteel; a monumental building in the center of Zaltbommel. The museum introduces you to the rich 16th-century history of the Bommelerwaard. The glorious past, the many cozy terraces and nice places to eat make this city the chosen place for a wonderful day out.
Gorinchem
The most beautiful fortified city in the Netherlands
A town that still exudes the atmosphere of the merchant and garrison town of yesteryear. It is the cornerstone of two lines, the largest and most beautiful fortress in the Netherlands that is still completely intact. Then the military logistics center, now the perfect base for a day out. The dozens of monuments remind of that time, when Gorinchem also had an important place in the Dutch Waterline as a fortress. In the old town hall on the Grote Mark is the Gorcums Museum. Here, in addition to various exhibitions, stories are told about the Martyrs of Gorcum and Hugo de Groot, among others. In the Hamelhuis, you will find everything about the city’s 17th-century explorer: Hendrick Hamel.
Woudrichem
Thriving city through fishing
Woudrichem is a fortified town that originated around the year 1000. Characteristic is the protected rampart with buildings that grew to about 300 houses from the end of the sixteenth, beginning of the seventeenth century. The strategic location caused Woudrichem to shake on its foundations quite often in the past. Together with fortress Gorinchem, Woudrichem ensured, with brute force, the closure of the river Waal to the enemy. Woudrichem was also one of the most important fishing towns for a long time. The Fisheries and Cultural History Museum provides a nice overview of Dutch river fishing. It is a charming fortress where you wander past historical highlights and authentic stores.
Fort Vuren
Robust structure
For decades, it has been showing off in the floodplains along the river Waal: Fort Vuren. This Fort was also part of the New Dutch Waterline. The sturdy structure from 1844 had to protect Gorinchem from the enemy. The fort provided defense for dozens of men, weapons and provisions and can only be reached via a drawbridge. At Fort Vuren is Fort Vurig, a sturdy island where you can enjoy lunch, dinner, an overnight stay or a business meeting.
Tips nearby:
Biesbosch Museum
Nature
The Museum Island is located in the heart of National Park De Biesbosch. Here you will experience how we have dealt with the challenges and opportunities presented by water for centuries and discover how the freshwater area came into being after the Sint-Elizabethflood of 1421.
Gorcums Museum
Art
Right in the center of Gorinchem, located in the old Town Hall, you will find the Gorcums Museum. A historical and contemporary museum, where history comes to life through changing (art) exhibitions for young and old.
Zaltbommel City Castle
History
In Stadskasteel Zaltbommel you can learn more about the history of the Bommelerwaard; From the 80-year war to now. You will also find the exhibition of illustrator Fiep Westerdorp.
