14.5 km walk past Fort Jutphaas and through Park Oudegein, from Nieuwegein to Prinses Beatrixsluis. Discover the Waterline!
Green fortifications along the water
Discover the rich history and green lungs of Nieuwegein during this stage of the Waterline Trail. You will walk through a fascinating landscape where the old fortifications of the New Dutch Waterline meet vast stretches of nature. This route from Nieuwegein to the Prinses Beatrix Lock takes you past historic forts and through beautiful parks, a perfect mix for the adventurous hiker.
Along the fort and park
You start this stage in Nieuwegein and soon come face to face with Fort Jutphaas, an impressive, elongated fort dating back to 1820. Walk around it and imagine how soldiers once guarded the water line here. The path then leads you to a hidden gem: Park Oudegein. This city park is not just any park; it is the green lung of Nieuwegein. You are surrounded by water and dense forests, and from a viewpoint hill, you can enjoy a sweeping view of all the greenery. Here, you can smell the fresh earth and hear the birds singing, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park is an oasis of tranquility where you might also encounter grazing sheep along the way. The route ends at the imposing Prinses Beatrixsluis, a modern feat of hydraulic engineering that stands in stark contrast to the old forts, yet is just as essential to the water management of the Netherlands.
Highlights along the way
- Fort Jutphaas — A vast fort from 1820, part of the New Dutch Water Line, that takes you back in time.
- Park Oudegein — A vast city park with water, woods, and a viewpoint hill, where you are in the middle of nature.
- Princess Beatrix Lock — One of the largest inland waterway locks in the Netherlands, an impressive feat of modern engineering.
The Waterline: World Heritage full of stories
The Waterline Trail follows the contours of the New Dutch Waterline, an ingenious defense system designed to protect the Netherlands against invaders by flooding the land. Since 2021, this area, together with the Amsterdam Defense Line, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This military defense line, consisting of forts, locks, and inundation areas, tells a story of ingenuity and struggle, which you experience in a unique way along the way.
Tips and practical information
- Dogs: Allowed, provided they are on a leash.
- Public transport accessibility: Nieuwegein is easily accessible by tram from Utrecht Central. From Prinses Beatrixsluis, you can take the bus to travel back. So leave the car at home!
- Marking: The route is marked as part of the LAW Waterliniepad.
- Accessibility: The paths are generally easy to walk on, but be aware of unpaved sections in Park Oudegein.