The Most Beautiful Fortified Towns in Our Country

I go through those phases where I just HAVE to get out and about every weekend, especially when the sun is shining. We usually pick places that are within an hour’s drive from us. That’s still manageable, and being in a different setting makes it feel like a mini-vacation. For some reason, there have been a striking number of fortified towns among our recent choices. In this blog, I’ll share the most beautiful ones with you.

What is a fortified town?

A fortified town is a historic town that has been reinforced with military defenses to protect its residents. In the Middle Ages, these towns were often of strategic importance due to their location (often near water). You can often recognize a fortified town from above by its star-shaped points. One of the best-known and most beautiful fortified towns is Bourtange in Groningen. It’s high on my list, but I’ve also found some closer to home.

Tour of the Fortress Triangle

I didn’t visit the Fortress Triangle all at once, but you can— by taking the ferry! And be sure to bring your bike along, because the surrounding area is beautiful! The Fortress Triangle consists of Gorinchem, Woudrichem, Loevestein Castle, and Fort Vuren. They’re all part of the Dutch Water Lines. I visited Loevestein Castle myself and actually ended up in Woudrichem by accident. What a beautiful town! Gorinchem is also definitely worth a visit, and forts always have a certain air of mystery. I highly recommend it!

The Fortified Town of Brielle

The fortified town of Brielle has stolen my heart a little. Brielle is just half an hour from Rotterdam, but it has such a relaxed atmosphere! You can take a lovely stroll along the bastions (the outer parts of the fortifications), enjoy the peaceful village atmosphere, and relax on the cozy outdoor terraces. Brielle also has a particularly fascinating history. Tip: download the Walk The City app and discover Brielle for yourself.

Naarden Vesting

A fortified town with class: Naarden Vesting. We visited this fortified town on a Sunday and felt a little underdressed. Everyone looked so stylish! Naarden Vesting also has sprawling bastions, forts, picturesque streets, and a fascinating history. Another fun fact: in this town, you’ll also find the white house where the notary from the TV show *Kopen zonder Kijken* always welcomed the couples. Maybe you can find it, too!

Muiden Fortress

Muiden is also a fortified town, and you’ll see that right away when you visit the Muiderslot. The nearly impregnable castle is definitely worth a visit, but the area surrounding the castle is also beautiful. For a moment, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. But the narrow streets, little bridges, and waterways in Muiden Fortress are also worth strolling through and along.

Oudewater

The fortified town of Oudewater is the oldest town in the Green Heart, and although it’s small, there’s plenty to see and do. For example, visit Museum de Heksenwaag! In this small museum, people accused of witchcraft used to be weighed. If you were too heavy, you obviously couldn’t fly on a broomstick. Even today, you can have yourself weighed at the Heksenwaag. You’ll then receive official proof that you’re not a witch.

Schoonhoven

Schoonhoven, known as the “Silver City,” is also a charming fortified town with a fascinating history. If you look closely, you’ll see traces of the silversmithing craft everywhere. For example, visit the Dutch Silver Museumand take a look at the silversmith’s workshop.

Other fortified towns and forts

By the way, did you know that Den Bosch, Gouda, and Bergen op Zoom are also fortified towns? They all have canals, ramparts, and city walls. These towns are also great to visit. Be sure to check out St. John’s Cathedral (Den Bosch), the Markiezenhof (Bergen op Zoom), and the Gouda Cheese Market (every Thursday during the summer months on the Markt). And if you’re looking for a fun yet educational day out with the kids, visit Geofort! This museum of the future teaches you all about the Earth and is located on a real fortress island!

Photo credits: OpstapmetLisa