Dutch Waterline (NHW)

The New Dutch Waterline (NHW) is an important defensive line in Dutch history. It protected a large part of Holland and the city of Utrecht. The waterline was in use from 1870 to 1945. The New Dutch Waterline replaced the Dutch Waterline, which dates back to the late 17th century, and has borne this new name since 1871. A key difference between the old and new lines is that the city of Utrecht is now part of the line. The waterline lay east and south of the cities of Holland, 85 kilometers long and 3 to 5 kilometers wide. With 46 forts, the line stretched from the island of Pampus in the Zuiderzee to the Biesbosch National Park. The line also includes the five fortified towns of Muiden, Weesp, Naarden, Gorinchem, and Woudrichem.[1] Its great historical value led to its registration for the World Heritage List (1995) and the list of National Monuments, as well as the status of National Landscape (2005).