Fortified cities, breweries and nature
While cycling this route you will get to know three fortified towns of the Zuiderwaterlinie: Grave, Ravenstein, and Megen. You will also pass through the beautiful nature reserve Herperduin.
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The Zuiderwaterlinie (southern water line) served as a defence line for centuries and runs all the way from Grave in the east to Bergen op Zoom in the west. While cycling this route you will get to know three fortified towns of the Zuiderwaterlinie: Grave, Ravenstein, and Megen. You will also pass through the beautiful nature reserve Herperduin.
From urban to rural areas and back
The cycle route starts in Grave, the most besieged town of the Zuiderwaterlinie. Grave was often home to more soldiers than inhabitants. The town hall houses the tourist information office, as well as a visitor centre for the Zuiderwaterlinie. On the edge of Grave’s centre you’ll find artificial hill De Kat, allowing you to look out over the fortress from a height of 11 metres.
From Grave the cycle route continues…
The Zuiderwaterlinie (southern water line) served as a defence line for centuries and runs all the way from Grave in the east to Bergen op Zoom in the west. While cycling this route you will get to know three fortified towns of the Zuiderwaterlinie: Grave, Ravenstein, and Megen. You will also pass through the beautiful nature reserve Herperduin.
From urban to rural areas and back
The cycle route starts in Grave, the most besieged town of the Zuiderwaterlinie. Grave was often home to more soldiers than inhabitants. The town hall houses the tourist information office, as well as a visitor centre for the Zuiderwaterlinie. On the edge of Grave’s centre you’ll find artificial hill De Kat, allowing you to look out over the fortress from a height of 11 metres.
From Grave the cycle route continues over forest paths and small dike roads, past fields and farms. You will cross the beautiful nature reserve Herperduin with its lakes Groot Ganzenven lake and Klompven lake. The next town on the route is Megen, the smallest fortified town on the Zuiderwaterlinie. The Gevangenpoort (Prison Gate) is Megen’s main eye-catcher. Built in 1386, the building was part of a city gate while also serving as a prison.
The journey to Ravenstein is perhaps the most beautiful part of the cycle tour. Cycling on the dike you constantly have a view of the Meuse river and the vast landscape. Here and there, churches and windmills adorn the lush greenery. Stroll through the camera-friendly streets in Ravenstein, which lead to charming hidden spots such as the beautifully landscaped city garden with the old tannery. This building today houses a museum on the historical art of tanning.
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Hotline routes
Hotline routesIf there is something wrong on the route, report it here.
Sights on this route
Oijen Beer Brewery
Located between Nijmegen and ’s-Hertogenbosch this former farm, converted into a beer brewery and distillery, offers an incredible number of activities in typical Dutch rural surroundings.
Starting point:
Oijense Bovendijk 615394 LA Oijen
Megen
The typical fortified town of Megen is a must for anyone interested in religious heritage.
Starting point:
Broeder Everardusplein 15366 BE Megen
Ravenstein
If you are interested in cultural-historical heritage combined with active social contact, then the fortified city of Ravenstein is definitely worth a visit.
Starting point:
Sint Luciastraat 25371 AS Ravenstein
Story of the route
- Grave is the most besieged city of the Zuiderwaterlinie. The town hall houses the tourist information office, as well as a visitor centre for the Zuiderwaterlinie.
- In the beautiful Herperduin nature reserve you'll find watchtower Herperduin. Climb it and you’ll be 31 meters above ground level.
- An old farmhouse converted into a brewery. Have something to eat and drink in the restaurant or in the outdoor seating area.
- In Megen you will find many monumental buildings and charming squares, beautiful little gardens and restaurants.
- Ravenstein offers many sights, such as the highest windmill in Brabant, a beautiful city garden with a museum and the oldest fortification made of earth and stone in the Netherlands.
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Route features
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