Klundert – Fortified Town Between Ramparts and Water

Klundert is a fortified town whose history can be read in its fortifications, buildings, and waterways. During the Eighty Years’ War against the Spanish, the town was part of the Stelling van Willemstad and thus also of the Zuiderwaterlinie. Several specific points of interest can help you find your way around during a stay: restored sections of the fortifications, individual historic buildings, and the landscape; the Nationaal Vlasserij-Suikermuseum focuses on the flax and sugar industries.

Fortifications and Building History

On Klundert’s north side, large sections of the main rampart, moat, and counterscarp with covered way have been restored to their original condition. The fortifications therefore consist of more than a single rampart: the moat and counterscarp with covered way are also among the restored features described here. These different elements provide a tangible historical setting for the fortified town.

The Stenen Poppen add another perspective on the fortifications. They are a brick dam dating from 1583 and form part of Klundert’s fortifications. There is a picnic area at the Stenen Poppen, with views of the water and the Poppen. This spot combines a structural testament to the fortifications with a place to take a break by the water.

The town hall tells a different chapter of the building’s history: it was built in 1621 in the Renaissance style, based on a design by Melchior van Herbach, thanks to a substantial contribution from Prince Maurits. Another specific date can be found on the yellow-brick bridge by the Bottekreek. The bridge stands where the waterway cuts through the rampart on the north side at Verlaatstraat; the year 1769 is inscribed in the keystone of its arch. The town hall and bridge can thus be viewed in light of their different construction dates.

Museum and Local Themes

The Nationaal Vlasserij-Suikermuseum explores life and work in flax cultivation, sugar beet farming, and sugar factories. It is housed in a restored estate farm and has two large exhibition rooms called “Vlasserij” and “Suiker.” The themes connect agricultural work with sugar processing; the names of the two rooms also refer to flax and sugar. Those interested in the working life behind these agricultural and production sectors will find a different focus here than at the fortifications and historic buildings.

The landscape is also part of this historical context. Klundert’s marine clay polders, the remains of tidal creeks, and the waterways recall the centuries-long struggle against the water. The Jewish cemetery on Blauwhoefseweg can also be understood within the context of local history: Klundert’s Jewish community was disbanded again around 1900 because of the small number of Jewish residents.

Walking Through Klundert

The booklet “Kuieren door Klundert” describes a walking route of about 3 kilometers through the fortified town. It includes a town map and detailed descriptions of the sights. In this way, it combines an approximate distance with directions and explanations of the places along the route. The Zuiderwaterlinie walking stage 4 is a different option: it continues from Klundert to Zevenbergen. You can choose between a route through the fortified town and a stage connecting Klundert with Zevenbergen.

The large parking area behind the Tourist Information Point at Oosterstraat 20 is a convenient starting point for visiting the Stenen Poppen, the old town hall, or the Bottekreek: all these places are a few minutes’ walk away. As parking arrangements may change, check the latest information before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Standdaarbuiten, Oudemolen, Langeweg, Moerdijk, Zevenbergen, Fijnaart, Willemstad

Go to the main travel overview: Moerdijk.