Nieuwendijk: Walking Routes, Polder Views and the History of the Water Line

In Nieuwendijk, different interests come together: walking routes lead through the landscape, historic structures tell the story of water defence, and Xinix offers its own cultural focus. You can consider these themes separately when planning your stay—from the course of a walking route to the history of Papsluis.

Walking Routes and Landscape

The Liniepad starts at Papsluis in Nieuwendijk and ends in the fortified town of Woudrichem. The walking route is 9.9 kilometres long and passes the southernmost forts of the Hollandse Waterlinies. Its start and finish are clearly defined; the route’s length and historical connection also provide practical guidance for planning your walk.

The Rondje Nieuwendijk/Uppel route offers a different perspective on the landscape: from it, you can see polders bordering De Biesbosch National Park. This circular route focuses on views across the polders, while the Liniepad is defined by its length, its endpoints and its course alongside the forts. These different features can help guide your choice when comparing the routes.

Route details may change. Check the latest information about the Liniepad before setting off.

Fort Bakkerskil and the Surrounding Area

Fort Bakkerskil is a historic fort on the Kildijk, north of Nieuwendijk and southeast of Werkendam. It was built in 1879 as part of the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie. The site therefore combines a specific location with the history of a defensive line; the fort itself lies outside Nieuwendijk, in the surrounding area.

Rondje Fort Bakkerskil starts at the fort and follows the Oostwaardpad, passing fields and the Bakkerskil stream. This section of the route gives the circular walk its landscape character. Rondje Nieuwendijk/Uppel, with its views across the polders, offers a different experience: here, fields and the Bakkerskil watercourse shape the route description, while the other route features views of the polders bordering De Biesbosch National Park.

Dogs are not allowed on Rondje Fort Bakkerskil. In heavy rain, the unpaved paths can become muddy. These notices apply specifically to this circular route. From the fort, you can also walk and cycle through the rural surroundings of Nieuwendijk and De Biesbosch.

Traces of Water and Local History

Papsluis dates from 1815. It is an inlet sluice that could flood the land in the event of a threat. It provides a tangible example of the historical role of water defence. It is also the starting point of the Liniepad, which ends in Woudrichem.

Another part of local history is commemorated by Nieuwendijk’s war memorial. The bronze sculpture depicts two grieving figures: one seated and one standing. They stand on a natural-stone plinth. The memorial remembers the civilian victims who lost their lives during the years of occupation. Its materials, figures and purpose give the memorial a distinct, recognisable form; its meaning differs from the technical history of Papsluis and the fort.

Xinix in Nieuwendijk

Xinix is in Nieuwendijk on the A27 between Utrecht and Breda, near the Nieuwendijk exit. The Nieuwendijk, Rijksweg A27 bus stop is practically right outside the entrance. This identifies both the venue’s location by the motorway and a bus stop immediately outside. You can use these specific location details to find your way.

The Xinix Club Nights concept includes dancing to genres such as house, techno and disco, as well as 90s, Foute and 70s/80s parties. The Club Nights add a musical focus to the walking and history themes.

Discover more destinations: Werkendam, Hank, Sleeuwijk, Dussen.

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