Schalkwijk: Discover the Waterline, trails and nature

When choosing a hotel for your stay in Schalkwijk, it helps to consider the things that interest you: the defence history of the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie, trails through the countryside or water-rich nature. The destinations described here each have a different focus.

Schalkwijk between water and the Waterline

Schalkwijk is one of the villages on Eiland van Schalkwijk, which is surrounded by the Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal, the Lek and the Lekkanaal. The Gedekte Gemeenschapsweg with Inundatiekanaal links the area to the history of the Waterline: this linear defence structure stretches from the Lek near Fort Honswijk to the Schalkwijksche Wetering.

Inundatieveld Blokhoven is also shaped by water. The water storage area on Achterdijk in Schalkwijk can hold 23,000 m³ of water. In summer, it is flooded twice a month so visitors can experience the Waterline’s inundation principle. Check the seasonal dates of these demonstrations before your trip.

Forts and defensive structures

The tower of Fort Honswijk was built between 1841 and 1848 and is the oldest and largest tower of the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie. Lunet aan de Snel is a defensive structure dating from 1845 to 1846, located 300 metres north of Fort Honswijk. The two buildings therefore represent different types of structures in the area’s defence history.

Werk aan de Groeneweg has retained its original form as an infantry position from the First World War. The complex includes a double trench, earth banks and 55 group shelters. There is also a family discovery trail through the trenches, where visitors can explore the history of the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie.

The fortifications of the Gedekte Gemeenschapsweg also developed over an extended period: from the early 20th century until shortly before the start of the Second World War, concrete and reinforced group shelters, casemates, trench systems and scattered open earth batteries were built in and around the earth bank in phases. Remains and traces of these structures may still be present.

Walking and cycling routes

The Lint- en Liniepad passes through pastureland and the outskirts of Schalkwijk, by forts and through the Lek floodplains. The Vuylcoppad is an eight-kilometre circular walking route that starts at TOP Eiland van Schalkwijk. It also passes through the outskirts, by forts and Het Verdronken Bos. To compare the routes, consider their format and stated length: the Vuylcoppad is described as an eight-kilometre loop, while the landscape and route are the focus of the Lint- en Liniepad.

The Onderwaterpad KIDS is a seven-kilometre children’s version of the Lint en Liniepad. Along the way, there are educational activities and dedicated route markers. Another option with a different focus is the Langs Lek en Linie cycling route, which explores part of the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie around Schalkwijk, Nieuwegein, Houten and Bunnik.

From May through September, the Liniepont operates as a bicycle and pedestrian ferry across the Lek, connecting Werk aan het Spoel, Fort Everdingen and Werk aan de Groeneweg. As this is a seasonal service, check operating dates before travelling. Bus route 45 runs from Houten station to the Wickenburgselaan stop; check the current timetable before departure.

Water landscapes and nature

Inundatieveld Blokhoven has walking trails, benches, a hand-operated ferry, an 80-metre-long boardwalk and jetties for canoes. These facilities complement the area’s water management function with ways to experience the surroundings on foot or from the water. Visitor facilities may change; check the information before your visit.

Het Verdronken Bos has been redesigned as a water storage area. As a result, dead tree stumps are visible above the waterline. A boardwalk leads through the area and allows visitors to observe waterbirds, including great egrets, from close up. The animals you see may vary.

Further historical insights

The Dijkmagazijn De Heul village museum is the museum of Schalkwijk and Tull en ’t Waal. It tells the more than 2,000-year history of Eiland van Schalkwijk. The residential tower Toren Vuylcop, also known as Vuylcoop, offers a different perspective on local architectural history: it dates from the 14th century and was probably built around 1300. A moat surrounds the tower.

Tuin van Jonkheer Ram was reconstructed in 2008 on the site of a former Ridderhofstad dating from around 1635 and planted in a historically appropriate style. Together with the forts, trails and museum, it offers a stay where different chapters of Schalkwijk’s history can inform your choice of hotel.

The Vuylcoppad starts at TOP Eiland van Schalkwijk. There are plenty of parking spaces for cars and bicycles, charging stations for electric cars and bicycles, and information about walking, cycling and boating trips. These visitor facilities may change; check the information before your trip if needed.

Discover more destinations: Houten, ’T Goy.

Go to the main travel overview: Houten.