Walking Along the Dutch Water Line...

The Dutch Water Line, now an UNESCO World Heritage Site, was a series of water-based defenses conceived in the 17th century. During World War II, Dutch soldiers were stationed at Fort Honswijk, built in 1848; it was taken by the German Army in May 1940 without a fight. 

Next to the fort ran a canal with a variety of different slats...

…slanted boards...

'

…and unusual steps up to the edge.

Especially interesting was the wooden boardwalk through the Verdronken Bos (Drowned Forest). 

Hard to believe that this was once a regular forest in Schalkwijk with poor drainage that left standing water after heavy showers. Around a dozen years ago it was repurposed to be a water storage facility. The trees were literally drowned.

Our 17K walk ended in Houten Castellum, where we caught the train home. It was great to walk further afield and see such a unique area.