Leusden, Woudenberg, Renswoude

Built in the 18th century as a defence line, the Grebbelinie consists of well-camouflaged components such as outposts, forts, retaining walls, sluices, bunkers, casemates and trenches. By flooding parts of Gelderse Valley, the central and western parts of the Netherlands were protected from enemy forces. This ingenious system of inundation made the area difficult for the enemy to enter. In 1939-1940, the line was used for the last time and was known as the Valley Defence Line, an important defence line during mobilisation on the eve of World War II.

Today, with hundreds of years of military history, the dozens of kilometres of the Grebbelinie form a unique historical landscape. Scattered across the area are remnants of old defences, often ingeniously interwoven with the surrounding greenery. Thanks to restoration projects, many of these historical elements have been restored and made accessible to the public.