Schalkwijk brings together the history of the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie with walking trails through pastures and the outskirts of the village. Schalkwijk is one of the villages on the Eiland van Schalkwijk, which is surrounded by the Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal, the Lek and the Lekkanaal. For your planning, you can focus on different themes: historic fortifications, circular and themed trails, or waterscapes with opportunities for observing nature.
Fortifications and history
The Gedekte Gemeenschapsweg with Inundatiekanaal is a linear defensive structure running from the Lek near Fort Honswijk to the Schalkwijksche Wetering. 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, a fortification dating from 1845 to 1846, lies 300 metres to the north.
More recent traces of fortification are also part of the history of the Gedekte Gemeenschapsweg with Inundatiekanaal. From the beginning of the 20th century, concrete and reinforced group shelters, casemates, trench systems and open earth batteries were built in and around its earthen rampart in successive phases. This development continued until shortly before the start of the Second World War; remains and traces may still be present.
Werk aan de Groeneweg has retained its original form as an infantry position from the First World War. The site includes a double trench, earth ramparts and 55 group shelters. A family scavenger hunt and adventure route leads through the trenches and introduces visitors to the history of the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie. Check the current status of this adventure route before your trip.
Other historical sites offer different perspectives: Museum Dijkmagazijn De Heul is the village museum of Schalkwijk and Tull en ’t Waal; it presents the more than 2,000-year history of the Eiland van Schalkwijk. The Tuin van Jonkheer Ram was reconstructed in 2008 on the site of a former Ridderhofstad dating from around 1635 and planted with historical accuracy. The residential tower Toren Vuylcop, also known as Vuylcoop, dates from the 14th century and was probably built around 1300. A moat surrounds the tower.
Walking and cycling routes
The Lint- en Liniepad runs through pastures and the outskirts of Schalkwijk, passing forts and crossing the uiterwaarden of the Lek. The Vuylcoppad offers a different format: this eight-kilometre circular walking route starts at TOP Eiland van Schalkwijk. It also runs through the outskirts, passing forts and Het Verdronken Bos. If a circular route helps you plan, the Vuylcoppad’s length is a specific planning detail; the Lint- en Liniepad, by contrast, describes a route through several types of landscape.
The Onderwaterpad KIDS is a seven-kilometre version of the Lint en Liniepad for children. Along the way, there are educational activities and its own route markers. For a cycling trip, Langs Lek en Linie passes through Schalkwijk, Nieuwegein, Houten and Bunnik, covering part of the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie. 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. Check its operating dates before setting out.
Waterscapes and nature
Het Verdronken Bos has been redesigned as a water storage area. Dead tree stumps are visible above the waterline, and a boardwalk runs through the area. From there, you can observe water birds such as the great egret at close range. Whether you see individual birds may vary.
Inundatieveld Blokhoven is a water storage area on the Achterdijk in Schalkwijk and can hold 23,000 cubic metres of water. In summer, it is flooded twice a month so visitors can experience the principle of inundation used by the Waterlinie. If you want to see this process, check the seasonal dates in advance. The site has walking paths, benches, a hand-pulled ferry and an 80-metre-long boardwalk. Facilities may change; check the latest information before visiting.
Practical information
TOP Eiland van Schalkwijk has parking for cars and bicycles, charging stations for electric cars and e-bikes, and information about destinations for walking, cycling and boating. Bus route 45 runs from Houten railway station to the Wickenburgselaan stop; check the current timetable before travelling. This information can help you plan without turning the different routes and destinations into a fixed itinerary. First decide whether you want your trip to focus on the fortifications, a particular route, or water and nature. That way, you can choose suitable experiences and take seasonal schedules into account for activities such as the Liniepont or the flooding at Blokhoven.
Discover more destinations: Houten, 'T Goy.
Go to the main travel overview: Houten.
