Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie

The Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie is a historic Dutch defense system designed to protect the Netherlands from invaders by using controlled water levels. Built mainly between the 19th and early 20th centuries, it consists of a series of canals, dikes, locks, and inundation zones that could be intentionally flooded to create a water barrier. This floodable area could block enemy advance and make land inaccessible, while allowing Dutch troops to move safely around. Today, it’s valued for its historical significance, innovative water management, and green landscapes, and parts of it are preserved as cultural heritage and recreational areas.