Why Gorinchem is the most beautiful fortified town in the Netherlands

| | |

Gorinchem has been voted the most beautiful fortified town in the Netherlands by the ANWB.

"Gorinchem is beautifully situated where the Linge flows into the Merwede. Beautifully preserved are the ramparts: a green ribbon around the city with giant chestnuts and plane trees to stroll under and with a view of the surrounding countryside, the river and the many fortifications. This combination of view of the river, ring of greenery and lively city centre makes Gorinchem a tasty bonbon", the jury said.

There are dozens of fortresses and medieval towns in the Netherlands where something of this past can still be seen. However, most fortified towns did not escape progress in the 19th century; the defences were demolished to make way for industry, housing or parks. Gorinchem, however, has been preserved and is now even the largest fortified town in the Netherlands that is still completely intact. Many fortified parts have been refurbished and now have a contemporary use that Gorcumers and visitors alike enjoy. We give 11 reasons why Gorinchem is not only the largest, but also the nicest fortified town in the Netherlands!

Walk along the vestingwallen with spectacular views

The vestingwallen in Gorinchem have remained completely intact. The ramparts run all the way around and you can walk across them. The specially laid footpath offers beautiful views over the rivers; unique in the Netherlands! Also fun: recently, you can also walk along the bottom of the eastern rampart. This allows you to experience the high earthen walls and outer works in a completely different way.

Original city gate: the Dalempoort

The Dalempoort is the only city gate left. The medieval town once had four: the Arkelpoort, Kanselpoort and Waterpoort became coupures (passages) in the rampart when the fortress was built. The Waterpoort, by the way, has been preserved; it now stands in the Rijksmuseum's garden. Unfortunately, you cannot enter the Dalempoort itself (it is still inhabited), but you can walk under it to the river.

De Hoofdwacht on the cosy catering square

There were several guard posts in the garrison town, but the Main Guard from 1792 was the most important. This central post on the Grote Markt housed the officers and, reportedly, also Napoleon during a working visit. Today, de Hoofdwacht is a restaurant on the cosy catering square with its many (covered) terraces.

Petit Café La Caponnière

The caponniere was built as the last part of the fortress in 1893. The chilly and damp bombproof gun emplacement of yesteryear is now a cosy Petit Café; in winter you can sit warmly by the woodstove and enjoy special coffees, beers or a good glass of wine. In summer, you can sit outside on the rampart.

Spend the night in the Tolhuis

The Tolhuis from 1598 rises stately above the rampart. Not for nothing, as all passing ships had to pay toll here. So the house was built to have a good view over the river. Even now you can still enjoy this magnificent panorama; the upper floor is furnished as a Monument and Bed for a luxurious stay in a prime location.

The Kruitmagazijnen

No fortress without gunpowder. And of course, this gunpowder had to be kept somewhere safe. Just like in other fortified towns, Gorinchem also had several small and larger 'bombproof' kruitmagazijnen. Two large warehouses on the Dalemwal are still in use. Today, instead of gunpowder, top artists show surprising exhibitions of modern objects, photos, jewellery, textiles, glass art and ceramics here. Admission is free!

Kruitmagazijnen

Wheatmill De Hoop

Medieval towns had to provide for themselves. There were no potatoes yet, the basic food was bread. Therefore, there were several flour mills to supply the city's bakers with flour. There are still two corn mills on the ramparts: De Hoop and Nooit Volmaakt. De Hoop is open every weekend; you can climb all the way up wooden steps to see the workings of the mill. Bonus: the stunning view over the river. The miller is happy to welcome you!

The Hope

Molen Nooit Volmaakt with mill shop

This mill can also be visited on Wednesdays and Saturdays. And there is a mill shop with artisan bread, biscuits, flour and local products. Of course, the flour is traditionally ground in the mill itself. Delicious for pancakes, mill bread or homemade biscuits.

Never perfect

Grote Toren with spectacular views

The tallest building in town is the Grote Toren; you can see it from afar. If you dare, you can climb the tower. After 256 steps, you will have reached the highest point and be rewarded with spectacular views. Soms you can even see the Dom in Utrecht or the skyline of Rotterdam! Fortunately, you don't have to do the climb in one go, as there are two breaks along the way with explanations from the tower guide.

De Langendijk: the nicest shopping street

One of the oldest streets in Gorinchem is the Langendijk. For centuries, this narrow street was the main street of the fortress. It was a coming and going of people, carts, animals and later even cars taking the ferry across. Nowadays, many trendy shops and concept stores can be found on the Langendijk. Many buildings still have authentic facades; the mix of old and new makes this the nicest shopping street in town!

Buiten de Waterpoort: sailing in the Fortress Triangle

The nicest fortified town in the Netherlands is also the most watery. Gorinchem lies on the idyllic Linge and the busiest waterway in the Netherlands, the Merwede. Buiten de Waterpoort, these rivers converge. Here you can take the ferry to the picturesque town of Woudrichem and, in season, sail on to the medieval Slot Loevestein. A day of sailing in this Fortress Triangle is a must if you are in Gorinchem!