Fort · Houten · Updated on 1 November 2026.
Werk aan de Groeneweg is a fort in Houten, Utrecht. This place has a story in the app. Within 140 m you'll find a bench.
Story · Werk aan de Groeneweg
You're standing at the Werk aan de Groeneweg, on the Eiland van Schalkwijk, close to the river Lek. At first glance it might look like a quiet orchard. But look carefully between the trees. Grey concrete blocks are scattered all through the landscape. This used to be a defensive position.
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9 photos from Wikimedia Commons. In the app you add your own photo when you are there.
Werk aan de Groeneweg in Houten is an old fort where soldiers could defend themselves. It is a listed monument, so the state protects it. It belongs to the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie, a line of defence where land could be flooded to hold back an enemy. This fort was meant to stop an attack from the east. Today it is mainly known for its dozens of shelters and casemates, places from which soldiers could fire. You will find the fort in the province of Utrecht, on the Eiland van Schalkwijk, close to the Lek. About 1,700 metres to the west lies Fort Honswijk.
At first glance, the site looks like a quiet orchard. Look more closely between the trees, though, and you will see grey blocks of concrete lying half-sunk into the landscape everywhere. These are group shelters and gun casemates. There is no inside to explore, as you walk outside across the whole site. The earth rampart has largely disappeared, because part of the site has been levelled. Between the bunkers stand standard fruit trees and shrubs. The heavy concrete among the blossom or the apples creates a remarkable, almost peaceful scene. So take your time to wander between the bunkers and look at them from every side.
You will find benches at Werk aan de Groeneweg, but you will need to walk a little to reach them. The nearest bench is 142 metres away, on the Groeneweg. There are 4 benches within 500 metres, so you can easily take a seat nearby. There is no public toilet at Werk aan de Groeneweg. According to our map, there is no public toilet within 1 km. Drinking water is not available here either, as our map shows no water point within 1 km. Bring your own water and, if you can, use the toilet before you set off.
The nearest pitstop of each kind within 1 km, as the crow flies. No water point, public toilet, bike pump or honesty box within 1 km.
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The 1 nearest points of interest with a story, within 2 km.
Werk aan de Groeneweg is a fort in Houten (Utrecht) and a listed monument. It is part of the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie and lies on the Eiland van Schalkwijk, close to the Lek.
Werk aan de Groeneweg was built during the mobilisation of the Eerste Wereldoorlog. In 1936, 10 shelters were converted into casemates, and in 1939 and 1940 tank barriers and machine gun positions were added, among other things.
You can see dozens of group shelters and casemates made of concrete, scattered among high-stem fruit trees and shrubs. The earthen rampart has largely disappeared, and there is no interior space to visit.
Yes, the nearest bench is 142 metres away, on the Groeneweg. There are 4 benches within 500 metres.
No, according to our map there is no public toilet within 1 km of Werk aan de Groeneweg.
No, according to our map there is no water tap within 1 km of Werk aan de Groeneweg.
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