Fort Kijkuit is one of several forts that were a part of the Dutch Water Line. The Dutch Water line was a series of water based defences conceived by Maurice of Nassau in the late 16th century. Work began on the line in 1629, and it proved its value in 1672, when it stopped the advance of the armies of Louis XIV. In 1815, the decision was made to modernise the Water Line, and the New Dutch Water Line was formed. During the Second World War it was found that the concrete forts were too vulnerable to attacks from modern artillery to withstand a prolonged seige. Today, the Water Line is popular with hikers and cyclists, because of its natural beauty.
