Diefdijk dike originally dates from the Middle Ages, but was integrated into the New Dutch Waterline in the 19th century. This meant that the most westerly part of the Betuwe region could be flooded in order to protect the cities in the province of Holland from possible enemy invasion. The defence system has since been decommissioned and some of the fortifications have been given a new lease of life.
Embankment
Diefdijk dike dates from 1284 and was originally built as an embankment running from the river Lek in Geldersmalen to the river Waal in Gorinchem. The dike is about 23 km long and was built to protect the surrounding area should the Betuwe region flood. The dike effectively divides this region in two, and was once considered to be the border between the Duchy of Guelders and the County of Holland. It still marks the border between the modern provinces of Gelderland and South-Holland today.
Waterline
In the 19th century, Diefdijk dike was integrated into the New Dutch Waterline, which stretched from the Ijsselmeer Lake in Muiden to National Park De Biesbosch. The Waterline was intended for combatting the threat of invasion in times of war, by flooding a long stretch of land to the east of the dike. Fortifications were built in strategic positions, like Fort Asperen and Fort Vuren, and where the Waterline was broken by rivers, railway lines and later highways, extra reinforcements were constructed like those in Culemborg and Acquoy.
Binding force
After WWII the New Dutch Waterline was decommissioned, but Diefdijk dike was left intact and is still used as a water defence. In fact, work for improving the safety and strength of the dike whilst unveiling and preserving the historical remains of the Waterline is ongoing. Nature, art, countryside, history and tourism all go hand in hand here, with Diefdijk dike as their binding force.
