Moses Bridge in Halsteren: walk through water at Fort de Rover

Moses Bridge in Halsteren: a Dutch walkway through water
By Digital Eye - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Discover the Moses Bridge in Halsteren, Netherlands: a submerged walkway that parts the moat at Fort de Rover. Learn its history, design, and why to visit.

In the small village of Halsteren in the south of the Netherlands, there is a place that surprises even seasoned travelers: a bridge you can walk right through the water and stay perfectly dry. It’s known as the Moses Bridge.

A walk through water

At first glance, it looks like nothing more than a moat—no bridge in sight. Step closer, and an unusual path appears within the water itself. Wooden walls rise on both sides; in the middle, a walkway leads across the moat of an old fortress.

The bridge is built to seem as if it splits the water. That idea gave it its name—Mozesbrug, in honor of the biblical Moses, who, according to legend, parted the sea.

A brief history

The bridge opened in 2011 as part of the restoration of the historic Fort de Rover. The fort once formed part of a defensive line built in the 17th century. Back then, the Dutch used water as protection, deliberately flooding the area to slow an advancing army.

Over time, the fort fell into neglect, but it was restored—and with it came this unusual bridge.

How it works

Architects from RO&AD Architecten designed the structure. Its core is made of durable wood treated to resist water damage, with a special waterproof membrane for added protection.

Although the bridge sits directly in the water, the level around it is controlled. Dikes on both sides help keep the depth right, and when there’s too much water, pumps take over.

Almost invisible in the landscape

From a distance, the bridge is hardly noticeable. It blends into the natural setting and the contours of the land. That was the architects’ intent: not to dominate the view, but to become part of it.

Why it’s worth the trip

The Moses Bridge is more than a sightseeing stop. It shows how a historic place can be treated with care and made engaging for today’s visitors. Walking this bridge is a chance to literally pass through water and feel like a character from an ancient story. The effect is disarming in its simplicity—and that’s what lingers.

If you find yourself in the Netherlands, make a detour to Halsteren. The Moses Bridge isn’t something you come across every day.