Once upon a time (in the 17th century to be exact), the West Brabant Line in the Netherlands was a series of fortresses surrounded by water that was used to fill moats and keep foot soldiers from staging sneak attacks. In recent years, there has been an effort to revive some of West Brabant’s most iconic forts, and convert the areas around them into recreational spaces for hikers, cyclists, and other outdoor adventurers. Fort de Roovere—West Brabant’s largest fort—is the site of an innovative bridge that allows visitors to cross the water by seemingly walking right on top of it. The Mozerbrug (or Moses Bridge) is an engineering marvel that may—at first glance—cause people who are nervous around water to think twice before they cross.
Mozesbrug is made out of waterproof wood. Most of the Moses Bridge rests below water. When you walk across the Moses Bridge, you can reach your arm straight out from your body and touch the water. From almost every angle, the Moses Bridge blends seamlessly with the water. People strolling across the bridge appear as though they are magically suspended in the middle of the water—much like Moses when he parted the Red Sea.
For those who are wary of walking on a bridge that looks as though it could be completely submerged in water at any moment, the engineering team who built the Moses Bridge say that their bridge is totally safe. The Moses bridge is surrounded by closely monitored dams that keep the water level stable. In the unlikely event that the dams fail, there is a sophisticated network of pumps that can empty any excess water before it becomes an issue.
If you have always dreamed of walking on water, the Moses Bridge is a safe way to make your dream a reality. Walking across the waters of an ancient moat which once repelled hostile invaders gives the Moses Bridge some added mystique. You can channel one of the most celebrated passages of the Old Testament, and consider a volatile moment in European history at the same time. A feat of modern engineering makes an ancient moat passable without visually interrupting the landscape. The Moses Bridge is cutting edge, functional, and mystical. It is no surprise that a progressive country like the Netherlands—which is known for its vibrant culture and creative take on urban living—would build such a practical and captivating bridge.