I recently took a little cycling trip to visit the unique and kind of magical Moses Bridge, located near the small town of Bergen op Zoom in the south of the Netherlands.
True to its name, the Moses Bridge is inspired by the famous biblical story of Moses parting the Red Sea.
Just like that story, this bridge lets you “walk through water” as it splits the moat’s surface in two, creating the illusion that you’re walking right through it.
Standing there in person, it really did feel like stepping into a scene straight out of the Bible.
What Is the Moses Bridge?
The Moses Bridge is a wooden pedestrian bridge built into the moat of Fort de Roovere, located in the Dutch province of North Brabant.
The fort itself dates back to the 17th century and was once part of the “Water Line,” a defensive strategy that used wetlands to hold back invading armies. These days, it’s a peaceful mix of nature and history, open to visitors.
The bridge was designed in 2011 by the Dutch architecture studio RO&AD Architecten. It’s built right at the waterline, so from a distance, it looks like the bridge disappears into the landscape. Walk closer, though, and you find yourself entering a trench in the water — a very cool, surreal experience.
Thoughtful Design & Environmental Harmony
What makes this bridge so special is how it “parts” the water. Since it’s at the same level as the water, it really feels like you’re walking through it rather than over it.
The bridge is made from Accoya wood, a sustainable and long-lasting material that’s also kind to wetland environments. The design takes nature seriously — it blends in beautifully with the historic fort and doesn’t ruin the view.
This place is a perfect balance of eco-conscious design, historical preservation, and modern architecture.
A Lookout Tower & Park Nearby
Right next to the bridge, you’ll find the Pompejus Tower — a wooden lookout tower standing about 25 meters tall.
Climb to the top, and you’ll be treated to sweeping 360° views of the town of Bergen op Zoom and the surrounding countryside.
The same architecture firm, RO&AD Architecten, also designed this tower. Its modern wooden latticework design fits right into the historic atmosphere of the old fort.
It’s definitely worth a stop if you love architecture — it’s a striking landmark that bridges the gap between the area’s military past and its natural surroundings.
The area around the tower has been turned into a public park, with grassy lawns and waterside walking paths. It’s the perfect place for a spring or summer picnic, and just relaxing in the sun felt amazing.
There’s even a little café at the entrance to Fort de Roovere where you can take a break and enjoy the scenery after checking out the bridge. Definitely a great spot to unwind.
How to Get There: From the Station to the Bridge
The nearest train station is Bergen op Zoom, just over an hour from Rotterdam or Antwerp.
From the station, you can either take a bus or rent a bike to reach the bridge.
I rented an OV-fiets at the station and biked there.
May is the perfect season for fresh greenery, and the ride along tree-lined paths was so refreshing. It was a sunny weekend, perfect cycling weather, with gentle hills and peaceful surroundings — a very chill ride.
I stopped a few times to snap some photos and just listen to birdsong — those kinds of little moments are why I love biking so much.
It took about 20 minutes each way. Not too far, but just long enough to build up excitement for the bridge ahead.
A Farm Shop Stop on the Way Back
On the way back, I made a spontaneous stop at a charming little farm called Boerderijwinkel den Hof. Highly recommend!
The cow shed is right there, and you can say hi to the cows over the fence.
Inside the shop, they sell their own fresh cream, cheese, yogurt, butter — all great for souvenirs. Sadly, they were out of milk that day, but it was still super cute.
The real star, though? The ice cream.
I had the raspberry and plain cream flavors (called roomijs in Dutch), and both were amazing. Rich, creamy, and you could really taste how fresh the ingredients were. It totally hit the spot after the bike ride.
Lots of locals were stopping by too, so I guess it’s a popular hidden gem around here.
Don’t Miss a Walk Around Bergen op Zoom
Bergen op Zoom might be a small town, but there’s a surprising amount to explore, especially if you like history. After the bridge, I spent a little time wandering near the train station.
The main square, Grote Markt, is full of life. Cobblestone streets, sunny terraces, and people chilling over drinks — the atmosphere is super relaxed, especially on a sunny day.
There are plenty of cute cafes around the square too — I had a hard time choosing where to stop. Sitting outside, people-watching with a coffee? Perfect way to wind down.
If you’re staying overnight, check out Grand Hotel De Draak. It’s said to be the oldest hotel in the Netherlands, and it has an on-site restaurant too. I loved the grand, classic look of the building.
Book a stay at Grand Hotel De Draak >>
The Gertrudiskerk (St. Gertrude’s Church) is a local landmark. You can even climb the tower for panoramic views of the whole town.
Another highlight is the Het Markiezenhof, a city museum located in a former Renaissance palace. It’s full of historical and art exhibitions, and honestly feels like several museums in one.
The courtyard was absolutely gorgeous, and while I was there, they were setting up for a wedding — it made the place feel extra special.
There’s also the Gevangenpoort, a former prison gate you can visit. Step inside to see how people used to live, and learn a bit about the area’s darker history.
Final Thoughts
From Amsterdam, it’s about a 2-hour trip one way, so yes — it’s a bit of a trek. But totally worth it.
I’d been curious about the Moses Bridge for a while, but didn’t know exactly how to get there. Turns out, with the NS subscription and an OV-fiets rental at the station, it was a lot more doable than I thought.
The Moses Bridge is a perfect example of nature and design working together. Walking across it really does feel like experiencing the “parting of the waters” for yourself.
Even just for the bridge alone, this trip is worth it. But if you can, take some time to enjoy the whole area — the peaceful vibe, the historical feel of the town, and the lovely scenery all around.
