The defence line goes from the Zuidersea, along the River Linde, to the De Blesse Bridge.

Then, the defence line goes northward to Kuinre by way of Heerenveen, Terband, Gorredijk, Donkerbroek, Bakkeveen and Frieschepalen.

The area along the forts had dams flooded during the Eighty Years' War against the Spanish and in 1672 Rampjaar (Disaster Year) against Bernard von Galen and the French troops who were the bishop of Munster.

In the east, the defence line is connected to the Groninger waterlinie, which continues to Delfzijl.

The defence line contains thezse forts: Dutch waterlines Other