Soft and strong cellulose-based fibrous web, comprises a) cellulosic fibres having a freeness value of more than 26.degree. SR measured according to DIN-ISO 5267/1 (March 1999), b) a water-soluble cationic polymer, c) a water-soluble anionic polymer, and d) a cationic surfactant-based softener. The webs are prepared by refining cellulosic fibres to a degree of freeness of more than 26.degree. SR measured according to DIN-ISO 5267/1, adding at least one water-soluble anionic polymer and water-soluble cationic polymer to the refined cellulosic fibres, adding a cationic surfactant-based softener to the cellulosic fibres obtained thereby, and wet-laying and dewatering the celulosic fibres obtained thereby.