Open Monumentendag the Netherlands

This weekend is heritage weekend in the Netherlands. A lot of usually closed bunkers are open to the public. Here’s a small list of possible visits.

September 8

In the province of Zeeland one can visit several bunkers of Stichting Bunkerbehoud between 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. In Vlissingen you can take a view through the huge periscope which is mounted in the turret of the Regelbau 143 at Oranjemolen. Unique in the world, and only this day. The bunker museum in Zoutelande with its 143 and 502 are open too.  In Burgh-Haamstede the big hospital bunker type 118a in Slotbos can be visited as well as the quite rare communications bunker 618 in Middelburg in the Toorenvliedt park. It’s being restored and in original condition. Guided tours through the bunker park are possible.

On De Punt, Goeree-Overflakkee a very special Widerstandsnest is open to the public. Guided tours from 10 am to 4pm and as an extra, World War 2 reenactors will show the daily life of soldiers during the war. More info via WO2GO website.

The ‘Biberbunker’ (L 487 Nachtjagd headquarters) on Voorne is an impressive two storied bunker. Although it’s been altered after the war it’s still an interesting place to visit.

In Rijswijk, the BB-complex Overvoorde is open. Formerly a Luftwaffe headquarters it was converted to a civilian defence site after the war. More info.

Den Haag and Scheveningen were of course important during the war. Seyss-Inquart, Reichskommissar, had its headquarters here. This weekend two museum bunkers can be visited. One 622 at Scheveningen of Bunkermuseum Den Haag and a 608 and recentely uncovered 622 of Stichting Atlantikwall Museum Scheveningen.

In Noordwijk the impressive S 414 fire controlpost with underground tunnels can be visited. It’s been restored recently and looks fantastic. More info.

A camouflaged 616 cable switch bunker can be found in Alkmaar. An interesting bunker with an interesting appearance. More info.

Two young guys have restored a M 151 Kriegsmarine personnel bunker in Den Helder. It was part of a heavy Flak battery. In a short time it’s been turned from a wrecked place place to something to visit. Have a look at their website.

Further in the north, at the Afsluitdijk, the Kazemattenmuseum Kornwerderzand opens its doors. It’s the only place in the Netherlands were German forces were put to a halt during the 1940 war. Besides the impressive Dutch casemates, some German additions can be seen including a 667 with 5cm KwK installed. More info on their website.

Besides all the German bunkers there are loads of forts and other defence works open to the public this weekend. For an overview please see the official Open Monumentendag website