Fortress Island: Biggest Bunker Complex in Holland
Perhaps the most impressive place in IJmuiden, Fortress Island or Forteiland was built in 1881 as part of the defense line of Amsterdam and re-purposed by the Nazis as part of the Atlantic Wall to prevent a British invasion.
- Where: Forteiland 10, 1976 DZ IJmuiden, Netherlands [Map]
- Hours: Restricted, call ahead or click here
- Price: 10 euro per person
- Phone: +31 255 527 707 (English is spoken)
- Why: One of largest bunkers in Holland
- Notes: You may encounter spiderwebs and spiders
Take a short ferry ride to this fortress island in my Dutch hometown of IJmuiden. Forteiland is a fortified bunker complex located at the entrance of the north sea channel which connects Amsterdam to the North Sea.
My brother Hugo & Sterre joined me on this adventure. The fortress was a lot bigger than I initially expected, it has tunnels that stretch almost half a kilometer underneath the island.
forteiland in IJmuiden, Velsen
The Forteiland museum managed to collect many artifacts from the Nazi era such as household products, Nazi uniforms and other items from Wold War II.
If time permits you can also visit the Bunker Museum which is located near the IJmuiden Beach within the dunes.
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