Defence Heritage Weekend from April 19 to 21, 2025

During the Easter weekend, forts, bunkers, fortifications, air raid shelters, and defensive lines open their doors to the public during the 'Weekend of Defence Heritage'. This event not only offers a unique opportunity to explore our military past but also invites reflection on the current global situation and the value of defence heritage in contemporary society. From Den Helder to Maastricht, there is plenty to do from April 19 to 21, 2025: fascinating excursions, nature expeditions, museum visits, and enjoying delicious food and drinks. Experience this weekend!

Defence Heritage Weekend from April 19 to 21, 2025

In a time when conflicts are the order of the day worldwide – such as the ongoing war in UkraineWith the escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip and the civil war in Myanmar, we are confronted with the state of peace and security in our own country. Conflicts around the world highlight the importance of education and awareness regarding freedom and democracy, and the defense of those values ​​and, by extension, of our cultural heritage. The 'Weekend of Defense Heritage' offers visitors the opportunity to discover the historical significance of our defense works in the Netherlands and to understand how these structures have contributed to our security in the past.

Forts, fortifications and bunkers

The Netherlands is a land of forts! The UNESCO World Heritage Dutch Waterlines alone, stretching from Edam to the Biesbosch, boasts 96 forts. But many of these “brave knights” can also be found in the Den Helder Defence Line and the Southern Water Line. The Netherlands also has around 160 fortifications. Between the 15th and 18th centuries, these historic powerhouses were reinforced by imposing walls, ramparts, and bastions due to their strategic location. Then there are bunkers, those robust (sometimes pyramid-like) concrete boxes in the landscape. Along the coastline, you will find even larger ones, those of the Atlantic Wall. Even more recent are the bunkers, air raid shelters, and watchtowers from the Cold War. During the Defence Heritage Weekend, all these locations open their doors so that visitors can view this unique heritage up close. Enjoy the charm of the Dutch fortified city during a fortress walk or boat trip, or join a guided tour of a fort or visit a bunker museum. Exciting history with underlying lessons about the importance of freedom. View the full program at www.forten.nl.

 

A selection of activities

Museum Fort Kijkduin • Fortress Cruise Medemblik – Enkhuizen • Abseiling on Fort Island IJmuiden • Day at Fort Island Pampus • Guided walk across the Historic Hembrug Site • Duck basket weaving workshop at Kunstfort Vijfhuizen • Pop-up dinner and lunch at Fort bij Abcoude • Guided tours of Atlantic Wall museums • Shooters' Day at Fortress Museum Naarden • Performances and live music at Fort Maarsseveen • Fort & Food at Fort Vechten • Easter brunch and scavenger hunt at Fort Honswijk • Lek River cruise with the Liniepont • Unique guided tour of the NTC Bunker Gouda • Guided tour of the Roman watchtower Castellum Hoge Woerd • Fortress walk Nieuwpoort, Gorinchem, and Willemstad • Roman Waal Treasures De Bastei Nijmegen • Fortress Golf in Zutphen • A look inside the air watchtower Strijensas • Fortress Run Steenbergen • Easter Fair Middelburg and Vlissingen • 400 years of Prince Maurits at Museum Het Bolwerk IJzendijke • Underground Excursion to the Valkenburg Municipal Cave • Combined visit to the caves, Fort Sint Pieter, and casemates in Maastricht Fortress • Excursions to Fort bij Spijkerboor, Fort Werk IV, Fort Everdingen, Fort Altena, Fort Pannerden, Fort Sabina, Fort Isabella, Fort Buitensluis, Fort Rammekens, etc. • and of course, Easter egg hunts and Easter brunches at many locations.  

Fort & vesting magazine

At all participating locations, the brand-new and free Fort! & vesting magazine Done. In this contemporary annual magazine, you are introduced to the history and activities of forts, water lines, fortified cities, and bunkers in the Netherlands. Issue 12 of what has become the largest heritage magazine in the Netherlands comprises no fewer than 92 pages and is published in an edition of 50.000.

 

<strong> More info: </strong>

Defence Heritage Weekend from 19 to 21 April 2025: https://forten.nl/activiteiten/weekend-van-het-verdedigingserfgoed/ Magazines in Fort! & vesting 2025: https://forten.nl/magazine/fort-vesting-2025/ Short video of what you can experience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HcrvnCUlYY This weekend is sponsored by the VriendenLoterij.