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Bunker Day in the Netherlands

Bunker Day in the Netherlands

Jun 03, 2023
Various locations
Various prices

World War 2 bunkers are part of the landscape of the Dutch coast and steeped in history. On National Bunker Day the public is invited to discover the many bunkers along the coastline that are usually closed to the public. Bunker Day, on June 3, 2023, includes guided tours, re-enactments, theatre and poetry readings and is part of European Bunker Day, an initiative of Atlantikwall Europe (AWE).

Bunkerdag 2023: Venture inside bunkers, for one day only

The Atlantic Wall comprises giant structures that were built as coastal defences and fortifications and there are many remnants of the Second World War that can be found along the Atlantic coast, not just in the Netherlands, but also in Belgium, France, Germany and Denmark.

In the Netherlands, all the way from Zeeland in the south to Friesland in the north, the bunkers, which are normally not open to the public, will be accessible by everyone and anyone on Bunker Day 2023.      

Open day bunkers at strategic locations in the Netherlands

Many of the bunkers are located along some of the most popular beaches in the Netherlands, as well as on some World Heritage Sites like the Wadden Sea and national parks like the Texel dunes and the island of Schiermonnikoog. 

Check out the activities happening at locations such as:

  • Alkmaar
  • Bergen
  • Den Helder
  • The Wadden Islands
  • Dishoek
  • Dordrecht
  • Egmond aan Zee
  • Groede
  • Hellevoetsluis
  • Hook van Holland
  • IJmuiden
  • Kornwederzand
  • Middelburg
  • Oostvoorne
  • Noordwijk
  • Ouddorp
  • Rijswijk
  • S’Gravenzande
  • Strijensas
  • The Hague - Bunkerdag Scheveningen
  • Vlissingen
  • Wassenaar
  • Wijk aan Zee
  • Zoutelande

Other war commemorations in the Netherlands

Bunker Day occurs on June 3, almost a month after Liberation Day, and is, in turn, preceded by Remembrance Day. The Netherlands commemorates the Second World War with solemn ceremonies on May 4 as a symbol of respect for all the Dutch who died in conflicts around the world. It continues the next day with large-scale free events such an open-air pop festival.

Additionally, every year on May 14, Rotterdam commemorates the 1940 aerial bombardment that destroyed most of the city. Typically, there are many events and gatherings taking place in the city centre.      

In summary, the commemorative days in 2023 are:

Get your tickets

A Bunker Day ticket is required to gain entry into the bunkers. There is no pre-sale, and tickets can be purchased on Bunker Day, June 3, at all participating locations.