Forteiland IJmuiden - Museum

Forteiland IJmuiden is a 19th century fort on an island at the mouth of the North Sea Canal near IJmuiden. It is part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and also has Atlantic Wall bunkers.

What can you expect at Forteiland IJmuiden?

• History: The fort was built between 1881 and 1888 to guard the North Sea Canal. A new canal arm turned it into an island in 1929. In 1942 the Germans built 37 bunkers there. In 1963 it was the last fort of the Defence Line to lose its military role.
• Visit: You sail from the Kop van de Haven to the island in about 10 minutes and explore the fort and bunkers on your own or with a guide. Art hangs on the first floor.
• Highlights: Highlights of Forteiland IJmuiden are:
  • The armoured gallery for five 24 centimetre guns facing the sea.
  • The site of the rotating armoured cupola, whose guns and dome the Germans removed for scrap.
  • The German Second World War bunkers on the island.

Practical information

• Season: Open from March to November, mainly on Sundays and on some Wednesdays in the summer holidays. Tickets are sold online only.
• Good to know: The fort is only partly accessible due to uneven paths and stairs; there is an accessible toilet. Drinks and snacks are sold on the island.

Forteiland IJmuiden is an adventurous trip to an island full of military history.

Furthermore Forteiland IJmuiden is near the following sights: Bunker museum (±1,1 km), Sea and Harbour Museum (±1,7 km), Kennemerstrand (±1,9 km), Lichtbakkeet (±3,2 km) & Heerenduinen (±3,3 km).

For information

Forteiland 10, IJmuiden
tel. +31 206 263 600 
web. Website