De Brug van Vroenhoven

About the museum

De Brug van Vroenhoven is an experience centre under the bridge over the Albert Canal in Vroenhoven, part of Riemst. On the spot it tells how the Second World War began for Belgium: on 10 May 1940 the German army attacked the bridges over the canal. The attack on the Vroenhoven bridge was coordinated with attacks on the bridges at Veldwezelt and Kanne, the Eben-Emael fort and the cities of Maastricht and Tongeren. The attackers were brought in by gliders.

The first part of the centre covers the attack of 10 to 12 May 1940 in South-East Limburg: the German attack plans and the Belgian defence strategy, secret German weapons, life under occupation, the liberation and the role of propaganda. Testimonies from people who experienced the events as children, and re-enacted testimonies based on historical accounts, bring the story to life, together with objects from the 1940s, photos and film. A memorial wall commemorates the 1,740 victims.

The second part is about canals and inland shipping and is aimed mainly at young people and active learners. Visitors see how a lock works, do a quiz, try to steer a ship through a lock and watch a robot build a bridge. It covers, among other things, the canals of De Vlaamse Waterweg nv, ship types, the wheelhouse of a modern inland barge, the economic role of canals and the plants and animals in and around the water.

Highlights

• Experience centre on the start of the Second World War in Belgium on 10 May 1940
• Memorial wall for the 1,740 victims
• Testimonies from children of the time and re-enacted testimonies
• Interactive section on canals and inland shipping, with a lock, quiz and bridge-building robot
• Brasserie Onder de Brug with sun terrace on the Albert Canal

Permanent exhibitions

• Het begin van de Tweede Wereldoorlog in België – On the German surprise attack of 10 to 12 May 1940 in South-East Limburg, with attack plans, testimonies, objects from the 1940s and a memorial wall for the 1,740 victims.
• Kanalen en binnenvaart – An interactive section on how a lock works, ship types, the economic role of canals and the nature along the water.

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The large car park is set up for people with disabilities and the entrance at the amphitheatre is accessible via a ramp. The entrance from the car park on Kanaalstraat is only reachable via stairs.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations

The part on canals and inland shipping is interactive and aimed at young people: visitors steer a ship through a lock, do a quiz and see a robot build a bridge.

Getting there & parking

The centre is on the cycle junction network, at junction 557.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Brasserie Onder de Brug has a sun terrace overlooking the Albert Canal; the opening hours are on onderdebrug.be.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 1,200 guests.

Space for parties, meetings and congresses for 150 to 1,200 people; there is also an open-air auditorium for concerts and theatre.

Plan your visit