Atlantikwall Museum Noordwijk

About the museum

Starting in late 1940, the German Kriegsmarine (navy) built the Noordwijk coastal battery, part of the Atlantic Wall, on a former golf course in the dunes north of Noordwijk. More than 180 soldiers were stationed here, and around 80 structures were built – from wooden barracks to bunkers with walls up to three meters thick. The centerpiece was the three-story fire control bunker S414, for whose 2,400 cubic meters of concrete a railway track was specially laid to the construction site. Four gun bunkers for 15-centimeter cannons and two ammunition bunkers were connected by underground tunnels with a narrow-gauge railway.

After the war, during the Cold War, one ammunition bunker was converted into an art depot; today it houses the Museum Engelandvaarders. Many other installations were blown up or buried in the 1970s.

In 2001, volunteers set up a foundation to secure, restore, and open up the fire control bunker and the surviving tunnels; the museum opened in 2004. Since then, volunteers have uncovered more bunkers and parts of the tunnel system, so that today a north tunnel and a south tunnel can be visited on guided tours; another section is still being worked on. The fire control bunker is furnished with original objects as it was during World War II. The museum operates without structural operating subsidies and is part of the Erfgoedlijn Atlantikwall heritage route in South Holland.

Highlights

• Three-story fire control bunker S414, furnished as it was during World War II
• Underground tunnel system with gun, ammunition, and living-quarters bunkers (guided tour only)
• Audio tour in Dutch, German, and English, plus a children's version
• Installations of the Noordwijk battery uncovered and restored by volunteers

Founded

2004

Operated by

Stichting Atlantikwall Museum Noordwijk

Visitors per year

approx. 13,000 (2025)

Admission & discounts

The “Alleen museum” (museum only) ticket covers a self-guided visit to the fire control bunker with audio tour; the guided tour of the tunnels costs more and includes the museum visit.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking: no information
• 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

Due to the narrow bunkers and stairs, not accessible to wheelchair users or people with limited mobility. No restrooms of its own – visitors can use the restrooms of the neighboring Museum Engelandvaarders free of charge. Dogs are not allowed.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Baby changing facilities: not available

Dedicated children's audio tour (Dutch, English); children only when accompanied by adults. Narrow bunkers with stairs, no restrooms on site.

Getting there & parking

The museum is 250 m from the Bosweg on the bike path in the dunes.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Plan your visit