Bunkermuseum Schlei

About the museum

During the Second World War around 600 German soldiers were stationed on Schiermonnikoog. For defence against the Allies, an entire bunker village with bunkers, radar installations, anti-aircraft defences and camouflaged barracks was built in the north of the island as part of the Atlantic Wall. It bore the code name "Schlei", after the fish species (tench).

The opening of the Wassermann bunker in 2004 provided the impetus for a museum. After agreement with the Natuurmonumenten association, the left half of the neighbouring Seeburg bunker, which served as a communications centre during the war, could be used: here radar and radio data came together and were passed on to the Luftwaffe. The Stichting Bunkermuseum Schlei foundation collects and displays objects and knowledge about the Second World War on the island; the museum opened on 11 June 2009, the anniversary of the liberation in 1945.

The topics include bombings, the island railway, rescue operations during the war and the radar antennas. The museum is run entirely by volunteers and receives no structural subsidies; in October 2024 it welcomed its 100,000th visitor. In addition there is a cycle route past further bunkers on the island.

Highlights

• Seeburg bunker as the former communications centre of the Schlei bunker village
• History of the German occupation and the liberation of Schiermonnikoog
• Topics including radar, the island railway, bombings and rescue during the war
• Cycle route to further bunkers, including the Wassermann bunker

Permanent exhibition

• Der Zweite Weltkrieg auf Schiermonnikoog – Objects, photographs and accounts on the occupation, bunker construction, radar, the island railway and the liberation of the island.

Founded

2009

Operated by

Stichting Bunkermuseum Schlei

Admission & discounts

Card payment is possible. Different prices apply on National Bunker Day.

Accessibility

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Kids & families

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Getting there & parking

The museum is located at the end of Prins Bernhardweg in the north of the village (on the left); the Seeburg bunkers are on the cycle route southwest of "De Marlijn". Postal address of the foundation: Martha Karststraat 11, 9166 SP Schiermonnikoog.

Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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