Commandopost Grou
Cold War bunker in Grou with four underground civil defence command posts, a visitor site of the Museum Bescherming Bevolking.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Grou is home to an unusual command centre from the Cold War era. The bunker houses four command posts: a district command post and a provincial command post of the Bescherming Bevolking (civil defence), as well as a municipal civil defence centre (Leeuwarden) and a provincial civil defence centre (Friesland).
When plans were drawn up around 1965, it was decided to build a combined facility on this site. After a long preparation period, the command centre was officially put into service in 1967.
Today it is one of two visitor sites of the Museum Bescherming Bevolking, which collects and displays the legacy of the organisation founded in 1952. Civil defence was meant to protect the population from the immediate effects of acts of war and later also helped during peacetime disasters, for example by fighting fires and rescuing people.
Highlights
- Underground bunker with four Cold War command posts
- Command rooms from the period of operation starting in 1967
- Guided tours free of charge on open days
- Second site of the Museum Bescherming Bevolking alongside Rijswijk
Permanent exhibition
- Kommandoposten Grou – The underground bunker with its four Cold War command posts is the exhibit itself and is shown on a guided tour.
- Operated by
- Museum Bescherming Bevolking
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €7.50 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €2.50free up to age 3 · Children aged 4 to 12 pay €2.50; children aged 0 to 3 are free. |
| Groups | –Groups, schools and companies pay different rates; school classes receive a reduced price. Enquiries via the reservation form. |
On open days only the museum admission is charged; the guided tours are free of charge. The museum does not take part in the Museumkaart. Payment by cash or PIN.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: not available
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Very limited accessibility: the outdoor grounds are not suitable for wheelchairs, and the bunkers are visited via stairs. A disabled parking space is available. Pets are not allowed on the site; assistance dogs on duty wearing a harness are permitted.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 3 |
|---|
- Stroller-friendly: not available
Children aged 4 and over pay admission; the bunkers are accessible only via stairs, and the outdoor grounds are not suitable for wheelchairs.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Grou sporthal zuidzijde
Train to Grou-Jirnsum station, then on foot towards Grou; bus (Qbuzz) line 1 from Leeuwarden, line 28 from Heerenveen (not on Saturdays).
By car
Parking available
A limited number of parking spaces on the bunker site; a disabled parking space is available.
- Accessible parking
By car via the A32, exit 14 Grou-Jirnsum, onto Stationsweg, turn right at the roundabout and immediately right again, at the Y-junction keep right onto Burstumerdyk. The route is the same from the bus stop and from the railway station.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
- Corporate events
Team days, company outings and family days on request; the outdoor grounds are suitable for outdoor activities.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Free guided tours are offered on open days. Groups, schools and companies can book tours and packages on request; the tour is particularly suitable for upper secondary school classes that have covered the Cold War in history lessons. Reservation is required. |
