Suche
Mein Konto
Historic Kornwerderzand: Insider tips for NRW holidaymakers!
Discover the historical significance of Kornwerderzand, Friesland and visit the fascinating Kazemattenmuseum.
Historic Kornwerderzand: Insider tips for NRW holidaymakers!
Kornwerderzand, an enchanting gem in the Netherlands, is picturesquely located between the IJsselmeer and the North Sea. The well-known dam “Afsluitdijk” unites Friesland and North Holland and acts as an entrance to this unique place. In addition to impressive nature and historical depth, Kornwerderzand impresses with two museums, including the historic Kazemattenmuseum, which is widely appreciated for its exciting past. This museum is not only a monument to history, but also a place where countless tales of courage and heroism come to life.
The casemates themselves, an advanced bunker system, were built in 1931 and were ready for use in 1934. A massive clash took place here during World War II, when 220 Dutch soldiers held off more than 15,000 German troops on May 13, 1940. But the horrors of war took their toll: after a bombing raid on Rotterdam, the Dutch military gave up on May 14, 1940. In the years after the war, the complex slowly fell into disrepair, but was lovingly restored towards the end of the 20th century.
The Kazemat Museum
The Kazematten Museum is a real insider tip for history buffs and offers exciting exhibitions on 10,000 square meters that not only shed light on the military significance of the casemates. Here you can learn more about the Battle of the Afsluitdijk, which stopped the German Blitzkrieg offensive, and the stories surrounding heroism and tragedy. The museum houses 17 different bunkers with walls up to three meters thick, which served not only as fighting areas, but also as living, dining and sleeping rooms.
Visitors can explore original straw mattresses, a telephone exchange, command posts and even an armory. The museum also provides impressions of the German occupation and the eventual liberation in the spring of 1945. The entrance fee for adults is 10 euros, for children aged 4 and over it is 5 euros, and veterans with ID receive free access. Opening hours in November are Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Special events
- „Aanwezig door Afwezigheid“ von Jetze Kamerling: Thematisiert den Mut seines Vaters während des Zweiten Weltkriegs.
- „Onbewust Dapper“ von Teddie Bootsma: Thematisiert den Unterschied zwischen bewusstem und unbewusstem Mut.
- „Hoe kun je wel biologische vader zijn, maar geen ouder?“ von Tim van Rees: Behandelt den Mut, einen Teil von sich für andere zu geben.
If you would like to take part in one of the next stories, you should register in good time as places are limited. Admission to these events is free, and the stories began at 7:15 p.m., 8:00 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. in the museum's visitor center.
Arrival and gastronomy
Kornwerderzand is easily accessible: by car you are only 4 km from the Frisian coast, exit 14A on the A7. For environmentally conscious visitors, there are also cycle routes from Friesland and North Holland, supported by a practical cycle bus. During your visit, you should definitely stop by the Skom restaurant, where delicious food is served with a view of the IJsselmeer - an ideal place to end the day pleasantly.
The Afsluitdijk Wadden Center, also nearby, provides interesting insights into the UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea. Opening hours are Wednesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and admission prices are moderate. Children under 4 years of age have free entry; for 4 to 12 year olds the price is just 3 euros.
Kornwerderzand remains a popular destination for holidaymakers from NRW who are on their way to Den Helder and are interested in nature and history. Whether it's a quick visit to the Kazematten Museum or a relaxing stay at the Wadden Center - there's something for everyone here!