Voorne & Defend

DEFEND FORNE
Everywhere on Voorne, defenses are a reminder of the centuries-long struggle against enemies who were able to occupy the island unhindered due to its location by the sea. A highlight in history is April 1, 1572 when the Water Beggars invaded Den Briel and put an end to the Spanish occupation. Three centuries later, "modern" defenses were constructed, giving the naval city of Hellevoetsluis and the garrison city of Brielle a permanently different appearance.
ISLAND DEFENSE
Hidden in the dunes is the Biberbunker (1940-1945), a concrete colossus with three-meter-thick walls. Unique in the Netherlands because it is the only passable bunker of its kind. The bunker was a radar command post of the Luftwaffe and was part of the Atlantic Wall, a more than 5,000 kilometer long defense line that the Germans had built to prevent an invasion by the Allies. From here, Allied bombers on their way to Germany were intercepted. After the war, the bunker was used as a command post for civil defense.
WATCH OUT FOR WATER BEGGAGS
In the city center of Den Briel, experience the atmosphere of April 1, 1572, when Alva was driven out by the Water Beggars. Get off your bike and climb the church tower for a breathtaking view of the old city and the industry.
FORT PENSCHERDIJK
This fort from 1883 is identical to Fort Noorddijk near Hellevoetsluis and both are part of the defense line of the mouths of the Maas and Haringvliet. The fort lies like a hill in the polder landscape. Go off the route for a moment and cycle to the entrance gate over the canal and enjoy nature, the silence and the view at the rest point.
HEIN, TROMP AND DE RUYTER
The Hellevoetsluis fortress was built in the early 17th century to strengthen the war and trading port. In 1798, a sea lock and dry dock were constructed under the command of supervisor Jan Blanken. The city was the naval base of the Admiralty of the Maze. The silver fleet captured by Piet Hein was brought ashore in this naval port. Buildings such as the Tromphuys, the gun carriage shed, the Kruythuys and the Ruyterhuys, named after Michiel de Ruyter, still remind us of that time.
FRONTAL DEFENSE
It was not until the end of the 18th century that several batteries were built on the island to ensure that the landing of an enemy could be delayed in the hope of assistance. Well before this, the port received reinforcements from the Admiralty in the form of fortifications. These fortifications have been beautifully restored and are definitely worth a visit.
CREASE OF HOSTILITIES
The residents of Voorne no longer have to defend themselves against enemy troops. The only'enemy\\\' is the water that crashes against the dunes and dikes during storms. But with the construction of the Brielse Gatdam and the Haringvlietdam after the flood disaster of 1953 and the raising of the dunes, Voorne has this enemy under control. For more cycling routes, visit www.opvoorneputten.nl