In December 1941, Hitler ordered the construction of the Atlantikwall, a line of defence intended to prevent a second war front from threatening the Germans. All along the Dutch coast, you can still find remnants of the Atlantikwall. Texel, too, has its fair share, mainly bunkers.

Where to find bunkers on Texel

Texel was an important link in the German chain of defence around Western Europe, which they hoped would stave off an attack from England. During the War, there were more than 500 bunkers on the island, though most have been demolished. However, you can still find bunkers in some places on Texel. Partly under the sand, partly in the sea, but some are clearly visible and can be visited.

Den Hoorn Battery

Den Hoorn Battery in nature reserve Bollekamer in Den Hoorn is a bunker battery built by the Dutch in 1938. It was part of the Stelling van Den Helder, a ring of defence around the naval base. This command post was involved in fights during the Georgian Uprising, it is now a peaceful wildlife area maintained by Staatsbosbeheer (National Forest Service in the Netherlands).

The battery is protected by the Province as a listed building. The command post is easy to reach on foot and offers magnificent views of the rows of dunes with the North Sea in the distance.

Bunker at Loodsmansduin

After the war, this bunker became a vantage point at Den Hoorn. Here you have a beautiful view over Den Hoorn and the southern tip of Texel. The path to the bunker is also accessible for wheelchairs. You will find the bunker behind camping Loodsmansduin, along the walking path to pole 9.

Den Burg Bunker

A large German bunker, almost completely covered by sand, is situated to the north of Den Burg, on Kogerweg 132. This bunker, part of the Texla bunker complex — the German headquarters on Texel, which comprised 49 bunkers during the War — was the scene of the first action of the Georgian Uprising.

Küver Bunker De Cocksdorp

Stengweg in De Cocksdorp at Texel’s northern-most tip is the location of German bunker, a 12-person shelter with a day-room area.