Sights
Forteiland IJmuiden
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The Forteiland IJmuiden is an island fortress located near the town of IJmuiden, in the mouth of the North Sea Canal. It was constructed in the 1880s to help defend the surrounding area and restrict shipping traffic heading for Amsterdam. This iconic post is actually half underground and is the largest building in the Defence Line of Amsterdam – a UNESCO world monument.
During World War II, the
fort island was utilised by the German soldiers as part of the
Atlantic Wall, which is when its additional military bunkers were
constructed.
A remarkable sight
The unique fort is one of the largest of its kind and is now listed as
a UNESCO World Monument. Some of its most interesting features include
an impressive dining hall, a dungeon and an armoury. The island is
often used for team-building excursions and it can be rented for
parties and other events. It's also available for group tours by
appointment. Smaller groups can visit the island on `public days' that
are held on the first Sunday of every month between March and
November.
In 2012, the attraction was awarded the Golden Green Key, becoming the
first UNESCO World Heritage location to obtain a golden environmental
label.
