Bunkerday

On Saturday, May 24, 2025, Ameland will participate in the nationwide Bunkerdag, an annual initiative where bunkers throughout the Netherlands are opened to the public.

The Bunkermuseum Ameland is also participating, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the history of World War II on the island up close.

During Bunkerdag, visitors will have the opportunity to discover Ameland's tactical defence structures and learn about the stories behind the bunkers. The programme consists of guided tours, storytelling and re-enactment.

Cycling excursion along bunkers

Visitors can take part in a guided tour by bicycle of various bunkers on the island. The tour includes the Engelsmanduun, where a Tobroek bunker was recently dug free, and through the forest where hidden bunkers lie.

As a special highlight, the bunkers in the Tonnedunen, which are normally closed to the public, will be opened especially for this day. All tours start at the Bunkermuseum Ameland.

Departure bicycle excursions: at 11:00 and 14:00
Gathering point: Bunkermuseum Ameland
Please bring your own bike

Tales

Specially for 80 years of liberation Ameland, 'Ameland Vertelts!" will perform personal stories from the war years at the Bunkermuseum. Visitors will hear, among other things, the story of Uncle Bernard who found a tank on Ameland, of an Amsterdam girl who came to the island in wartime and of the experiences of an Ameland boy during the occupation.

Re-enactment

Between 11:00 and 15:00, re-enactors will bring the past to life. In uniforms of the Kriegsmarine and the Luftwaffe, they will show what daily life was like for soldiers on Ameland between 1940 and 1945. They will pitch their tents, clean weapons and be on hand to answer visitors' questions.

Practical information

Date: Saturday, May 24, 2025
Location: Bunkermuseum Ameland and various bunkers on the island
Start of cycling excursions: 11:00 and 14:00
Re-enactment: continuous from 11:00 to 15:00
Please bring your own bike for the bike excursion
Please note the tours and narrations are given in Dutch only

Location Bunkermuseum

Bunkermuseum
Oranjeweg 65
9161 CB Hollum

More info on the Bunkermuseum >>

From 1 May to 1 July 2025, Ameland will mark the 80th anniversary of its liberation from German occupation. During this period, numerous activities will take place on the island under the theme of celebration én reflection.

The activities within the framework of ‘80 years of liberation Ameland’ have come about through a cooperation between the four village interests, the Bunkermuseum (STAM), amateur historians, Municipality of Ameland and other parties involved, including Stichting Wolf, Amelander choirs and music societies, with support from VVV Ameland.

More info >>

More on Ameland in wartime

Do you want to know more about how Ameland experienced the Second World War?

Please continue reading on the page:
🔎 Ameland during the Second World War