Fort Rhijnauwen, Utrecht, Netherlands

Fort Rhijnauwen was built between 1868 and 1875 as part of the New Dutch Water Defence Line. Because of its architectural style and good state of preservation, the fort is historically unique. Due it was closed to the general public for years it became a paradise for many endangered plants and animals. There are also weasels, foxes, roe, grass snakes and many varieties of butterflies. In winter, hundreds of bats hibernate in the fort. The fort consists of bombproof shelters, powder magazines, barracks, flank defences, group shelters and a large practice and parade square. Surrounding the complex is a double moat. Today, the fort can be visited on a guided tour.

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User Reviews

Bashar Al Katrib (18 months ago)
It was closed when we arrived, we have been told it’s open one day per week with a tour guide. We took a stroll around the place and it’s wonderful… a perfect cafe en pancake place very close by.

Cynthia Mondejar (22 months ago)
As of the moment due to hibernation of bats, it is closed to the public (until April they said), which is strangely did not specify on their site that’s why we went here to visit. Though you can walk around the fort on a snowy Sunday, it still gets busy. You can park your car 2kms away, but you can cycle all the way the fort, and park your bike. Just a shame we did not able to see it, but we’ll go back on Spring or Summer.

iris punt (3 years ago)
Amazing place to visit! We had a tour with a lovely guide who told very passionate about the history and the local fauna. Definitely worth the while and there's a cute pancake restaurant you can go eat/drink after.

qwe wdasc (3 years ago)
nice scenary

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