Fort Pannerden, Doornenburg, Netherlands

Fort Pannerden was constructed between 1869 and 1871 to serve as part of the New Dutch Waterline. Originally built completely out of brick and mortar, with just one main battery guarding the Rhine, it was upgraded significantly during 1885-1895. The main battery was completely rebuilt, with armour and concrete, while two additional armoured batteries were added and the roof of the fort was reinforced with concrete. The fort had strategic significance in that it guarded the Pannerden Canal, which supplied the water for the inundations of the New Dutch Waterline and could potentially be used as a route towards the main line of defence, but the fort saw little active service.

In World War I the Netherlands remained neutral, although the fort was manned as part of a general mobilisation. In World War II on May 10, 1940, during the German invasion of the Netherlands, the fort was first bypassed and then surrounded. On May 11, cut off from the rest of the Dutch army, the commander of the fort surrendered under threat of artillery bombardment and air attack. Most of the fort was subsequently stripped of all useful materials and after 1945 the building fell into disuse.

References:

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Castles and fortifications in Netherlands

User Reviews

Pieter Arnts (4 months ago)
We walked around from the other side of bijlands kanaal but i know its amazing

Romeo Constantinescu (6 months ago)
A historical place. This fort worked between 1886 and 1950, and these days, most of it has been recovered, and it can be visited. There is a cannon in one of the rooms on the first floor where there is a demonstration of how the cannons were used in those days. Amazing place is a must-see. I recommended it.

Nicolas R. (9 months ago)
Really interesting fort. The tour is with devices in Dutch and English. Friendly staff and free transportation from the parking to the fort. Would definitely recommend a visit.

Patrice Pauw (4 years ago)
Nice for everyone. Kids can enjoy the escape journey ☺️ Lots of historical sites and stuff to see. A place you must see when you're in the neighborhood.. Especially when you have a good guide

Beatriz G C (4 years ago)
Nice historical place. Guide mostly speaks dutch but you can ask for english explanation. I liked the cannon ball shooting ?You can have a tea and a piece of delicious apple pie in the cafeteria.

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