Bunkermuseum Zoutelande

Bunkermuseum Zoutelande is located in two bunkers that were part of Stützpunkt Lohengrin. The museum was officially opened on 21 June 2002. In one of the bunkers, visitors can see how German soldiers lived and worked during the war. In the other bunker, information is given on the liberation of Walcheren.

The museum is managed by the Bunker Preservation Foundation (Stichting Bunkerbehoud). It is dedicated to the preservation of World War II and Cold War defences in Zeeland.

Visit the Zeeuwse Ankers website (Zeeland Anchors) comprehensive information, personal stories and videos about the Battle of the Scheldt.

On the south side of Zoutelande is Stützpunkt Lohengrin. Five bunkers of this position still exist, two of which can be visited as museum bunkers: a troop bunker type 502 and an artillery observation bunker type 143. Opening hours are listed on the website of the Stichting Bunkerbehoud.

Hardly any fighting took place in the village itself. When the commandos arrived, the Germans surrendered on 2 November 1944. Zoutelande had been under intense artillery fire since the previous day, resulting in civilian casualties. The Germans then made the bunkers available to women and children. There was insufficient space for men, except for the local doctor, who could shelter but had to go outside during lulls in the firing to provide first aid. The mayor opposed civilians using the bunkers, fearing that if the Allies entered the village and saw the German fortifications, they might attack them with flamethrowers and grenades—a fear that fortunately did not materialize due to the surrender.

On the rise toward the Boulevard of Zoutelande, several concrete pyramids can be seen. These were originally installed as tank obstacles throughout the dunes of the coastal village. They were recently uncovered during construction work and have been preserved as historical objects.

 Please check the museum’s website for the most up-to-date opening hours.