Bunker museum Terschelling

Why the name “Tiger”?

The naming followed an unusual pattern. The Germans chose animal names that began with the same letter as the location of the site. Thus, the position on Terschelling became the Tigerstellung (“T” for Terschelling), on Schiermonnikoog it became Schlei, and near Den Helder it was Hering. Locally, the site later became known simply as “the Tiger.”

A piece of the Atlantikwall in the Wadden Islands

The Tigerstellung was part of the Atlantikwall, the long defensive line of bunkers, radar stations, and gun emplacements that stretched from Norway to Spain. From Terschelling, the airspace was closely monitored. With the help of radar, Allied aircraft could be detected hundreds of kilometers in advance, allowing German fighter planes to be dispatched.

The Bertha command bunker

The site contains unique bunkers, the most remarkable of which is the impressive Bertha command bunker. This bunker is central to the complex and is notable because of its size. Only three of this type exist in the Netherlands. During museum opening hours, Bertha and several other restored bunkers are open to visitors.

An underground discovery

The Bunkermuseum Terschelling shows how soldiers lived and worked here. Visitors can walk through bunkers furnished with original uniforms, everyday objects, and photographs. The museum also explains how the presence of the Tigerstellung influenced the daily life of the islanders. Enthusiastic volunteers bring the history to life through their stories.

Volunteers and preservation

The museum is run entirely by volunteers. They dug the bunkers out of the sand, restored them, and set them up as exhibition spaces. Thanks to their efforts, a unique piece of wartime heritage has been preserved and made accessible to the public.