Fort Altena - VVV Biesboschlinie

Fort Altena, the fort on the Uppelse Dike

Fort Altena dates from 1847-1850, making it the oldest of the four Brabant forts in the New Dutch Waterline. It is also the only tower fort of these four forts.
The tower of Fort Altena owes its name mainly to its round shape, not to its height. It consists of 2 layers: a basement and a first floor. The walls are "bombproof" and nearly 2 meters thick, as protection against artillery strikes. Ironically, when these walls were completed, they had already been overtaken by developments in the arms industry. They were never truly bomb-proof.

In 1878, the fort was substantially rebuilt and expanded to three times its original size. It also changed its name: henceforth it was called "Fort aan den Uppelschen Dijk.

The tower fortified town at Fort Altena, HenkvD, CC BY-SA 3.0 EN, via Wikimedia Commons

Experience Fort Altena!

Fort Altena is one of the nature gates of Brabant. You will find ample parking, catering (a brasserie) and information about nature, culture and recreational routes. An ideal starting point to discover the nature and culture of the Biesbosch Line! The fort also provides outdoor activities and is available as a venue for events, meetings and weddings.

Hiking

Explore the fort and surrounding area with the walking tour Around Fort Altena

Bikes

The 70 km Fort Tour takes you past Fort Altena and the other forts in the Biesbosch Line.

Practical information

Fort Altena is located just off the A27, and is also easily accessible by public transportation. For opening hours and reservations, please refer to the fort's website.

Address:
Toll 8
4251 PX Werkendam
0183 - 30 13 29
info@fortaltena.nl

Fort Altena during the World Wars

The Netherlands mobilized during both World Wars, and that meant that the Fort was manned to full strength. However, there was never any fighting; World War I passed the Netherlands by, except for mobilization, and in World War II the capitulation was signed before a shot was fired at the fort. During the occupation, however, German soldiers were regularly stationed at the fort. Otherwise it was mainly used as an ammunition depot.

Leading up to World War II, a large number of group shelters (casemates) were built in the line. One of these is now in use as a bird observation point. This dome casemate can be visited, and is within walking distance of Fort Altena.

After World War II

After World War II, the fort served as an internment camp for NSB members and other Dutch nationals who were considered "wrong" because of their actions during the war. In February 1949, it was one of the last camps to be closed.

Fortification of no class

In 1951, the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie was abolished as a defensive structure, and Fort Altena was given the status of "fortification of no class. It remained in the possession of the State, and was used, among other things, as storage for ammunition and vehicles and for target practice. In the years 1980-'92, the fort was used by a Dutch stay-behind organization.

National monument, cultural heritage, recreation and meeting venue

In 2001, the Fort aan den Uppelschen Dijk received National Monument status. In 2003 it became the property of Brabants Landschap, which also gave it back its old name 'Fort Altena'. Since then, the Fort has been operated as a Brasserie, as a space for 'events' and meetings and as a base for all kinds of activities, from escaperoom to canoe trip. The agreement is that the fort will be preserved as cultural heritage.