Grebbelinie Visitor Centre

The visitor centre at Fort aan de Buursteeg starts the story of one of the Netherlands' great water lines: the Grebbelinie. This garland of forts and line dykes between Rhenen and Spakenburg formed the main defence of our country for more than two hundred years.

The Grebbelinie revives on and around the fort's defence ramparts. The stories of the wooden soldiers bring visitors closer to history. They show how the line was used from the Eighty Years' War to World War II to cleverly defend the country. Get to know the centuries-old military history of the line in the exhibition area, enjoy a snack and drink in Restaurant Grebbelounge or start your own exploration along the line.

The Grebbelinie Visitor Centre is then the gateway to further explore the stories of the wooden soldiers. Those who look carefully will discover countless traces hidden in a mysterious green landscape. Old sluices, concrete casemates, tank barriers and German bunkers provide an encounter with more than two centuries of national defence. Meanwhile, enjoy the countless birds, butterflies and other animals that live on the Grebbelinie.

Guided tours

Every first Sunday of the month, the visitor centre organises a guided open tour at 14:00. Along the way, it explains how the Dutch defenders prepared for the approaching war, what happened in May 1940 and how the German army took possession of the fort. It is also possible to book a private tour on a day of your choice. View all tour options.

Exhibition

The visitor centre's permanent exhibition tells the story of the Grebbelinie through film, animations, field telephones, panels and objects. The exhibition offers a personal introduction by a guide, a short film, interactive animations, timelines, field telephones and many objects from 200 years of history. New to the exhibition is the focus on soldiers from the Dutch and Allied sides who distinguished themselves in 1940-1945. View all information about the exhibition.

Activities
For children, there is a fun and active soldier trail (4-8 years) and a scavenger hunt (9-12 years). A visit to the exhibition can be combined with a nice walk on the earthen Fort aan de Buursteeg (over 2 km).

Looking for a creative activity? Come and enjoy painting in the fort! Rent all the necessary materials at the front desk for a tenner, find a quiet nice spot, have fun and unwind at the same time.

Museum shop

The museum shop of the Grebbelinie visitor centre focuses on (water) lines, forts, fortresses, regional history and World War II. Here you can buy books, graphic novels, walking/cycling guides, model building, children's construction kits, postcards and souvenirs. Besides Dutch, the information in the museum can also be read and listened to in English and German. The walking maps are available in even more languages.