Fort bij Rhijnauwen

Fort Rijnauwen, located in the village of Bunnik, is a historic fort built between 1868 and 1871. It was part of the advanced circle of forts around Utrecht and, together with the field army and Fort Vechten, had the task of defending the large access on the Houtense Vlakte and the surrounding works. Around 1877, the fort was reinforced with the construction of a bombproof barracks and depots. During the mobilisation from 1914 to 1918, the fort received additions in the form of trenches and reinforced concrete shelters.

During World War II, Fort Rijnauwen was used by the Germans as an ammunition depot. From 1942, tragic events took place: the Germans executed Dutch and Belgian resistance fighters at the fort. One of the most famous incidents was the execution of 11 members of the resistance organisation Erkens on 9 October 1943. The total number of victims of these executions is uncertain, with estimates ranging from 250 to 500. Memorial stones have been erected for 54 of these victims, whose names are known, as tributes.

Today, Fort Rijnauwen is open to the public and offers visitors a chance to learn more about this important period in Dutch history. Besides its military past, the fort also offers opportunities to explore nature, with its impressive walls, moats and ramparts. The fort is not only a unique architectural monument, but also a place of remembrance and reflection on past events.