Atlantikwall walk

Knowledge

During the Second World War, The Hague became part of the Atlantikwall, a defensive line along the coast. Large parts of the city were transformed into a military fortress.

Approximately 130,000 residents of The Hague and Scheveningen were forced to leave their homes and neighborhoods. Entire streets, as well as hospitals, bridges, and parks, were demolished to make room for a wide anti-tank trench - a continuous network of bunkers and obstacles guarded by German soldiers. The consequences of this radical transformation remained visible in the city for many years.

Walking through history

After the liberation, architect Dudok designed a new urban layout, with more light, air, and greenery and better roads for the growing car traffic.

Along the walking route, there are seventeen information panels that tell the story of the forced evacuations, the demolition of entire neighborhoods, the construction of the anti-tank trench and tank wall, and the reconstruction of the city.