During World War II, the Germans constructed a coastal defense line that extended from Norway to the French/Spanish border. Part of this defense line was Batterie Noordwijk near Noordwijk, a complex built by Dutch bunker builders on behalf of the occupiers, consisting of about 80 installations. A significant portion of these structures, in the form of bunkers, still exists beneath the dunes. These constructions ranged from wooden shower buildings to heavy bunkers with walls three meters thick.
In 2001, the Atlantikwall Museum Noordwijk Foundation was established with a clear mission: to preserve, protect, restore, and transform the Batterie Noordwijk bunkers into a museum. The journey began in 2004 when the ammunition bunker was repurposed as a museum space. Come October 2004, efforts were underway to reopen the tunnel system buried beneath the dunes. On May 5, 2007, the first 200 meters of the primary tunnel became accessible to the public, with guided tours led by knowledgeable guides. In 2012, excavation work commenced to unearth an additional 200 meters of tunnel system. The museum found its permanent home in the restored fire control center bunker in 2014. Fast forward to June 2015, and the ammunition bunker found a new purpose, hosting the Museum Engelandvaarders.
The tunnel system is open for guided tours during the summer months but closes in winter due to the hibernating bats. A dedicated team of volunteers diligently maintains the museum's operations.
