Fort den Haak is a small nature reserve with dunes, pools, grasslands and shrubs. It is located on the site of the former Fort den Haak redoubt, once built as a defense against possible Spanish landings on the north coast of Walcheren. The fort originally dates from the 80-year war (1568 - 1648).

There are salty and sweet parts in the area. Salt-loving plants such as back and sea green sedge are present on the salty parts. In addition, the area is known for its orchids, three thistle and rare mushrooms such as plum mushroom; special are the small pieces with peat moss.

There is a small black-headed gull colony and in the hawthorns and elderberry nightingale, stonechat and warbler breed. Summer dove is also found here.

More info at zeeland.com/nl-nl/visit/273_nl/fort-den-haak-vrouwenpolder

Translated by Google •

🇧🇪 Herwig Aertbeliën

November 30, 2022

Fort Den Haak is a former fortress that was located near Vrouwenpolder on Walcheren. The fort was built in 1588 by order of the States of Zeeland, because a Spanish invasion was feared. In the seventeenth century, the fort was damaged by seawater and lost part of its strategic value due to advancing dunes. In 1809 British troops landed near the fort and it was taken after little resistance. When the British left the island, the fort was largely dismantled by them. In 1854 the remains of the fort were raised as a fortification. Some contours of the fort are still visible.

The Batavian Republic, and later the Kingdom of Holland, were at war with Great Britain as vassal states of the French Empire. King Louis Napoleon Bonaparte feared a British invasion. An inspection of the defenses on Walcheren showed that the beach at Breezand was very suitable for a landing. This beach was close to Den Haak. However, the fortress was dilapidated and no longer suitable for modern warfare. The walls were dilapidated and the two southern bastions had been washed away, making it virtually indefensible. Despite this, it was still armed with four 24-pound guns, three 12-pound guns, and ten 7.5-pound mortars...

Triggered, you can read more at nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Den_Haak

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Location: Veere, Zeeland, Netherlands

Fort Den Haak

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