The Atlantic Wall is one of the top attractions on the coast and one of the two museums at RAVERSYDE. The more than sixty bunkers, observation posts and artillery positions, and the two kilometers of open or underground corridors, together form one of the best preserved parts of the infamous German defense line 'Atlantikwall'. This was built by the Germans during the Second World War from the French-Spanish border to Norway. Thousands of bunkers were then constructed to protect the ports and to prevent an Allied attack. The Atlantic Wall also contains the only preserved German coastal battery from the First World War, the Aachen battery. There were cannons here, with associated observation bunkers and quarters for troops. Fearing an Allied landing on the beach and to protect the ports of Zeebrugge and Ostend (from where German submarines operated), the Germans built batteries along the Belgian coast. Only the remains of the Aachen Battery have been preserved. During the Second World War, new defenses were built on the same site, which were part of the 'Atlantik Wall' defense line. The Open Air Museum is the ideal place to relive the atmosphere of the 'Longest Day'. All existing structures were restored to their original state and redecorated with authentic objects and furniture. In the museum of the same name you will become acquainted with some of the most impressive defense structures from both wars. This is possible thanks to the Belgian Prince Karel, who lived there until his death and always opposed the demolition.