Fort van Ertbrand, Military fortification in Kapellen, Belgium.
Fort van Ertbrand is a military fortification in Kapellen surrounded by a protective moat and situated within a 90-hectare natural area. The structure connects the forests of Brasschaat, Kapellen, and Kalmthoutse Heide park, forming a linked woodland landscape.
The fort was constructed between 1908 and 1912, reaching full military capacity with 500 personnel by August 1914. During the German occupation of Antwerp, the installation was evacuated and served no further military purpose.
The fort functions today as a protected nature reserve managed by Natuurpunt Antwerpen Noord, drawing visitors interested in forest walks and wildlife observation. The site connects three woodland areas and supports specialized species that thrive in this landscape.
Access to the interior requires a guided tour led by certified specialists who explain the fort and its surroundings. The forest paths around the site remain open for walking year-round and are easy to navigate.
After World War II, the Belgian Demining Service used the fort for the controlled destruction of explosives, mines, and ammunition left behind by conflict. This function made it an important site for clearing war debris from the region.
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