Fort van Bornem, Military fort in Bornem, Belgium

Fort van Bornem is a military fortification in Bornem, Belgium, situated near the Scheldt River. The structure consists of multiple concrete domes designed to house artillery including 15-centimeter cannons, a 12-centimeter howitzer, and smaller-caliber weapons.

The decision to build Fort van Bornem was taken in 1906, and work began in 1908, the last of the forts in the third ring around Antwerp. The 18th Battery moved in from Fort 8 in Hoboken in summer 1913, but the gun cupolas were not yet fully installed. Commandant Adolph Rasquin was found dead in August 1914; the fort surrendered on 10 October 1914.

Since the early 1960s the fort has been in private hands and was turned into a fishing paradise, a role it still plays today; the moat is central to this use. In winter, several hundred bats roost inside. The current owners work with Studiegroep Fort Bornem vzw to reopen part of the site to the public.

Access to the fort is guided and regular tours in Dutch allow visitors to explore different parts of the fortification. Plan your visit in advance by checking tour schedules, and wear comfortable shoes since exploring the structure involves walking through various sections.

The fort features an irregular four-sided shape that sets it apart from other Belgian fortifications, shaped by its particular location near the Scheldt River. This unusual geometry resulted from the specific demands of the terrain and the defensive strategy required at this site.