Fort van Haasdonk, Military fortification in Haasdonk, Belgium
Fort van Haasdonk is a military fortification with a trapezoidal design surrounded by a wide moat in Beveren near Antwerp. The structure sits within a protected area and displays the typical features of an early 20th century defensive installation.
The fort was built between 1908 and 1913 as part of Belgium's broader defense strategy to protect the region. Despite its purpose, it saw no combat and remained inactive through both World Wars before being abandoned.
This fort stands as a tangible example of early 20th century Belgian military design thinking, visible in its concrete construction and geometric layout. Visitors walking around it today can sense how the nation once planned its defense strategy through such structures.
You can walk around the fort on paths that circle the moat and explore the outer grounds at your own pace. The site is also connected to a regional cycling route, making it accessible for those arriving by bike.
The abandoned fort now serves as a winter shelter for hundreds of bats, turning the military structure into an important refuge for several threatened species. This transformation makes it a surprising nature reserve within a historical monument.
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