Fort Het Hemeltje, Military fortress in Houten, Netherlands
Fort Het Hemeltje is a military fortress in Houten surrounded by a protective moat and spanning a large area. Multiple structures within the complex include two-story barracks, flanking gun positions, ammunition storage, and guard facilities connected by established pathways.
Constructed between 1877 and 1881, this fort served as the final stronghold in the New Dutch Waterline defense system. It was positioned to protect the elevated Houtense Vlakte region from military threats.
The fortress now houses organizations focused on sustainability and environmental work within its historic structures. You can see how the old military installation has been repurposed to serve contemporary community and ecological goals.
The site is accessible via established pathways that allow you to explore different areas of the complex. Wear comfortable shoes, as the grounds are extensive and certain sections may be muddy depending on recent weather.
An explosion occurred at the fort on June 28, 1945, resulting in the loss of three lives during the immediate postwar period. This tragic incident remains part of the site's documented history.
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