Civil protection in the province of Friesland
After World War II, America and the Soviet Union come face to face with each other. The Soviet Union had an immense army standing by just behind the former German-German border, which – if the command had come from Moscow – could have occupied the port of Rotterdam within a few days.
In many places, 'atomic bunkers' were built where the civilian population could shelter and underground emergency hospitals where the wounded could be treated. The bunkers were under the responsibility of the Population Protection organization, better known as the BB.
This organization was founded in 1952 and consisted f…
After World War II, America and the Soviet Union come face to face with each other. The Soviet Union had an immense army standing by just behind the former German-German border, which – if the command had come from Moscow – could have occupied the port of Rotterdam within a few days.
In many places, 'atomic bunkers' were built where the civilian population could shelter and underground emergency hospitals where the wounded could be treated. The bunkers were under the responsibility of the Population Protection organization, better known as the BB.
This organization was founded in 1952 and consisted for the most part of volunteers (men and women). In the event of an air raid, they would act as quickly as possible to clear debris, transport the wounded to hospitals and extinguish fires. There was also a national warning system, of which the sirens were the loudest sign.
From 1970 the BB was constantly cut back, and from 1981 the BB was gradually phased out and discontinued. The functions of the BB were taken over by other aid organizations. In 1986 the BB was dissolved for good. During this car route you will visit the Population Protection Museum in Grou, the Oude Mirdum Air Watch Tower and the Oranjewoud BB Bunker. Do not forget to inquire about the opening times of the museums in this car route!
Have fun!
Sights on this route
Starting point
Burstumerdyk 1
9001 ZC Grou
Navigate to starting point
Grou Command Post
The former command post at Grou is now part of a museum that conserves the heritage of the organisation set up to protect the population during the Cold War. Experience the feeling of the Cold War and visit the underground bunkers.
Building Arendstuin in Leeuwarden
This building on the Arendstuin in Leeuwarden was used as a Marechaussee barracks and depot of the Protection of the Population.
Building Arendstuin in Leeuwarden
Building Arendstuin in Leeuwarden
Arendstuin 35
8911 ET Leeuwarden
Groeneweg bunker complex
This bunker complex on the Groeneweg was used by the A-kring in Friesland during the period of "the cold" war.
Cultuur Historisch Centrum 'De Tiid'
Museum De Tiid, in the former historic town hall in Bolsward, shows the fascinating history of Southwest Fryslân. Take your time for the interactive presentations and feast your eyes in the photogenic council chamber, on the steps and in the city hall tow
Cultuur Historisch Centrum 'De Tiid'
Cultuur Historisch Centrum 'De Tiid'
Onderdeel van Cultuur Historisch Centrum De Tiid
Jongemastraat 2
8701 JD Bolsward
Museum Warkums Erfskip
Museum Warkums Erfskip is housed in the old Waag building in the center and tells more about the history of Workum and its surroundings. It is the starting point to discover and admire the highlights of the beautiful city of Workum.
Air Surveillance Tower
This air watchtower is located near Oudemirdum on the Huningspaed near the Jolderenbos, which serves as a reminder of the Cold War period. These air watchtowers were installed all over the Netherlands to spot enemy aircraft.
Mar en Klif Visitor Center
In the visitor centre, you will discover many aspects of National Landscape Southwest Fryslân
Oranjewoud BB bunker
In the period of the Cold War, the Dutch government promulgated in 1952 the Protection of Population Act. All over the country volunteers were trained by the 'BB' to respond adequately in case of emergency.
Directions
Het Start- en eindpunt van de route is het museum Bescherming Bevolking in Grou. Hier kun je de auto parkeren en het museum bezoeken voordat je van start gaat. Commandopost Grou is een van de bezoekerslocaties van het Museum Bescherming Bevolking.