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
9001 ZC Grou
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.
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'
Ontdek De Tiid in Bolsward. In De Tiid kun je inpluggen op de geschiedenis van Súdwest-Fryslân, onderdeel worden en zelf geschiedenis maken.
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.
Bezoekerscentrum Mar en Klif
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.
9001 ZC Grou
Directions
9001 ZC Grou
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.
9001 ZC Grou
-
Water Chronicles Water Adventure Trail
Water Chronicles Water Adventure Trail
(64.7 km)LemmerCar route
Car route
-
Elfsteden route with your camper
Elfsteden route with your camper
(198.0 km)LeeuwardenCar route, Motorhome route
Car route
-
11 Fountains Route (for motorists and motorcyclists)
11 Fountains Route (for motorists and motorcyclists)
(198.0 km)DokkumCar route, Automobile route
Car route
-
Water Highlights of Friesland Water Adventure Trail
Water Highlights of Friesland Water Adventure Trail
(176.7 km)LeeuwardenCar route
Car route
-
Icoonroute Open Museum Maand
Icoonroute Open Museum Maand
(157.2 km)LemmerCar route, Cultural route, Motorhome route
Car route
