Liberation Route Nijmegen

Type: Bike route
Distance: 45.0 km

Liberation Route Nijmegen

Type: Bike route
Distance: 45.0 km

The Second World War did not pass unnoticed by Nijmegen and its surroundings. The city itself was liberated in September 1944 during the Allied Operation Market Garden.

The Second World War did not pass unnoticed by Nijmegen and its surroundings. The city itself was liberated in September 1944 during the Allied Operation Market Garden.

However, this did not go without a struggle. At least 48 Allied soldiers died while crossing the river Waal, hoping to take the bridge from the German troops on the other side.

Around Groesbeek—a stone’s throw away from the German Reichswald—there was also heavy fighting. American paratroopers landed in the hills around the village and then headed for Nijmegen. You can experience Market Garden and the liberation in the National Liberation Museum 1944-1945. A little further south, in Overasselt, at one of the so-called Liberation Route Europe listening spots (L3), Josephine Baker is commemorated.

The entertainer performed there several times in October 1944. Nobody would guess that the ‘black pearl’ worked for the French resistance! Once back in Nijmegen you can see clearly that the heart of the city has been rebuilt after it was destroyed during a bombing by the Allied Air Force. More than 800 people were killed.

Distance
45.0 km

Sights on this route

1
Freedom museum

The Freedom Museum is located in the beautiful green and hilly landscape of Groesbeek. The museum is close to Germany and right in the area of two of the most important operations on the Western Front during WW2.Read more

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88
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47
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08
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2
Audiospot: Josphine Baker performs!

In October 1944, the world famous revue star, Josephine Baker, performed here in the Café van Lin in Overasselt.Read more

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72
44
20
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08
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3
Freedom museum

The Freedom Museum is located in the beautiful green and hilly landscape of Groesbeek. The museum is close to Germany and right in the area of two of the most important operations on the Western Front during WW2.Read more

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Attributes