World War II
The Arnhem/Nijmegen region played a key role on the world stage towards the end of the Second World War. During Operation Market Garden in September 1944, the Ginkelse Heide heath close to Ede was the site of one of the biggest airborne landing operations in history. Parts of the southern Netherlands were liberated, as far as Nijmegen, but the operation ground to a dramatic halt at the bridge in Arnhem. The subsequent winter was harsh.
A few months later, in February 1945, the final phase of the liberation movement – Operation Veritable – started from the Nijmegen area. It marked the beginning of the great Rhineland Offensive. Soldiers and citizens alike became caught up in an unpredictable war in which the stakes were life or death, joy or sorrow. The enemy was eventually defeated and freedom was restored.
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Commemorative plaques in the street
On 22 February, Nijmegen suffered severe damage during an air raid by the US forces. American bombers unleashed their deadly payloads above Nijmegen, destroying the historic heart of the city in one fell swoop. Over 800 civilians were killed as they were making their way to school, work or the market, and thousands more were injured. The commemorative plaques indicate the fire line following the bombing and show the names of the people who died.
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Forward March!
The youngest bridge in Nijmegen, called De Oversteek (‘The Crossing’), is named after the world-famous crossing of the River Waal by the U.S. 504th Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division in 1944. There are 48 lamp posts on the bridge in memory of the 48 fallen soldiers who lost their lives in the run-up to, during and immediately after the crossing. Every day at around sunset, the lamps on the bridge switch on at a slow marching pace – two by two, advancing from south to north. Every day, veterans and other people join in the ‘Sunset March’acrossthe De Oversteek bridge in honour of the fallen Allied soldiers.Feel free to take part if you wish – anyone can join in.
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In the footsteps of ...
In the footsteps of ...
Liberation Route Europe lets you hear and experience what went on in Gelderland during the final stages of the war. Special boulders, called listening spots, can be found in dozens of locations. An audio recording is available at each listening spot, so that everyone can get a sense of the dramatic situations experienced by civilians and soldiers towards the end of the Second World War.
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: Market Garden and Veritable. It is a tourist attraction for young and old, from home and abroad. The visitors experience the fascinating Story of War and Freedom without Borders in both the Netherlands and Germany, Europe and beyond. There is never one story. A multifaceted image of the Second World War is created through various perspectives, in the context of the history of the 20th century and current events. The visitor is challenged to think critically about freedom then and now, full of experiences, interactivity and museum masterpieces.
The sustainable building itself, the 12-meter high Dome, is also an attraction and has a strong resemblance to an enormous parachute. From the terrace you have a panoramic view of the historic landscape.
