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Market Garden in Arnhem: experience the history of the Battle of Arnhem

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The Arnhem region is inextricably linked to Operation Market Garden. In September 1944, the Allies attempted to advance into Germany via a series of bridges, including those near Arnhem. To this day, the Arnhem region commemorates the sacrifices made there for freedom through monuments, museums and annual commemorations.

Delve into the impressive history of the Arnhem region at museums such as Airborne at the Bridge, the Airborne Museum at Hartenstein and the Betuwe War Museum ‘THE ISLAND’. On this page, you’ll find an overview of what else there is to discover and experience on this theme. The staff at the Citystore Arnhem will also be happy to tell you all about it.

Discover the Market Garden Special

Would you like to find out more about Market Garden and the Battle of Arnhem? In our online Market Garden Special, you’ll find stories, locations and tips all neatly organised in one place. Discover museums and places steeped in history, view historical routes and see what activities and events are on offer. This way, you can discover where you can still find traces of the history of Market Garden in the Arnhem region today.

 

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A weekend full of memories

  • 48 hours in Market Garden

    Do you have a bit more time, or would you like to spend a whole weekend delving into the Second World War? Then take a look at our special 48-hour page featuring inspiring combinations of museums and historic sites. You’ll also find unique places to stay and restaurants there.

    The focus is on places that are worth visiting not just in September, but all year round. Please bear in mind that some smaller museums may be closed around December—so always check the current opening times before planning your visit.

Places to visit - Experience the history

Would you like to commemorate the Second World War? Then why not visit one of the many memorials, significant sites, cemeteries or museums? Here are a few tips on where you can still see traces of the war.

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  • John R. Towle Monument

    John R. Towle Monument

    The John R. Towle Monument in Oosterhout (municipality of Overbetuwe) tells the impressive story...

    Oosterhout

    Monument

  • Schoonderlogt Airborne Memorial

    Schoonderlogt Airborne Memorial

    On the outskirts of Elst, opposite the historic Schoonderlogt estate, stands the Schoonderlogt A...

    Valburg

    Monument

  • Deelen Air Base Museum

    Deelen Air Base Museum

    Museum Vliegbasis Deelen brings aviation history to life. In terms of area, this museum...

    Deelen

    Military heritage

  • Airborne at the Bridge

    Airborne at the Bridge Airborne at the Bridge

    With phenomenal views of the world-famous John Frost Bridge, ‘Airborne at the Bridge’ tells the story of the…

    ARNHEM

    Museum

  • Niemandsland War Museum

    Niemandsland War Museum

    The Niemandsland War Museum lets you experience the harrowing story of the Betuwe as a frontline area...

    Gendt

    Museum

  • Airborne Museum Hartenstein

    Airborne Museum Hartenstein

    At the Airborne Museum Hartenstein, you can follow the Battle of Arnhem day by day. The villa was in September...

    Oosterbeek

    Museum

  • Betuwe War Museum ‘The Island’ 1944–1945

    Betuwe War Museum ‘The Island’ 1944–1945 Visit the Betuwe War Museum ‘The Island’

    The museum provides an overview of the years 1944–1945 in the Betuwe. Sixteen different n...

    HETEREN

    Museum

  • Airborne landings around the Schaapskooi

    Airborne landings around the Schaapskooi

    On Monday 18 September 1944, Major Helle, commander of the Amersfoort SS guard battalion,...

    Ede

    Places of interest

  • Restaurant Klein Hartenstein

    Restaurant Klein Hartenstein

    We have a very rich history. In 1728, Villa Hartenstein began as an inn and was in s...

    Oosterbeek

    Restaurant

  • Airborne Monument / De Naald

    Airborne Monument / De Naald

    The Airborne Monument in Oosterbeek commemorates the Battle of Arnhem, which took place from 17 to 26 September 1944.

    Oosterbeek

    Monument

  • Memorial in the Jacob Groenewoudplantsoen

    Memorial in the Jacob Groenewoudplantsoen

    The memorial site consists of several elements, including an armoured gun, a battered aeroplane...

    Arnhem

    Monument

  • Information Centre: De Polen in Driel

    Information Centre: De Polen in Driel

    On 21 September 1944, during Operation Market Garden, the 1st Polish Independent Parachute...

    DRIEL

    Visitor Centre

  • Arnhem War Museum

    Arnhem War Museum

    “The Arnhem War Museum first opened its doors in 1977. It is the largest collection...

    Arnhem

    Museum

Events - Airborne calendar

  • Airborne Commemoration in Ede
    The Airborne Commemoration is held annually on the Ginkelse Heide in Ede, where thousands of visitors gather to commemorate the airborne landings of September 1944. The highlight is the impressive parachute jumps by military personnel from the Netherlands and abroad, a tribute to the British troops who landed here at the time. With ceremonies, music and opportunities to meet veterans, this is one of the most impressive commemorations in the region.

    Bridge to Liberation
    The annual commemorative concert on the Rijnkade, at the foot of the John Frost Bridge. During the event, the stories of soldiers and civilians are brought to life through music, light projections and personal testimonies. Airborne at the Bridge is not only a moment of remembrance, but also of connection between generations — a reminder that freedom cannot be taken for granted.

    Race to the Bridge
    Following the landing in 1944, the Allies embarked on the infamous “Race to the Bridge”. British troops advanced from the Ginkelse Heide towards Arnhem, in a desperate attempt to reach the John Frost Bridge and hold it until the rest of the Allies arrived. Today, this race is commemorated annually during the Race to the Bridge event, in which historic military vehicles retrace the route known in 1944 as the advance to the bridge. From Renkum and Oosterbeek, dozens of vehicles drive towards Arnhem, where they arrive at the John Frost Bridge. It is an impressive journey that brings history to life and allows spectators lining the route to cheer on the liberators.

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Walking - In the footsteps of the liberators

Would you like to find out more about Operation Market Garden whilst walking? Then set off on one of the four specially designed walking routes in the Airborne Region. As you walk, you’ll discover the (local) stories behind Operation Market Garden. Try the four ‘ routes ’ in Driel, Oosterbeek, Ede and Arnhem, and walk past monuments and places of interest linked to this operation. Pay tribute to the victims and reflect on the value of freedom. Want to know more? Then read on and discover everything about the Airborne Region.

 

 

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Sosabowski in Valburg with Maj Pascale Airborne Battle of Arnhem John Frost Bridge

  • The Lingezegen Freedom Route

    This route is one of a series of three cycle routes in Rivierenland. It takes you past places where you can experience stories about the liberation of the Netherlands. Along the way, you’ll find information panels and QR codes that bring personal histories to life. Thanks to the quiet cycle paths you’ll be riding on, this route is ideal for anyone wishing to commemorate freedom in peace and quiet.

  • Walk the ‘Path of Freedom’ around Wageningen

    The ‘Path of Freedom’ is a beautiful walking route of around 150 km around Wageningen, divided into several stages. The route passes through 18 villages and towns in the municipalities of Wageningen, Rhenen, Neder-Betuwe, Overbetuwe, Renkum, Arnhem, Ede and Veenendaal. The route offers walkers the opportunity to commemorate, reflect on and experience freedom whilst walking. The Path of Freedom is a permanent route; walking it is therefore not tied to a specific date. Click here for more information.

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Routes - cycling and walking

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Podcast

With the ‘In the Footsteps of the Liberators’ podwalks, you’ll discover the history of Gelderland’s liberation in a unique way. Omroep Gelderland presenter Linda Geerdink takes you past battlefields and places of remembrance, where the stories from 80 years ago come to life. As you walk, you’ll hear compelling testimonies and personal stories that unfold like a film in your ears.

There are three special ‘ routes’ in the Arnhem region: in Arnhem, Heteren and Wageningen. They take you past well-known highlights as well as hidden gems in the countryside, where the liberation becomes a tangible experience. The podwalks can be downloaded for free via the ‘In de voetsporen van…’ app from the App Store and Play Store. This allows you to walk at your own pace and experience the liberation up close.

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In the region

The Battle of Arnhem in September 1944 was a key part of Operation Market Garden, but it did not take place solely in the city of Arnhem. The surrounding villages and region, such as Oosterbeek, Driel, Ede and Wolfheze, were also the scene of fierce fighting. What is often summarised as ‘the Battle of Arnhem’ was, in reality, a conflict that gripped the entire surrounding area.

The Poles of Driel

During the Battle of Arnhem, on 21 September 1944, the 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade, led by Major-General Sosabowski, landed near Driel. Although only part of the brigade managed to cross the Rhine, they made a significant contribution to the Allied efforts. Their story lives on in Driel, not least through the annual Polish Commemoration on 20 September, the Polentocht, and the ‘Poles of Driel’ walking route. Visitors can also visit the ‘Poles of Driel’ information centre, where the impressive story of these Polish liberators comes to life.

De Liemers during the Second World War

Child on the Run – Stories from De Liemers

In the impressive podcast series *Kind op de vlucht* (Child on the Run), you’ll hear nine personal and moving stories from eyewitnesses who, as children, experienced the evacuation of De Liemers in 1944 and 1945. These memories take you back to a time of fear, uncertainty and hope, as told by people who lived through it themselves. The series offers an intimate and human perspective on this profound period in our history.

Fascinating stories from the region

At the Liemers Museum, discover the remarkable stories from the Second World War, told from the perspective of the Liemers. The permanent collection features personal artefacts, documents and accounts from residents who experienced the war at first hand. It’s both moving and relatable, precisely because it all took place right here in the region.

Wageningen – City of Liberation

Wageningen is also well worth a visit if you’re interested in the Second World War. In the ‘City of Liberation’ stands Hotel de Wereld – one of the most famous hotels in the Netherlands. It was here that the German surrender in 1945 was negotiated. Today, it’s a modern hotel where you can stay, dine and relax. For a culinary dinner, head to Gastrobar de Wereld. All sorts of events are being organised in Wageningen to mark 80 years of freedom. Click below for an up-to-date overview of what’s on.

Click here for more information

FAQ - Operation Market Garden in the Arnhem region

Operation Market Garden was a major military operation in September 1944 during the Second World War, in which Allied troops attempted to advance through the Netherlands into Germany. The Battle of Arnhem was a key part of this operation.

Arnhem played a key role because the bridge over the Rhine was crucial to the success of the operation. The battle for this bridge, now known as the John Frost Bridge, made Arnhem world-famous in the history of the Second World War.

You can visit key sites such as the John Frost Bridge in Arnhem, the Airborne Museum in Oosterbeek and the Airborne Cemetery. The areas around the Rhine and the Veluwezoom also played a major role during the fighting.

The Battle of Arnhem was one of the most significant battles during Operation Market Garden, in which British paratroopers attempted to capture and hold the bridge at Arnhem. Ultimately, they were unsuccessful, leading to the failure of the operation.

Yes, there are various walking and cycling routes that take you past key sites of Operation Market Garden, such as ‘ routes ’ around Oosterbeek, Arnhem and the Rhine. This way, you can discover history in an active way.

Every year in September, commemorations are organised to mark Operation Market Garden, such as the Airborne Walk and ceremonies at the Airborne Cemetery in Oosterbeek. These events attract visitors from all over the world.

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