Arnhem during the Second World War: discover the past

Today, Arnhem is a vibrant city brimming with culture, nature, and a pleasant atmosphere. But if you look closely, you'll discover traces of a profound past everywhere. During World War II, Arnhem was the scene of one of the fiercest battles on Dutch soil: the Battle of Arnhem. Strolling through the city, you'll discover stories of courage, loss, and hope.

In this blog we take you along the most important places and sights of this special history.

The fighting in Arnhem was intense, bloody, and tragic. The Allies fought for days to hold on to what we now know as the John Frost Bridge, but ultimately they were forced to withdraw. Arnhem was heavily bombed, and the city was almost completely destroyed. The famous phrase "A Bridge Too Far" refers to this failed attempt at liberation.

An absolute must for anyone wanting to learn more about World War II in Arnhem is the impressive Airborne Museum 'Hartenstein' in Oosterbeek. This former headquarters of the British troops tells the story of the Battle of Arnhem through personal accounts, historical artifacts, and immersive multimedia.

As soon as you step inside, you are immersed in the story of Operation Market Garden, one of the largest airborne operations in history.

Airborne Experience

Through personal stories, uniforms, original weapons, and photos, you'll gain a sense of the fierce fighting in and around Arnhem. A highlight is the interactive Airborne Experience: an underground experience route that literally takes you through the battlefield.

Outside in the surrounding park, you can relax among the monuments and commemorative plaques. There's a special treasure hunt for children, and there's also a museum café inside.

On the north side of the John Frost Bridge, you'll find the Airborne at the Bridge Museum. The museum tells the story of the Battle of Arnhem through three perspectives: a British soldier, a German commander, and a Dutch civilian. Through audio clips, original objects, and photographs, you step into their shoes and experience the battle as they witnessed it.

If you want to explore Arnhem actively, head into the city with sturdy walking shoes. Traces of the past lie hidden among the charming shopping streets, parks, and squares. A WWII walking tour through Arnhem will transport you back to the era of airborne landings, air raid shelters, and devastated streets. The city breathes history.

In the footsteps of the past

Various walking routes take you past key sites from the Battle of Arnhem. These include Airborne Square, the former German headquarters, the Eusebius Church, which was severely damaged during the fighting, and, of course, the John Frost Bridge. Along the way, you'll encounter numerous plaques, monuments, and listening points, each with its own unique story.

A good audio tour or a local guide will truly bring the stories to life. This way, you'll not only learn about the past but also see the city today with a different perspective.

The Eusebius Church

In the heart of Arnhem, the Eusebius Church towers majestically above the city. But if you look closely, you'll see scars from the past. During the Battle of Arnhem, the church was severely damaged by bombing.

For years, the building symbolized the city's destruction. After the war, the church was completely restored and now stands as a symbol of both destruction and restoration.

Visit the Eusebius Church and take the glass panoramic elevator to the top, where you'll have a magnificent view of the city from the viewing platform. Inside, you'll discover burial vaults, historical objects, and temporary exhibitions that look back on the war years. A must-see for anyone who wants to experience Arnhem's wartime history up close.

Airborne Monument The Needle in Oosterbeek

The Airborne Monument "De Naald" (The Needle) stands in Oosterbeek. This columnar monument marks the area where the fiercest fighting during the Battle of Arnhem took place.

Every year, the official commemoration takes place here, where veterans, relatives and visitors gather to honor the liberators.

In Elisabethshof Park, near Arnhem's city center, stands the impressive Arnhem Resistance Monument. It commemorates the men and women who risked their lives to resist the occupying forces. It's a place of silence and reflection, where you can pause to reflect on the personal suffering and collective courage of that time. Flowers are laid here every year during national commemorations.

Deelen Air Base

North of Arnhem lies the site of the former Deelen Air Base. During World War II, this was a strategic airfield for the German Luftwaffe and a key component of its air defense. The base grew into one of the largest military airfields in the Netherlands, complete with concrete shelters, bunkers, and an extensive road network.

Deelen Air Base Museum

Deelen Air Base Museum fascinatingly tells the history of this location. From authentic uniforms to radio communications and aerial photographs, everything exudes military precision and suspense. You'll learn not only about the German presence but also about Deelen's role in the Cold War and beyond. Combine your visit with a walk or bike ride through the surrounding nature reserve, where you'll still find traces of the old airfield.

Arnhem not only lives with its history but also commemorates it every year in September. During this month, the city commemorates the events of 1944 with impressive ceremonies, events, and gatherings that attract visitors from both the Netherlands and abroad.

Airborne Remembrance Week

Around the third week of September, Arnhem and the entire region commemorates the events of 1944 during the annual Airborne Remembrance Week. Impressive commemoration services, silent marches, and wreath-laying ceremonies take place at historic locations such as the Airborne Cemetery in Oosterbeek, the John Frost Bridge, and De Naald.

The city symbolically turns Airborne red, schools pay extra attention to the liberation and in various places you can hear live music from military corps.

One of the largest annual events is the Airborne March, which starts in Oosterbeek. It's the world's largest one-day military commemorative march. Tens of thousands of walkers, young and old, in uniform or casual wear, pass historical sites while marching bands, flag bearers, and bagpipers create an impressive atmosphere.