Battle of Arnhem

September 2024 marks the 80th anniversary of Operation Market Garden.

The Battle for Arnhem, which was battled out on the banks of the Rhine in 1944, was part of Operation Market Garden. It was the code name for a large offensive which aimed to advance from liberated Belgium straight to the middle of the Netherlands and then turn off towards Germany. The aim was to have the bridge conquered. However, the German forces proved to be too strong. Market Garden had failed, Arnhem was a ‘bridge too far’. Much of the old town centre was destroyed. After the battle all Arnhem residents had to leave the town on orders from the German authorities. Subsequently Arnhem was systematically looted by the German army. Arnhem had turned into a ‘ghost town’.

Read here more about the events, commemorations and itineraries regarding Operation Market Garden and the road to freedom.

Also get informed about what's going on concerning this theme by the staff of Citystore Arnhem.

HIKING IN THE AIRBORNE REGION

Would you like to learn more about Operation Market Garden? Take part in one of the four specially developed walking routes in the Airborne Region. While walking you will discover the (local) stories behind Operation Market Garden. Try the four paths in Driel, Oosterbeek, Ede and Arnhem and walk past monuments and places of interest related to this operation. Remember the victims and reflect on freedom. Want to know more? Then continue reading and discover the story behind the Airborne Region.

Airborne Museum at Hartenstein

In Villa Hartenstein, the former headquarters of the Allied forces in Oosterbeek, you can experience the battle of Arnhem for yourself. The Airborne Museum housed in the villa takes you through the nine-day Battle of Arnhem step by step. The Airborne Experience, in the museum’s basement, will leave a lasting impression on you as you see the planes and jeeps in the darkness of the battlefield, walk among the troops and hear the sound of gunfire. By the time you leave, you will realise just how hard people fought to secure the ground beneath your feet.

The centre of Arnhem is home to ‘Airborne at the Bridge’. This affiliate of the Airborne Museum offers a spectacular view of the world-famous John Frost bridge and recounts the personal stories of three individuals who fought and died at the bridge during the Battle of Arnhem.

During Airborne Lights, Arnhem will be illuminated daily from August 29 to September 22, as night falls, with projections on special buildings in downtown Arnhem. In a route through the city, everyone can experience the Airborne story from dusk until 11 p.m.

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.

More information

Bridge to Liberation

It is the biggest commemorative event in the Netherlands. In a 360 degree experience of music, visual effects, drama, film and dance. True personal stories from The Battle for Arnhem are shared. Exciting, intense and often moving stories that are so “in the now.” We stand together with thousands of people, a diverse audience, where we experience the impact of war and value of our freedom. Then and now. Bridge to Liberation is an experience for everyone!