The Path of Freedom: then and now...
Hiking trip: The Path of Freedom - From Wageningen to Oosterbeek - 4 days
This four-day route starts in Wageningen, City of Liberation, and takes you past silent witnesses to the struggle for freedom. Via Opheusden and the Betuwe countryside, you will reach Valburg and then Oosterbeek, where the Battle of Arnhem left deep scars. Along the way, you will see how the tranquility of the landscape contrasts with the grim history of 1940-1945. The walking guide contains personal stories, memorable moments, and impressive places. This tour commemorates courage and sacrifice and invites you to reflect on what freedom means—then and now.
The route description for this trip is only available through our Guibo travel-app
Welcome to Wageningen, City of Liberation. If you arrive early, the greenery beckons: take a relaxing exploratory walk through the surrounding hilly forests. Immerse yourself in the story that this tour tells. Tomorrow the real work begins — today is a time for wonder and preparation.
A rolling forest path leads you through the center of Wageningen towards the Grebbeberg, where fierce fighting took place in 1940. The impressive military cemetery and the still visible defensive works make a deep impression. From the top, you have a panoramic view of the peaceful and green Betuwe region. You descend to the river, cross the Lower Rhine, and walk into the lovely river country. Via the Spees – once part of the Grebbe Line – you reach the charming Veerhuis in Opheusden along the floodplains. A day full of contrasts between peace and remembrance, nature and history.
Today you will walk straight through the Betuwe, with its orchards, riverbanks, and ancient rivers. In 1944, Allied and German forces became embroiled in heavy fighting here, stuck in the river clay. You will follow the Linge, pass the picturesque Hemmen, and arrive at Manneneiland and the former headquarters of Field Marshal Montgomery via the Loenen Estate. The stories are hidden in the landscape. In Valburg, take the bus to Elst, unless you choose to complete the entire stage and walk the last part as well. A day full of historical sites in a surprisingly peaceful setting.
The day is dedicated to the remarkable story of the Polish parachute brigade of 1944 during Operation Market Garden. You will walk through the open countryside near Driel, with views of the Veluwezoom, and cross the Rhine on the Drielse Veer (Ferry). This is followed by a beautiful route past country estates towards Oosterbeek, once the scene of the dramatic retreat during the Battle of Arnhem. Here, where the battle raged fiercely, peace now reigns. Enjoy the stately avenues, old trees, and panoramic views—and at the same time feel the weight of history. The first part of the Path of Freedom ends at Hotel de Bilderberg in Oosterbeek.
| Price pp | € | |
| Single room, breakfast | 705.00 | |
| Double room, breakfast | 525.00 | |
| Extra services | € | |
| SGR | per piece | 5.00 |
Where will you stay?
Below you’ll find the accommodations included in your journey. Each one has been carefully selected and is well-suited for walkers. All rooms come with a private shower and toilet. If one of the accommodations is fully booked, we will reserve a comparable alternative whenever possible.
Where will you eat?
Breakfast is included in this trip. You are free to choose where to have dinner each evening — there are always one or more dining options within walking distance. During this trip, you also have the option to book packed lunches in advance.
There are two accommodation options in Wageningen:
Hotel de Wereld: The best option if you are arriving by public transport.
Hotel de Wageningsche Berg: The best option if you are arriving by car. You can park for free here, as it is located outside the center of Wageningen.
Please indicate your preference in the comments field of your booking.
On the last day of your trip, you can travel directly back to your starting point in Wageningen OR book an extra night at Hotel de Bilderberg**** in Oosterbeek.
Please mention it in the comments field of your booking, if you would like to book the extra night.
Tourist tax included
Breakfast included
App only - including route and points of interest
7-day service hotline
Luggage transport included
Train:
The nearest train station to Wageningen is Ede-Wageningen station.
Bus:
A bus departs from the station towards Wageningen every 10 minutes. The bus journey takes approximately 20 minutes.
For up-to-date journey times, please visit: www.9292.nl/en
Hotel de Wageningsche Berg has free parking spaces and charging stations
Hotel de Wereld is located in the city center and has high parking fees
There are GPS tracks available for this trip
Any ferry crossings are not included
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