The Airborne March

The Airborne Walk is the world's largest one-day memorial walk. This walk is dedicated to the Battle of Arnhem in 1944.

 The march takes place every year on the first Saturday in September in Oosterbeek.The Airborne March is a tribute to more than 1,700 British and Polish soldiers who died during the Battle of Arnhem in 1944 and are buried at the Airborne Cemetery in Oosterbeek.To commemorate these soldiers, the first the Airborne March was organized in 1947. 

In the first edition more than 2000 walkers participated, making the march a great success from the start.Enough reasons to continue this tradition.With permission, the march was given the name "Airborne March" which has remained the same ever since.Meanwhile, more than 30,000 walkers participate annually and the commemorative march has become a true concept in the Netherlands.Prior to the march, a minute of silence is held to commemorate the soldiers.

Then the march is opened with several marching bands also present to accompany the walkers.

Airborne march route
The Airborne March has four route distances. The distances that walkers can choose from are 10, 15, 25 and 40 kilometers. The four routes lead walkers past special places that recall what happened in World War II during the Battle of Arnhem. Through these routes you walk through wooded areas on the Veluwezoom. In some places, walkers can even enjoy the beautiful view of the Rhine River. Some other special locations of the Airborne walking tour route are:

  • Airborne Museum Hartenstein. The former headquarters was located here. This location is now used as a museum that is open daily, including on walking day.
  • The Airborne Cemetery in Oosterbeek. This is for nearly 1,700 soldiers their resting place.
  • The Bilderberg Woods in Oosterbeek. This is where the fierce battle was fought.
  • Landing grounds near Wolfheze, Heelsum and Renkum. This is where the Airborne soldiers were dropped prior to the battle of the Battle of Arnhem.
  • The Old Church in Oosterbeek. This place served as a staging area during the retreat. The church is open during the march from 14:00 to 17:00.

Stay overnight at the Airborne March
Combine your participation in the Airborne March with an overnight stay at Van der Valk Hotel Arnhem. With us you will find everything you need for a comfortable stay during the Airborne March. You can enjoy a wonderful overnight stay in one of our comfortable hotel rooms and an extensive breakfast buffet and dinner in our restaurant. Book your table here!

Book today and be assured of a place to sleep so you can stay overnight in the region during the Airborne March.