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14 Best Things To Do In Arnhem, Netherlands

Operation Market Garden in Arnhem

Arnhem is the capital city of the province of Gelderland and is located in the eastern Netherlands. It’s just a few dozen kilometers from the German border. Arnhem lies along the banks of the River Rhine and is home to major historic sites and to Modekwartier, its renowned fashion district.

If there’s one thing Arhem is widely known for, it’s the battles that have been fought here. Due to its location, Arnhem has been the site of some of Europe’s most pivotal clashes, including two where both Dutch and English troops fought side by side against foreign invaders centuries apart!

Whether you want to design your next holiday around a great nightlife or the great outdoors, Arnhem has plenty of tourist attractions for everyone. Join us for a look at what made this genteel resort town famous and why it’s worthy of a spot on your vacation wish list.

TL;DR

  • Best Activity For Adults – Nederlands Wijnmuseum
  • Best Activity For Kids – Royal Burgers’ Zoo
  • Best Free Activity – Walk Sonsbeek Park
  • Best FoodThe Green Rose
  • Best NightlifeMusis Arnhem
  • Best Place To StayHotel Molendal

Best Things to Do in Arnhem, Netherlands

1. Learn the History of Operation Market Garden

Operation Market Garden in Arnhem
Esten Jack (Daily Herald photographer) / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain

Arnhem has an incredible history that officially began in the Middle Ages when it was charted by Otto II in 1233. But its 19th-century reputation as a retirement town for rich former sugar barons and wealthy planters would be shattered when the 20th century ushered in World War II.

After being occupied by German forces, Arnhem would become the center stage for Operation Market Garden in September 1944, one of the most famous battles of the war. The ten-day Battle of Arnhem would become a vital part of the city’s rich history.

Designed to end the war in Europe by Christmas 1944, Market Garden hinged on the Allies capturing several bridges across rivers in the Netherlands and finally over the River Rhine into Germany. Arnhem held the final bridge. The task of capturing it fell to the veteran British 1st Airborne Division and the 1st (Polish) Independent Parachute Brigade.

Over 10,000 men dropped into Arnhem – around 2,000 would escape.

While Operation Market Garden was ultimately unsuccessful for the Allies, the Spartan-level bravery of those involved has never been forgotten. It even served as the inspiration for the 1977 blockbuster movie

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