Walking route 2: Waalre – Eindhoven | Operation Market Garden route
Discover the area around Waalre and Eindhoven where the first paratroopers appeared
Show all 4 photos
You will be one of the first paratroopers to set foot on land in the area around Eindhoven… This 27-kilometre section will take you along the second part of the route taken by the liberators on Dutch soil. The Liberation Route Brabant tells the story of the liberation, but also recounts what the Second World War meant to everyday Brabant folk. The total route is 125 kilometres long and is divided into five sections. The route passes along the Airborne Footpath which tells the story of Operation Market Garden. Roads and bridges had to be captured to circumvent the Siegfried Line via Arnhem to enable the Allied forces to advance on Berlin.
The route takes you past historic locations which are typified by courage, sorrow, fear and hope. Soldiers, local inhabitants, refugees and occupying forces saw their lives change here. You can only imagine what happened during the war in North Brabant and especially in these places.
Walking in the liberators’ tracks
The Li…
You will be one of the first paratroopers to set foot on land in the area around Eindhoven… This 27-kilometre section will take you along the second part of the route taken by the liberators on Dutch soil. The Liberation Route Brabant tells the story of the liberation, but also recounts what the Second World War meant to everyday Brabant folk. The total route is 125 kilometres long and is divided into five sections. The route passes along the Airborne Footpath which tells the story of Operation Market Garden. Roads and bridges had to be captured to circumvent the Siegfried Line via Arnhem to enable the Allied forces to advance on Berlin.
The route takes you past historic locations which are typified by courage, sorrow, fear and hope. Soldiers, local inhabitants, refugees and occupying forces saw their lives change here. You can only imagine what happened during the war in North Brabant and especially in these places.
Walking in the liberators’ tracks
The Liberation Route Brabant tells the story of the liberation, but also recounts what the Second World War meant to everyday Brabant folk.
-
Liberation Route Brabant direction signs
Follow the 'Liberation Route' signs. These are hanging under the regular junction signs.
Liberation Route Brabant direction signs
Follow the 'Liberation Route' signs. These are hanging under the regular junction signs.
-
Hotline routes
Hotline routesIf there is something wrong on the route, report it here.
Tips from Brabant residents
Skip map elementsLocations on this route
Start point:
Waypoint walk 79
Waalre
Navigate to starting point
A new haircut
The British Army is again halted beyond Aalst on September 18. A battery of German guns fires on the column.
A tank too many
Because the advancing route of the British is still under German attack and the column is constantly being forced to halt, the Allies seek alternative routes for their tanks and other equipment.
The bombing of September 19, 1944
Liberation comes to the people of Eindhoven on 18 September 1944. They celebrate exuberantly.
The bombing of September 19, 1944
Liberation comes to the people of Eindhoven on 18 September 1944. They celebrate exuberantly. The Americans and British are greeted with cheers and chants. People dance in the streets and the joy is unprecedented. But the day after, it abruptly turns into its opposite. German bombers appear above the city of Eindhoven and bomb the city, resulting in many civilian casualties. Here, on the Biesterweg, a shelter packed with people is hit.
A tragic mistake
On September 18, American paratroopers enter Eindhoven. They liberate the city.
A tragic mistake
On September 18, American paratroopers enter Eindhoven. They liberate the city. They also ensure the advance route and the bridges over the Dommel are secure and open for British ground forces. The people of Eindhoven, often dressed in orange, are ranged along the road to welcome the Americans. But liberation has its drawbacks. During the fighting one of the paratroopers commits a tragic mistake.
A paratrooper in Eindhoven
On September 18, 1944, American paratroopers make contact with British ground troops at this church.
The cold-blooded gardener
On September 19, the Germans launch a counterattack from Nuenen against the British, who are advancing towards Arnhem.
The cold-blooded gardener
On September 19, the Germans launch a counterattack from Nuenen against the British, who are advancing towards Arnhem. The Germans are searching for roads to reach Eindhoven and Son and so, somewhere, they have cross the River Dommel. One option is this bridge. They send a reconnaissance unit with 5 half-tracked vehicles to see if the bridge can bear the weight of the German tanks. But they encounter the gardener, Willem Hikspoors.
Snipers and guns
The Americans encounter some German resistance when they capture Eindhoven, but they take the city fairly quickly. Here in Vlokhoven, a German sniper has the troops under fire and claims several victims.
End point:
Waypoint walk 62
Son
Navigate to endpoint
- 79
- 78
- 45
- 43
- 49
- 03
- 02
- 01
- 58
- 74
- 72
- 72
- 70
- 92
- 28
- 27
- 25
- 21
- 85
- 84
- 86
- 76
- 40
- 75
- 96
- 95
- 20
- 97
- 64
- 62
Route features
-
8 things to do with children in North Brabant
North Brabant is a location that draws you closer to those unforgettable moments with the entire family. Will you choose a swimming paradise, an amusement park or a childproof museum? Plan your ideal family outing in the Netherlands in North Brabant.
-
7 places to go in the Brabant countryside with children
Adventure is there for the taking in the Brabant countryside. Getting some exercise, playing and being outdoors means quality time with the whole family. Follow fun children’s routes and gnome paths together.
-
Tips for a sustainable weekend away or day out in North Brabant
Does travelling actually fit within a sustainable lifestyle? Yes, it does! Often, small adjustments can make a huge difference.
-
A cultural city trip: Breda and surrounding area
Breda is a city filled with unique stories, some of which you will learn about during this two-day trip.
-
From monastery gardens to drifting sand dunes: a 5-day motorhome road trip through the Van Gogh National Park
Hike and cycle through Van Gogh National Park on a 5-day east–west route. Discover nature, local flavours, and stories, with welcoming motorhome stops near monasteries, castles, woods, dunes, and lively Brabant towns.
-
Reflection and wonder on a two-day walking trail
For centuries, Brabant’s countryside has inspired monks and Van Gogh. Follow their footsteps on a 2-day walk past monasteries, abbeys, and the Oisterwijk Forests & Fens, with a night in the peaceful countryside.
-
A weekend for slowing down in North Brabant
Two days of wandering through monasteries, castles, forts and fortified cities with plenty of time along the way for culinary enjoyment at creative food hotspots – this is possible in North Brabant.
-
A long weekend of surprises in the heart of Brabant
Allow yourself three days to be amazed by a part of North Brabant between Tilburg and Esbeek, close to the Belgian border.
-
5 times UNESCO in North Brabant
UNESCO is best known for the World Heritage List. But UNESCO also recognises heritage in other areas, which means you will encounter UNESCO sites also in North Brabant.
-
Slow travel along the best parts of the Land van de Peel
A region where the heart beats to the unmistakable Brabant hospitality, individuality, and passion for enjoying life in a way that only the people of Brabant know how to do.