This post is also available in: Nederlands

To secure the success of Operation Market Garden, the Allied forces needed to seize the bridge in Arnhem. However, the lightly armed airborne forces of the 1st British Airborne Division faced overwhelming opposition from two SS Panzer Divisions in the vicinity. Despite desperate fighting and numerous casualties, the Arnhem bridge ultimately proved to be 'a bridge too far.

Operation Market Garden
On September 17, Operation Market, the largest airborne and glider operation in history involving five thousand aircraft, was conducted by three Allied airborne divisions. Operation Garden was the ground component, wherein the 30th (British) Corps aimed to establish a link with the British First Airborne at Arnhem by advancing northward along a narrow corridor opened by the U.S. Eighty-second and 101st Airborne Divisions.

Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment, part of 1st Airlanding Brigade of 1st Airborne Division, marching on a road between Oosterbeek and Arnhem. 19 September 1944

Operation Market Garden reached its culmination in Arnhem, where the bridge across the Rhine represented the final objective for the Allied forces to secure the success of the operation. It was also the furthest point from the starting position of the British 30th Corps, which was tasked with relieving the airborne forces. The paratroopers in Arnhem were initially expected to hold out for a maximum of four days. However, they found themselves enduring nine days of relentless combat before eventually retreating across the Rhine, as the failure of Market Garden became inevitable. The British and Polish paratroopers dropped near Arnhem encountered numerous challenges throughout the operation.

Areas closer to the bridge were deemed unsuitable for airborne landings, prompting the selection of a location more than 10 to 15 miles away from the bridge. Additionally, the airborne units destined for Arnhem had to be transported in three waves due to a shortage of transport aircraft. As a result, the first group to land was tasked with both capturing the bridge and securing the landing site to ensure the safe arrival of follow-up forces.

This already challenging situation was exacerbated by the presence of the 9th and 10th SS Panzer Divisions, which were stationed near Arnhem for rest after the fighting in Normandy. These formidable enemy forces posed significant obstacles for the valiant airborne troops. Despite their courage and determination, the airborne forces suffered devastating losses and ultimately failed to achieve their objectives. Of the ten thousand men who landed at Arnhem, fourteen hundred were killed and over six thousand were captured. Only twenty-four hundred paratroopers managed to safely cross to the south bank of the Rhine, using small rubber boats.

Follow in the footsteps of the legendary 1st British Airborne Division during Operation Market Garden and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of war. Explore the buildings, forests, and dugouts where soldiers endured unimaginable hardships, fought with fierce determination, and earned the highest awards of bravery. Walk the same paths as these courageous troops, and gain a deeper understanding of their remarkable feats and sacrifices.

Battlefield Tours offers comprehensive battlefield tours for both private and mixed groups in Arnhem and its surroundings. We specialize in providing specific programs focused on Operation Market Garden for larger groups, schools, and scouting groups. Our tours in Arnhem cover various areas of historical significance, allowing participants to gain a deeper understanding of the events of the operation. Our Battlefield Tours in Arnhem require motorized transport due to the distance and duration of the tours. We can provide transportation for groups of up to 8 persons. However, if you prefer, you can also follow us in your own car. For groups larger than 8 persons, additional transportation arrangements will need to be made by the participants. Our tours in Arnhem and its surroundings typically last a full day, providing ample time to explore the key sites and immerse yourself in the history of Operation Market Garden.

Battlefield Tour – Arnhem

Tour highlights*

• The John Frost bridge and its surroundings
• The new pavillion Battle of Arnhem near the John Frost bridge
• The Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetary
• Airborne Museum ‘Hartenstein’
• The Westerbouwing height
• The Lonsdale church in Oosterbeek
• The drop and landing zones in Wolfheze, Heelsum and Ginkel Heath
• Kate Ter Horst House
• St. Elisabeth Gasthuis at the Utrechtseweg
• The culve of Wolfheze at the Johannahoeveweg
• The White House (Hotel Dreyeroord)
• Former Hotel Schoonoord
• Former Hotel Tafelberg

*Depends on which tour you choose

Duration
The tours in Arnhem and surroundings takes a full day. Combination with other tours into a multiple day tour is possible.

Possible tour days
Our private tours can be booked all year round and all week to availability.

Price, bookings and payment
Different prices for a private tour may apply depending on group size. Prices, terms and conditions can be found here. You can easily book the tour via the booking form on this page, or by contacting us directly. By submitting a booking you agree to our terms and conditions. After receipt of you booking request we will verify availability on the tour date(s) requested. If needed we will contact you to discuss details or other options. Presuming a requested tour date is possible we will sent you a confirmation email containing an invoice stating the total amount due and the deposit amount (if applicable) needed to complete your booking. Full payment is due 10 days prior to the start date of the tour.

Transport and pick up location
This is a bus tour. We start the Battlefield Tour from the central train station in Arnhem. If you arrive by plane, you will probably fly to Schiphol, Amsterdam’s airport. The easiest way to get to Arnhem is by train. There is a train from Schiphol to Arnhem, which leaves every hour. You can plan your train trip using the journey planner of the Dutch railways. You should select Schiphol as your departure station and Arnhem as your destination. Overnight accommodation is possible in Arnhem. Book overnight accommodation via this website.

Europe Remembers on tour! about the Battle of Arnhem