Oosterbeek War Cemetery
A serene and immaculately maintained war cemetery honoring over 1,700 Allied servicemen from the Battle of Arnhem.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Peaceful reflection
Oosterbeek War Cemetery
Best Time
Peaceful reflection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene and immaculately maintained war cemetery honoring over 1,700 Allied servicemen from the Battle of Arnhem.
"A place of profound peace and solemnity, where the sacrifices of heroes are remembered with deep respect."
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on grass and gravel paths, so comfortable footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Allow Time for Reflection
This is a place for quiet contemplation. Give yourself ample time to wander and absorb the atmosphere. :thought_balloon:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Sea of Headstones
Main cemetery grounds
Thousands of white headstones stand in neat rows, a poignant reminder of the fallen. Each bears a name, regimental badge, and personal inscription.
Annual Flower Laying Ceremony
Oosterbeek War Cemetery
Local schoolchildren lay flowers on every grave, a deeply moving tradition honoring the soldiers' sacrifice.
Unidentified Burials Memorial
Near the entrance
A special memorial acknowledges the 243 unidentified burials, a testament to ongoing efforts to provide closure.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Reflection
Understanding the Significance
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on grass and gravel paths, so comfortable footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Allow Time for Reflection
This is a place for quiet contemplation. Give yourself ample time to wander and absorb the atmosphere. :thought_balloon:
Check for Ceremonies
Special events, like the annual flower laying, offer a unique and emotional experience. :calendar:
Visitor Book Insight
Sign the visitor book to leave your respects and read messages from others worldwide. :memo:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on grass and gravel paths, so comfortable footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Allow Time for Reflection
This is a place for quiet contemplation. Give yourself ample time to wander and absorb the atmosphere. :thought_balloon:
Check for Ceremonies
Special events, like the annual flower laying, offer a unique and emotional experience. :calendar:
Visitor Book Insight
Sign the visitor book to leave your respects and read messages from others worldwide. :memo:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Oosterbeek War Cemetery for its profound peace, immaculate upkeep, and deeply moving atmosphere. The annual flower-laying ceremony by local schoolchildren is frequently highlighted as a particularly poignant experience, showcasing the enduring respect and gratitude of the Dutch people. While the cemetery is a place of solemn remembrance, its beauty and tranquility offer a unique sense of calm and reflection.
"This tranquil British Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery contains the remains of 1,684 British & Commonwealth servicemen , 79 Polish servicemen and three Dutch who fell during The Battle of Arnhem in September 1944.
I've never experienced such peace before, the only sound being birdsong. It was quite remarkable and stopped me in my footsteps.
The cemetery is immaculately maintained.
The Commonwealth servicemens' gravestones bear regimental badges, names, personal details and a family chosen inscription at the base. They are very moving.
I was amazed by how many visitors of all ages there were here, even midweek. Each person seemed wrapped up in their own thoughts as they surveyed the headstones.
A visitor book can be found behind the small metal door with a cross upon it, in the entrance building beside the gates. This book bears testimony to the people from all over the world who come to pay their respects here.
Sadly, 243 burials remain unidentified. The Netherlands Army has a specialist body recovery and identification team who still try to put a name to all these poor individuals in order to allow closure for the fallen and their families. They deserve enormous credit that they still persist in their endeavour 80 years after the battle.
In my opinion. this place of rememberance should be visited by as many people as possible. so that we never forget that they gave their today for our tomorrow.
"Lest We Forget.""
PW
"I have come to this war cemetery since the age of 11, my Grandfather Sgt Austin Francis is buried here with many other brave men who fought and fell for our Freedom.
It is a place of peace and allows me to reflect on what it cost to allow our todays. The commonwealth war graves commission keep this cemetery immaculate, not a headstone out of line or unreadable. The groundskeepers are a credit to keeping the place looking so well and show the respect our men resting deserve.
If ever you find yourself near to this memorial cemetery and your own head space is struggling with the world today then grab yourself a coffee and come and sit here, it will help you think clearly and allow you to untangle your thoughts with the tranquil sounds of just birds signing between the wind in the trees."
Marc Francis
"A very impressing cemetery to visit, and to see how many soldiers are killed in action for our liberation"
Hubert Verheul
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Oosterbeek War Cemetery is easily accessible from Arnhem. You can take a local bus, such as line 1 or 352, which stops near the cemetery. Driving is also an option, with parking available. Many visitors also cycle, enjoying the scenic route through the Dutch countryside.
Yes, the cemetery is well-signposted and located in Oosterbeek, a short distance from Arnhem. It's situated within the municipal cemetery, making it straightforward to locate.
Absolutely. Public transport is a convenient way to reach the cemetery. Buses from Arnhem are frequent and drop you off within walking distance.
For history enthusiasts, combining a visit to the Airborne Museum Hartenstein with Oosterbeek War Cemetery is highly recommended. Many choose to cycle between these sites to fully immerse themselves in the area's history.
Arnhem is the closest major city and offers a wide range of accommodation. Alternatively, smaller towns like Oosterbeek itself or Renkum provide a quieter stay.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Oosterbeek War Cemetery is free to enter. It is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, and donations are welcome but not required.
The cemetery is generally open daily from dawn until dusk, allowing visitors ample time to pay their respects. It's advisable to check for any specific holiday hours.
There is no need to book tickets in advance as entry is free and open to all. You can visit spontaneously.
The main paths within the cemetery are generally well-maintained and accessible. However, some areas might have uneven terrain.
Yes, photography is permitted. Visitors are encouraged to be respectful of the solemn nature of the site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The atmosphere is one of profound peace and solemnity. Visitors often describe it as incredibly tranquil, with only the sounds of nature audible. It's a place for quiet reflection and remembrance.
Most visitors spend between 1 to 2 hours at the cemetery to fully appreciate its scale and significance. This allows time for quiet contemplation and reading inscriptions.
Basic facilities like a visitor book are available in the entrance building. Restrooms are typically located nearby within the larger municipal cemetery.
The regimental badges signify the specific military unit the fallen soldier belonged to, offering a personal connection to their service history.
Yes, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website allows you to search for individuals buried at Oosterbeek War Cemetery. You can also inquire at the visitor center if available.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful, dramatic shadows across the headstones. Golden hour offers a particularly poignant and respectful light.
Focus on capturing the scale, the details of the headstones, and the peaceful atmosphere. Respectful shots of the landscape and any ceremonies are also appropriate. Avoid intrusive close-ups of individuals without permission.
Drones are generally not permitted at war cemeteries due to the solemn nature of the site and potential disturbance to visitors. Always check local regulations.
The long, straight avenues of headstones, the central cross, and the entrance gates are popular and impactful photo locations. Capturing the flower-laying ceremonies is also very moving.
Focus on details like inscriptions, regimental badges, and the play of light and shadow. Wide shots showing the vastness of the cemetery can also convey the scale of loss.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Children
It's a place where children can learn about history in a tangible way, understanding the sacrifices made for their freedom. The peaceful atmosphere allows for quiet reflection, and the immaculately kept grounds are safe for exploration. Consider visiting the nearby Airborne Museum Hartenstein for a more comprehensive understanding of the Battle of Arnhem. 🌍 History Enthusiasts & Veterans
🕊️ Those Seeking Peace and Reflection
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Battle of Arnhem and Oosterbeek
Many of the servicemen interred here fell during the fierce fighting in and around Oosterbeek. The cemetery was established shortly after the battle to gather the fallen from scattered battlefield graves. It is meticulously maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), ensuring that the sacrifices of these soldiers are never forgotten. The presence of Polish servicemen also highlights the international effort during the conflict.
Visitors often find a profound connection to history here, walking among the graves of those who fought for the liberation of the Netherlands. The cemetery's peaceful setting contrasts sharply with the violent events that led to its existence, making it a powerful place for reflection and remembrance.
The Annual Flower Laying Tradition
This tradition underscores the deep connection between the local population and the cemetery. It's not just a historical site but a living memorial, kept vibrant by the younger generations. The act of placing flowers is a tangible way for children to learn about history and honor the sacrifices made, ensuring the memory of these heroes is passed down.
Witnessing this ceremony, or even just seeing the fresh flowers on the graves at other times of the year, provides a unique perspective on the cemetery's significance. It demonstrates that the legacy of the Battle of Arnhem continues to resonate, fostering a spirit of remembrance and international friendship.
Maintaining the Memory: CWGC's Role
The CWGC's work extends beyond simple maintenance; they are committed to identifying the fallen. The cemetery contains 243 unidentified burials, and the Netherlands Army continues efforts to put names to these soldiers, offering closure to families. This ongoing endeavor highlights the profound commitment to ensuring no soldier is forgotten.
For visitors, the immaculate condition of the cemetery is often remarked upon. It allows for a deeply moving and peaceful experience, where the focus remains on remembrance and reflection, thanks to the tireless efforts of the CWGC and their groundskeepers.
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