Tour Description
Amersfoort by bike – Stories of World War Two
A personal and immersive historical bike tour
Join me on a unique and immersive World War II bike tour through the historic city of Amersfoort. Amersfoort by bike – Stories of World War Two is a 4-hour guided journey that begins and ends near Amersfoort Central Station. Throughout this 7-mile ride, we will explore powerful wartime history, personal stories, and meaningful memorial sites.
Start of the Tour
First, we begin by cycling through the city. As we ride, I will share several stories from World War II that shaped Amersfoort and its people. Along the route, we’ll stop at key monuments that honor those who resisted, suffered, or lost their lives during the occupation.
For example, we’ll pause at monuments near Nationaal Monument Kamp Amersfoort, each offering a unique perspective on the past. These locations, when viewed together, reveal a broader understanding of how deeply the war affected daily life in the city.
Nationaal Monument Kamp Amersfoort
Next, we reach Nationaal Monument Kamp Amersfoort, a central focus of the tour. Here, we dismount for a one-hour walking tour. I will personally guide you through the grounds, sharing stories of those imprisoned here. Afterwards, you’ll have time to explore the museum at your own pace.
This former concentrationcamp stands as a powerful reminder of both human cruelty and resilience. At every stop, we take time to reflect and connect history to the present.
Sovjet Experience and Return
Next, we visit the Sovjet Experience which tells the lesser known stories of Soviet prisoners of war—some of whom were held at Kamp Amersfoort. Follow Soviet soldier Vladimir from the moment he says goodbye to his family through an impressive Virtual Reality experience. Join him as a soldier at the front, as a prisoner of war on the train to Nazi Germany and as a forced labourer in a coal mine deep underground.
Conclusion
Finally, we return to our starting point at Amersfoort Central Station—or another agreed location. The biking pace remains easy, with many rest moments, allowing everyone to stay comfortable and engaged.
This tour is informative, respectful, and thought-provoking. Whether you’re a curious traveler or a dedicated history enthusiast, you’ll leave with a deeper and more personal understanding of Amersfoort’s wartime legacy. So, grab a bike, bring an open mind—and let’s explore this powerful chapter of history together!
Highlights
- Kamp Amersfoort
- Sovjet Experience