Traces of the Second World War
Traces of the Second World War
The Second World War left its traces in Drenthe. Everyone knows the history of Former Camp Westerbork, fewer people know that a German airfield was built near Havelte in south-west Drenthe, there were labour camps and the resistance played a major role. This history is still visible in the landscape.
Videos - Discover more about the traces of the Second World War in South-West Drenthe
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Hiding place Diever
The hiding den in the woods near Diever was an underground hideout in World War II, mainly used by resistance fighters and Allied pilots to hide from the Germans. The den was also called The Wigwam. Watch the video made in collaboration with the Historical Society. A hidden story of a hidden hiding den in the forests of south-west Drenthe.
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German airfield Havelte
Go walking or cycling on the Holtingerveld and see for yourself the traces that the Ice Age and Second World War left behind in this nature reserve. Few know that the Germans built or rather had an airfield constructed here by labour camp workers during the war. Bomb craters, former hangars, a runway and roller runway, it is all still visible. Jelle Kootstra has delved into the impressive history and can now call himself a specialist. Hear his story in this video.
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Hiding village Nieuwlande
Nieuwlande, the village that went silent. During World War II, residents of Nieuwlande and its surroundings provided massive shelter to Jews and resistance fighters. For this, the village received the Yad Vashem award. Johannes Post, one of the well-known resistance leaders of the time, was a key lynchpin of the organisation. Watch this video and discover this impressive story.
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Jewish past Meppel
Southwest Drenthe has many hidden stories. The Jewish past in Meppel is one such hidden story. City guide Jan can tell you more about it. Listen to his story!
Hiding Museum De Duikelaar - Nieuwlande
Hiding Museum de Duikelaar aims to collect, preserve and pass on the history of Nieuwlande in a material and immaterial sense. The history of Nieuwlande in the '40-'45s is worth passing on to the younger generation, not only as a tribute to well-known resistance heroes, such as Johannes Post and Arnold Douwes, but also to the many inhabitants who silently risked their lives by taking in people in hiding. The museum gives a picture of the war and its dilemmas.
Many (Jewish) people in hiding found a safe haven here. For this, the village and its surroundings were awarded the Israeli Yad Vashem award on 11 April 1985. An honour given to only two places in the world.
The village that remained silent has much to tell.
More information
Interesting & impressive locations to visit
Featured cycling and hiking routes - Discover WWII traces on foot or by bike
Featured events and activities - Discover history
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History in hiding | guided walk 10.30 a.m.
History in hiding | guided walk 10.30 a.m.
13 June, 17 June and 6 more days
In Newlande -
NATURAL IJS and OORLOG walk Holtingerveld
NATURAL IJS and OORLOG walk Holtingerveld
18 June, 2 July and 6 more days
In Havelte
War monuments - A place to reflect on the past
Videos - Watch the videos accompanying the World War II Traces cycling route here
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Havelterberg
Watch video
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Military training area + nuclear weapons storage facility
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