Martin tower Liberation routesThe Martinus tower in the small town of Gennep is a permanent reminder of WW2 and lets us know that peace and freedom cannot be taken for granted. It is the only tower on the Meuse River from Mook to Roermond that survived the war. When retreating behind the Meuse, the Wehrmacht blew up the church towers on the left bank of the Meuse and placed lookouts in the towers on the right bank of the Meuse. These towers were then smashed by Allied artillery. All but one: the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.liberationroute.com/pois/787/martinus-tower">Gennep's Martinus tower</a>.The tower was on the front line from September 1944 to February 1945. Had one been in the spire in September 1944, one would have seen thousands of paratroopers and hundreds of Gliders land over neighbouring Groesbeek as part of Operation Market Garden. On 8 February, the front moved again. More than 1,000 guns shelled the neighbouring Reichswald forest and one could have watched from the tower as a roller of steel and fire swept across the great forest. Operation Veritable, the last major battle on the western front, had begun.Today, the Martinus Tower is a visitor centre with many reminders of this time. In particular, the Martinus Tower Liberation Routes, with starting and finishing points at the Martinus Tower, show the numerous traces of the tough battle in the region. The routes include the largest and second largest war museums in the Netherlands (Overloon and Groesbeek). The British Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, the Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery and Kriegsgräberstätte Donsbrügen, among others, are located in and near the Reichswald. The routes pass numerous monuments and ruins and 14 audio spots/listening boulders tell the special stories at these locations.The 8 Martinustoren Liberation Routes can be found on the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://martinustoren.nl/en/liberation-route">Martinustoren website</a>. On the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.liberationroute.com/themed-routes/12/gennep-and-the-price-of-freedom">Liberation Route website</a>, one can find another special route: Gennep and the price of freedom.The routes go through 4 beautiful Natura 2000 landscapes: the St Jansberg, the Reichswald, the Maasduinen and the Maasheggen.Entry to the Martinustoren visitor centre is free.&nbsp;Gennep's Martinus tower<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.liberationroute.com/pois/787/martinus-tower">https://www.liberationroute.com/pois/787/martinus-tower</a>Martin tower Liberation routes<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://martinustoren.nl/en/liberation-route">https://martinustoren.nl/en/liberation-route</a>Gennep and the price of freedom<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.liberationroute.com/themed-routes/12/gennep-and-the-price-of-freedom">https://www.liberationroute.com/themed-routes/12/gennep-and-the-price-of-freedom</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Netherlands

Martin tower Liberation routes

<h5 style="text-align: start">2 mei tot en met 30 november 2025</h5>De tijdelijke tentoonstelling Inheemse Bevrijders toont de verhalen van de Native American, Canadian First Nation en Métis soldaten die in 1944 en 1945 deelnamen aan de bevrijding van Nederland. Zij meldden zich in grote aantallen als vrijwilligers tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog en waren betrokken bij ieder deel van de bevrijding van Nederland, toch zijn hun verhalen tot op heden nauwelijks verteld. De expositie Inheemse Bevrijders brengt hun ervaringen tot leven door middel van persoonlijke verhalen, objecten en unieke interviews. Deze productie van dr. Mathilde Roza van de Radboud Universiteit, met steun van het Vrijheidsmuseum, is te zien van 2 mei t/m 30 november.

Inheemse Bevrijders

Half-marathon across both banks of the Meuse between the bridges at Grave and Heumen, which were of great importance during World War II. Entry fee: €15.00.

Bridge2Bridgerun

The visit offers insight into the bunker's historical significance and military function. Walking through the dark, atmospheric tunnels, you’ll learn about the bunker's role in defending the Atlantic Wall during the war and its connections to the fierce battles of Normandy, fought less than 20 miles away.You will get access to a range of original World War Two artefacts and weapons, where guests can touch and interact with the past. One of the highlights is the opportunity to climb aboard an authentic World War Two GMC truck, sitting on the benches just as soldiers once did.The visit lasts just under one hour, providing a detailed and hands-on experience of this fascinating piece of history. With small group sizes, the experience feels personal and intimate, offering an unforgettable journey through one of Jersey's most important defensive positions of WWII. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious, St. Catherine's Bunker offers an authentic and hands-on encounter with the past.<ul><li>Weekends with hourly start times from 10:15&nbsp;</li><li>Small group sizes per opening time slot</li><li>Bookings are only accepted online - Book early to avoid disappointment</li><li>Profits from sales are invested back into the restoration of this site and its upkeep&nbsp;</li></ul>

Jersey

St. Catherine's Bunker Tours

​As the sun sets, your expert guide will lead you through a carefully curated route that can be fully customized to your interests. Discover the eerie remnants of fortified bunkers, command posts, and underground tunnels that are typically closed to the public. This rare opportunity allows you to delve deep into the stories and secrets of wartime strategies while experiencing the haunting atmosphere of these historical sites under the moonlight.During the tour, clients will also have the opportunity to handle safe, authentic World War II weapons and artefacts. Our tour perfectly complements understanding the history of the D-Day invasion and the battle of Normandy, which unfolded less than 20 miles away.Rated five stars on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="wixui-rich-text__text" href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186230-d9710211-Reviews-Jersey_War_Tours-Jersey_Channel_Islands.html">TripAdvisor</a>, our tour not only promises a fascinating glimpse into the past but also emphasizes safety and comfort. Each location has been selected for its historical significance and unique character, ensuring an unforgettable adventure.Whether you're a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply seeking a unique outing, our bunkers at night tour offers an immersive experience that brings history to life in a way few ever get to witness. Join us for an unforgettable night as we uncover the shadows of history together.<ul><li>This private tour is available in the evenings from 18:30 - 21:00, Monday through Friday.</li><li>£120 for up to 4 people visiting multiple bunkers.&nbsp;</li><li>Returning guests can also request a custom tour route to avoid duplication.&nbsp;</li><li>​Tour profits are invested in WW2 research, preservation and education.</li><li>​Bookings are only accepted online - book early to avoid disappointment.</li></ul>Please visit our website for more information about this tour and available dates.

Bunkers at Night Tour

Discover History Like Never Before at the Channel Islands Military Museum!Step into the past and uncover the incredible stories of courage, resilience, and survival at the Channel Islands Military Museum in Jersey! Housed in a beautifully preserved German bunker from WWII, this one-of-a-kind museum offers an immersive experience that brings history to life.Explore Authentic Artifacts | Get up close and personal with rare memorabilia, from uniforms and weapons to personal diaries and photographs. Each item tells a story of life during wartime, shedding light on both soldiers and civilians.Experience the Occupation Era | Jersey was the only part of the British Isles to be occupied by German forces during WWII. Walk through the museum’s evocative displays to feel what it was like to live through this pivotal moment in history.Uncover Hidden Stories | Discover untold tales of bravery, ingenuity, and resistance. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious, the museum offers fascinating insights that will stay with you long after your visit.Step Inside a Genuine WWII Bunker | Not just a museum—this is a piece of history itself! Experience the atmosphere of an authentic German bunker, perfectly preserved to give you a glimpse into the past.Perfect for All Ages | Whether you're on a family trip, a school excursion, or an individual adventure, the Channel Islands Military Museum is an unforgettable journey for everyone.Plan Your Visit Today! 📍 Location: St. Ouen’s Bay, Jersey 🕒 Open: January to April = 10am - 1pm on Sundays | April to October = 10am - 5pm daily 🎟️ Tickets: Affordable prices for individuals, families, and groupsDon’t miss the chance to step back in time and experience history like never before. Visit the Channel Islands Military Museum—where every artifact, every story, and every wall whispers the legacy of those who lived through history.

Channel Island Military Museum

Sport was in het concentratiekamp vaak een manier om discipline af te dwingen en om te straffen. Bij deze vorm van sport, later pseudosport genoemd, dwongen de nazi’s de gevangenen om uitputtende oefeningen te doen in combinatie met drillen en zingen.Maar sport had ook een tegenovergestelde invulling in het kamp. De gevangenen speelden sporten om te ontsnappen aan de gruwelijke realiteit en om de tijd te doden na lange dagen van dwangarbeid.Onder de gevangenen bevonden zich ook vooroorlogse sporters; Olympiërs en nationale kampioenen die records vestigden voordat ze werden gedeporteerd. Hun dromen werden abrupt afgenomen.‘Sport en sporters in KL Auschwitz’ onthult deze tragische realiteit, maar benadrukt ook de ongelooflijke kracht, creativiteit en het doorzettingsvermogen van de gedeporteerden. Brieven, foto’s en getuigenissen vertellen de indrukwekkende verhalen van sport en sporters in het Duitse nazi-concentratie- en vernietigingskamp Auschwitz.De tentoonstelling benadrukt dat sport niet alleen gaat over fysieke kracht, maar ook over innerlijke kracht en doorzettingsvermogen. De verhalen over sport en sporters in extreme omstandigheden weten te raken en te inspireren.

Belgium 

Tijdelijke tentoonstelling: ‘Sport en sporters in KL Auschwitz’

As you journey through the winding passages, you’ll be transported to a time of resilience and survival, where the bravery of the islanders is brought to life through powerful exhibits and immersive storytelling. Stand where history was made and explore the tunnels that stretch over 1,000 meters, an eerie yet fascinating reminder of wartime struggles.<ul><li>Feel the Past Come Alive: Walk through life-sized exhibits that capture the occupation’s harsh realities and the hope that endured.</li><li>Go Beyond the Walls: Learn personal stories of hardship and heroism, from islanders and workers whose lives were changed forever.</li><li>Experience the Unimaginable: See artifacts, propaganda, and military equipment that paint a vivid picture of life under German rule.</li></ul>Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a curious traveler, or simply looking for a powerful experience, the Jersey War Tunnels will captivate your heart and mind.Dive deep into the mysteries of World War II with 'Operation Constellation' and 'Prison Break'. Can you crack codes, solve puzzles, and uncover secrets to escape in time? Gather your team and embark on an unforgettable adventure where history meets adrenaline at Jersey War Tunnels Escape Rooms.Don’t just read about history—step inside it.

Jersey War Tunnels

Découvrez les récits des hommes de la 12e Division d’Infanterie Motorisée (DIM) qui seront faits prisonniers ou périront lors d’une mission cruciale, pour permettre à des dizaines de milliers de soldats de s’échapper de la poche de Dunkerque.À travers une narration immersive, le Général Janssen et ses hommes partagent leurs souvenirs. Chaque portrait raconte une histoire de bravoure, de sacrifice et d’engagement. Venez rendre hommage à ces héros et comprendre l’impact de leur dévouement sur notre histoire.Du 4 mars jusqu’au 31 octobre 2025, les visiteurs auront l’opportunité de plonger dans l’histoire de l’Opération Dynamo, 85 ans après l’événement.Organisée en partenariat avec l’association “A l’assaut des mémoires”, cette exposition unique mettra en valeur l’histoire du Fort et de son territoire grâce aux hommes ayant combattu lors du plus grand rembarquement de l’histoire.

France

La Division Janssen – Des hommes sacrifiés

With “On Displaying Violence: First Exhibitions on the Nazi Occupation in Europe, 1945–1948” (24 May–23 November 2025), the Deutsches Historisches Museum traces for the first time the history of this pan-European phenomenon, using the examples of early exhibitions in London, Paris, Warsaw, Liberec and Bergen-Belsen. The DHM exhibition is presented in cooperation with the Documentation Centre “German Occupation of Europe in the Second World War”. It is the view of the project that a joint European remembrance, and thus a joint European future, depends to a great degree on the shared knowledge of the history of the German occupation. &nbsp;&nbsp;The exhibition focuses on the different forms and presentations with which the exhibition organisers – most of them victims of Nazi persecution and Holocaust survivors – took up the themes of violence, resistance and perpetrators, as well as the loss of cultural heritage. This throws light on the different ideas about the future that were reflected in the early exhibitions. Rooted in the respective local and national contexts, the different visual languages of the time are analysed and the sources compared. The motivation of the participants and the effect of the exhibitions are examined, some of which travelled throughout Europe. Original objects, photographs, films, documents, artworks and multimedia presentations give the visitors a greater understanding of the challenges and backgrounds of this “first look back.” &nbsp;

Germany

“On Displaying Violence: First Exhibitions on the Nazi Occupation in Europe, 1945–1948”  

Six locations with personal stories.&nbsp; Each outdoor exhibition focuses on personal stories of residents of that location, told through images, text and historical sources. Visitors are taken into the dilemmas that residents faced during wartime and have the opportunity to reflect on the meaning of freedom and choices today.Opening on 10 April 2025 The official opening of Freedom of Choice will take place on 10 April 2025. All six locations will be opened that day, starting in Tiel. During this opening, speakers, relatives and those involved will put the stories of the time into perspective. After the opening, the exhibitions will remain open to the public free of charge for the next few yearsThe Freedom of Choice project is part of 80 Years of Freedom Gelderland, a broad programme of commemorations, activities and exhibitions that reflect on the liberation of the Netherlands and the lasting value of freedom. More information For more information about Choice Freedom, the exhibition locations and the programme of 80 Years of Freedom Gelderland, please visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://wo2rivierengebied.nl">wo2rivierengebied.nl</a>. This portal can be visited after the outdoor exhibitions open, from 10 April 2025.

Six outdoor exhibitions showing personal stories from the Second World War

This is the exhibition of opposites, contradictions, and contrasts.We can see pictures that bring us joy but also those from which we instinctively look away.What is more, we notice people suffering from separation from animals as well as those who kill them for pure pleasure. We manage to spot both animals treated as friends and those subjected to chemical or biological weapon testing. But what particularly captures our attention are the contradictions embodied in the same objects and individuals. We observe people kind to fellow humans who torment animals. We also witness animal lovers who ruthlessly kill their own kind.We take all these stories and place them in the exhibition. At the same time, we come to believe that reality resembles a “war of all against all”: people against people, animals against animals, and ultimately humans against animals. This is the image of the world briefly outlined in the exhibition “Fauna. Animals at War and Their People.” An image of a conflicted creation.Purpose of the exhibitionThe aim is to introduce the multi-dimensional motif of animals into the historical narrative. If the exhibition sensitizes museum visitors to the fate of our “smaller brothers,” if it promotes respect for nature, it will have fulfilled our intentions. But if it also encourages visitors to critically reflect on human (including their own) attitudes towards animals, it will not only achieve our goals but be considered an immeasurable success.Curators’ assumptionsAbove all our mission is to speak about the victims of war, to restore the memory of the unheroic heroes – especially the weakest, often voiceless. This pattern includes children, the mentally ill or disabled. And we place in it also – often overlooked – animals. We want to tell the stories of animals through the exhibition medium, reuniting various cultural texts. Examples of those connections include the combinations of Szybalsky with Zdzisław Beksiński or Curzio Malaparte with Wisława Szymborska.Exhibition contentThe exhibition focuses on exploring the complex relationships between humans and animals. It is also an attempt to understand humans through understanding animals – to look at them through their opposite. How a human treats fauna reveals their attitude towards themselves, their potential to do good and evil, and their vision of reality. The exhibition deals with various aspects: ethical (norms for the use of animals), ecological (human impact on the ecosystem), historical (look at the war through the subject), and aesthetic (everyday life objects are accompanied by works of art). Our narration centers on the period of World War II and the years immediately preceding it, though we also attempt to build a bridge to the present.Form of the exhibitionReality resembles a “war of all against all.” One manifestation of this conflict is how humans perceive animals. They have often been treated as mindless beings, incapable of feeling – as if they lacked the most important body part - the head. The head is considered a universal symbol. As the seat of thought and emotion, it has represented wisdom, power, agency, and individuality. The head is also a part of the body shared by both humans and animals. It is something that connects these beings and at the same time separates them. The central motif of the exhibition’s narrative is precisely the head. It is represented primarily by spatial objects: sculptures by Beksiński and Szybalsky, plaster models by Sasin, and the preserved head of the bull Geeltje’s Adema. The contemplative – and somewhat theatrical – space which is housing the sculptures by Szybalsky and Beksiński, forms the starting point for deeper exploration of the human-animal relationship. ***Think it through and consider whether, in speaking about animals, the exhibition is also speaking about you. If so, what does it has to say?

Martin tower Liberation routes

Inheemse Bevrijders

Bridge2Bridgerun

St. Catherine's Bunker Tours

Bunkers at Night Tour

Channel Island Military Museum

Tijdelijke tentoonstelling: ‘Sport en sporters in KL Auschwitz’

Jersey War Tunnels

La Division Janssen – Des hommes sacrifiés

“On Displaying Violence: First Exhibitions on the Nazi Occupation in Europe, 1945–1948”

Six outdoor exhibitions showing personal stories from the Second World War

Exhibition “FAUNA. Animals at War and Their People”

Register your event on Europe Remembers

Date

Country

Type of event

Martin tower Liberation routes

Inheemse Bevrijders

Bridge2Bridgerun

St. Catherine's Bunker Tours

Bunkers at Night Tour

Channel Island Military Museum

Tijdelijke tentoonstelling: ‘Sport en sporters in KL Auschwitz’

Jersey War Tunnels

La Division Janssen – Des hommes sacrifiés

“On Displaying Violence: First Exhibitions on the Nazi Occupation in Europe, 1945–1948”

Six outdoor exhibitions showing personal stories from the Second World War

Exhibition “FAUNA. Animals at War and Their People”

Register your event on Europe Remembers

“On Displaying Violence: First Exhibitions on the Nazi Occupation in Europe, 1945–1948” 