Wandeltour meidagen 1940 i.s.m. Strijd om de Maasbruggen en Mariniersmuseum

In Rotterdam, from 10 to 14 May 1940, there is an uninterrupted battle for the city. An incredible, largely unknown story that precedes the devastating bombardment.

Rotterdam has been in the middle of the frontline since the very beginning of the German invasion on 10 May 1940. For five long days, fighting rages in the streets, on the river and in the air above the city. German and Dutch troops lie opposite each other along the Maas. The people of Rotterdam are caught between two fires.

Former soldier and military historian Wouter Hagemeijer of Strijd om de Maasbruggen takes you on this walk through the course of the battle and the confusion of those days.

The walking tour starts in Museum Rotterdam '40 - '45 NU. After a short introduction we set off. The walk takes us past important positions from the May days such as the Noordereiland and the Oudehaven. We also visit the Mariniersmuseum and Plein 1940. The highlight is the impressive view from the roof of the Witte Huis. Here we look out over Rotterdam and the former battlefield along the banks of the Maas.

NOTE: The distance of the walk is 5 kilometers and at the meeting points there will be a longer stop. During the tour several (steep) stairs have to be climbed. For the part Coolhaven to Beurs we take the metro. Bring your OV-chip card for this.