Gelderland History Route - Cold War Route Secrets

Gelderland has a rich history and you can now enjoy it even more, with special routes that reveal the most exciting and surprising stories. Go out, take your smartphone in your hand, look, listen and be surprised! This route takes you back to the times of the Cold War. After the Second World War, America and the Soviet Union found themselves on opposite sides. The Iron Curtain is erected. Gelderland also fears that the (atomic) bomb will one day explode. The Cold War left its mark with the construction of the IJssellinie (1950-1964). The Arnhem Nijmegen region has many traces of the battle against the Red Danger. Just like in other regions of Gelderland, you will find special places here where you can experience Exciting History: locations with a striking marking and often a QR code. Scan this with your smartphone and you will immediately be presented with the audio or video of the place where you are standing - often with a surprising angle. This route starts at Museum Het Valkhof in Nijmegen. In the Ooijpolder near Nijmegen there are many relics of the IJssel Line (1950-1964), including a complete emergency hospital. There is an atomic fallout shelter for 100 people under the former bank at Klein Mariënburg. Unfortunately, this is not accessible, but the Defense Dike between Nijmegen and Arnhem is clearly visible: it was constructed in 1951-1955 to prevent the entire Betuwe from flooding in the event of a Russian invasion. A floating weir was ready near Bemmel to close off the Waal, an important part of the IJssel Line. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, soldiers stood guard here - but where were those dreaded Russians? Volunteers were on lookout at the air guard post on top of Fort Pannerden. Even for nothing, luckily! It is exciting, listening to stories about an enemy that never came.