Cycling the escape route to Megchelen
Oude IJsselstreek, Gelderland, The Netherlands
Cycling route: 336210
Provided by: Groots Genieten
23.0 km
01:21 h
405 kcal
20 m
Description
At the end of the Second World War there was a forced labor camp in the German town of Rees. Some men escaped to Megchelen and told their story there. That was the start of a large-scale rescue operation. This route between Rees and Megchelen lets you experience the road the forced laborers traveled. Every second Sunday in March, dozens of people walk the route to commemorate the workers, but you can of course also do the bike tour independently.
Secret liberation action
From Megchelen you cycle in the direction of Millingen. You then cycle further across the German border to Rees. On February 11, 1945, some volunteers traveled this route to rescue about 300 Dutch men from the forced labor camp. Theo Venhorst entered the camp disguised as a German officer to let the men leave the camp, without the guards noticing. The men came together in small groups and were escorted to Megchelen by volunteers. In Megchelen, the forced laborers were taken care of in an emergency hospital led by Mies Neuhaus.
From Megchelen you cycle in the direction of Millingen. You then cycle further across the German border to Rees. On February 11, 1945, some volunteers traveled this route to rescue about 300 Dutch men from the forced labor camp. Theo Venhorst entered the camp disguised as a German officer to let the men leave the camp, without the guards noticing. The men came together in small groups and were escorted to Megchelen by volunteers. In Megchelen, the forced laborers were taken care of in an emergency hospital led by Mies Neuhaus.
Remnants of the war
In Millingen you will find listening point'L72: Rescue action forced labourers\\' of the Liberation route, where you can learn more about this liberation. You will also cycle past Haus Empel and Slot Hueth, two castles that were taken by the Germans during the war.
In Millingen you will find listening point'L72: Rescue action forced labourers\\' of the Liberation route, where you can learn more about this liberation. You will also cycle past Haus Empel and Slot Hueth, two castles that were taken by the Germans during the war.
Air war
During the war, some planes with British and Canadian pilots crashed in Millingen. They were shot down by the Germans. Occasionally such a pilot survived the crash with the help of the local population, but usually they lost their lives. The population of Millingen got used to the planes and the associated noise. However, they did not get used to the risks. Sometimes pilots dropped their entire bomb load with disastrous consequences for the civilian population.
During the war, some planes with British and Canadian pilots crashed in Millingen. They were shot down by the Germans. Occasionally such a pilot survived the crash with the help of the local population, but usually they lost their lives. The population of Millingen got used to the planes and the associated noise. However, they did not get used to the risks. Sometimes pilots dropped their entire bomb load with disastrous consequences for the civilian population.
Reading tip! The Liberation
At the time of the Second World Heritage, the Achterhoek was occupied by the Germans, just like the rest of the Netherlands. Find a route that takes you past places that were important during World Heritage II or visit one of the Achterhoek museums with objects that are reminiscent of this time and tell more about special events. Be inspired by the article \\\'Life goes on during war\\\'.
The Achterhoek is an excellent region for cyclists and walkers. Explore this beautiful region by bike or on foot in a special way: with your smartphone. With the AbelLife app you can enjoy interesting anecdotes, videos, photos and fun tips for the road. The app shows you the way and along the way you will learn more about historical sights, the nature around you and nice restaurants in the area.
Would you like to try that?
Then download the AbelLife app and download a separate route or purchase a route booklet at one of the VVV\\\'s in the Achterhoek and use the voucher code in the front of the booklet. More information can be found at www.achterhoek.nl/routes or at www.abellife.nl
Height Profile
You do not want to miss this
Below you will find various suggestions for breaks that you can visit during your route. These are divided into different categories, making it easy for you to choose.
Sights
Directions
| # | Description | Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOP Megchelen (7078BV, Oude IJsselstreek, Gelderland, The Netherlands) | 0.00 km | ||
| L72: Reddingsactie dwangarbeiders (46459, Rees, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany) | 4.27 km | ||
| Haus Empel (NSG Empeler Meer, 46459, Rees, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany) | 8.11 km | ||
| Slot Hueth (Schloss Hueth, 46459, Rees, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany) | 18.87 km | ||
| TOP Megchelen (7078BV, Oude IJsselstreek, Gelderland, The Netherlands) | 23.02 km |
Place name directory
Reviews
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