Dropzone Ede

This route takes you past monuments in memory of, and information panels with stories about events from the Second World War on and around the Ginkelse Heide. Important events include the airborne landings during Operation Market Garden and Operation Pegasus.

One of the most spectacular actions during Operation Market Garden were the airborne landings in September 1944. Two thousand paratroopers landed on the Ginkelse Heide near Ede. This was the beginning of the liberation of the Netherlands. The impact of this operation is still visible in Ede.

At the starting point of this route is the landmark 'Windows to the Past', a work of art that gives an impression of the Airborne landings on 18 September 1944. At the base of the work of art is information about the Battle of Arnhem.

The walk then continues over well-maintained paths through a nature reserve that is beautiful in all seasons. Forest and heathland can be admired in all its facets. With luck, you will see a flock of sheep. Be sure to leave time for a visit to the Heidebloemplas at information panel 2. This can be reached via a boardwalk. The area around the sheepfold was originally agricultural land. Diagonally behind the sheepfold, a piece of grassland and the wooded bank with oak trees can still be seen. Overgrazing caused the drifting sand, which was later controlled by the construction of hedgerows and planting of forests.