At a glance
Duration: Full day (approx. 8 hours, 09:00–17:00)
Start: Nijmegen railway station
End: Nijmegen railway station
Division covered: 82nd Airborne (“All Americans”)
Group size: 1–8 persons (larger groups see Groups)
Language: English or Dutch
Accessibility: Primarily a driving tour with short walks at each stop. Some grass and unpaved paths. Comfortable shoes recommended.
The 82nd Airborne’s battle for Nijmegen and the bridges
On 17 September 1944, the 82nd Airborne Division dropped into the occupied Netherlands with one of the most demanding assignments of the entire war. They had to seize crossings over two major rivers and a canal, take the city of Nijmegen, and hold the Groesbeek Heights against a German counterattack that came far sooner and harder than anyone expected. All of this with no tanks, no heavy weapons, and no guarantee that the ground forces racing up from the south would arrive in time.
This full-day tour takes you around the entire 82nd Airborne sector, from the bridge at Grave to the road bridge at Nijmegen. You will stand on the drop zones, walk the ground where the division fought to hold its perimeter, and visit the south bank of the Waal where the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment launched one of the most extraordinary river crossings of the Second World War. This is not a lecture from a car window. It is a guided journey through the landscape, with the stories of the men who fought here.
This tour focuses entirely on the 82nd Airborne sector. If you want to see both American divisions in a single day, the Americans at Market Garden tour covers the 82nd and the 101st Airborne from Eindhoven to Nijmegen, but with less time at each location. If the 101st Airborne is your primary interest, see the Hell’s Highway tour. This tour is the right choice if the All Americans are your focus and you want to go deep.
Tour itinerary: Grave to Nijmegen
Morning: the bridges and the perimeter
The bridge at Grave
We begin at the bridge over the Maas at Grave, the first major objective of the 82nd Airborne and the longest bridge captured during Market Garden. I will walk you through the assault and explain why securing this crossing was critical to the entire operation.
Dropzone Oboe
A short drive brings us to the drop zone near Overasselt where the paratroopers came down on that Sunday afternoon. Standing on the field, I will talk you through the chaos of the first hours: the scattered drops, the race to reach objectives, and the difference between the plan on paper and what happened on the ground.
The lock bridge at Heumen
We drive to the lock bridge over the Maas-Waal Canal at Heumen (Molenhoek). This was the only bridge across the canal captured intact, and its seizure was essential. We will talk about how a small group of paratroopers took and held this crossing.
Molenhook American Cemetery memorial
Near the lock bridge, we stop at the site of the temporary American cemetery where the division’s dead were first buried before being moved to the Netherlands American Cemetery at Margraten. It is a quiet stop, but an important one.
The Hill at Plasmolen
We move to Plasmolen, where two platoons from the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment fought a fierce engagement on the hill overlooking the access road to Mook. This was one of many points along the perimeter where the 82nd had to hold ground with very little to hold it with.
Afternoon: the landing zones, the heights, and the Waal
Landing zones south of Groesbeek
After lunch in the Groesbeek area, we visit the landing zones where the gliders came in, including the replica Waco glider. I will explain the scale of the glider landings and what it took to bring in the heavy equipment the division needed.
Vox Hill
We then move north of Groesbeek to the location of one of the most critical moments of the battle. On 18 September, Corps Feldt launched a counterattack that overran the drop zone. The men who had gone forward to Nijmegen had to turn around and fight their way back to reopen it. This stop brings that desperate fight to life.
Devil’s Hill
Devil’s Hill dominates the eastern approach to Nijmegen and was contested for days in fierce, often hand to hand, combat. Standing on the hill, you will see exactly why this position mattered and what the men of the 82nd faced in holding it.
The Waal River crossing
From the south bank of the Waal, we look across the river at the ground where the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment launched their crossing in canvas boats under direct fire. It remains one of the most remarkable actions of the entire war. I will walk you through what happened, who was involved, and what it cost.
The road bridge at Nijmegen
Our final stop is the Nijmegen road bridge, the largest bridge of Operation Market Garden. We will cover the combined assault to capture it, the fierce fighting on and around the bridge, and the controversy over what happened after it was taken.
Practical information
Meeting point and transport
This tour starts at 09:00 at Nijmegen railway station and ends at approximately 17:00 back at Nijmegen railway station. I will pick you up and drive you to all locations. Transport is included in the tour price.
Getting to Nijmegen: from Amsterdam Schiphol, direct trains to Nijmegen run regularly (approximately 1 hour 45 minutes). From Eindhoven, trains to Nijmegen run via ‘s-Hertogenbosch (approximately 1 hour). You can plan your connection at ns.nl.
What to bring
Comfortable shoes for short walks (some grass and unpaved paths), weather-appropriate clothing (we will be outside at each stop for 10–20 minutes), and a camera. I bring the maps, photos, and source material.
Not sure which tour to choose?
I offer several Market Garden tours, each with a different focus:
This tour (Nijmegen, 82nd Airborne): A full day focused entirely on the 82nd Airborne sector from Grave to Nijmegen. Goes deepest into the bridges, the Groesbeek perimeter, and the Waal crossing.
Americans at Market Garden tour: Covers both the 82nd and 101st Airborne sectors in one full day. Best for visitors who want to see the complete American story from Eindhoven to Nijmegen.
Hell’s Highway tour: A full day focused entirely on the 101st Airborne sector from Son to Veghel. Goes deepest into the battles along the corridor.
Easy Company tour: Follows the Band of Brothers story through Market Garden and onto The Island.
Market Garden Highlights tour: Covers the entire operation (American and British sectors) from Eindhoven to Arnhem in one day. The broadest overview but with shorter stops.
Arnhem, A Bridge Too Far tour: A full day focused on the British 1st Airborne sector at Arnhem and Oosterbeek.
Not sure? Contact me and I will help you choose based on your interests and available time.
Pricing
We have a flat fee price for our tours:
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- Price for a full day private tour for 1 to 4 persons including transportation is €480.
- For 5-8 persons I have to charge €650 to cover the rent of a large minivan.
- Lunch and museum entrance is not included in the price.
- For a group of more than 8 persons please visit my Groups page
Frequently asked questions
Is this tour suitable for non-enthusiasts?
Yes. I regularly take couples and families where one person is the history enthusiast and the others came along for the experience. The tour is built around human stories and the landscape, not military jargon. I adjust the level of detail to my audience. The driving between stops gives everyone a breather.
How physically demanding is the tour?
Not demanding. This is primarily a driving tour with short walks at each stop, typically 10 to 20 minutes of walking per location. Some sites are on grass or unpaved paths, so comfortable shoes are a good idea. Devil’s Hill involves a moderate uphill walk. If you have specific mobility concerns, let me know in advance and I will adjust the route.
Where does the tour start and end? How do I get back?
The tour starts and ends at Nijmegen railway station. We meet at 09:00 and return at approximately 17:00. If you need accommodation recommendations near Nijmegen, let me know after booking.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. If there is a specific location, unit, or story you want to include, let me know when you book and I will adjust the route. I also offer fully bespoke tours. See my Groups page or contact me to discuss.
What is the difference between this tour and the Americans at Market Garden tour?
This tour focuses entirely on the 82nd Airborne sector: Grave, Heumen, Groesbeek, Devil’s Hill, the Waal crossing, and the Nijmegen bridge. The Americans at Market Garden tour covers both the 82nd and the 101st Airborne sectors in a single day, running from Eindhoven to Nijmegen. That tour is broader but spends less time at each location. If the 82nd is your primary interest, this tour goes deeper.
Do you offer this tour in languages other than English?
This tour is available in English and Dutch.
What about lunch?
We take a lunch break at a restaurant in the Groesbeek area, roughly halfway through the day. Lunch is not included in the tour price. I will choose the restaurant based on availability on the day.
How far in advance should I book?
I am often fully booked during peak season (April to September), especially around commemoration dates in September. I would recommend booking as early as possible. You can check my availability in the date picker below, or contact me to book for 2027.
What if it rains?
The tour runs in all weather conditions. The Netherlands can be unpredictable, so bring a waterproof layer. Much of the tour is by car, so you will not be exposed for long stretches.
