World War II in Gaasterland
A lot took place in Gaasterland during the Second World War. From the end of 1941, the Germans worked feverishly on a radar station near the village of Sondel. This radar station was included in the German air defense which consisted of floodlights and anti-aircraft guns.
In the autumn of 1944, more than 75 V2 rockets were launched from the Rijsterbos towards England and the Belgian city of Antwerp. Several launches failed, destroying the peace stamp in the forest. In 1945 the temple was restored with the old material.
In addition to the story of camp Sondel and the V2s in the Rijsterbos, many human dramas have taken place; various plane crashes, the reception of people in hiding and evacuees, resistance work and executions. During this 'World War II in Gaasterland' cycling route you will visit unique locations and read stories about this turbulent period.
Have fun cycling!
Sights on this route
8567 JD Oudemirdum
Execution monument in the forest Elfbergen
Execution monument in the forest Elfbergen Kooilaan8567 HC Oudemirdum
Farmer’s school (NSB Agricultural School)
Farmer’s school (NSB Agricultural School) Marderleane 18572 WG Rijs
V2 rocket launch site and Peace Temple (Impact location)
V2 rocket launch site and Peace Temple (Impact location) Murnserleane8572 WN Rijs
Memorial sign at Mirns cemetery for the 1943 plane crash with B-24 Liberator
Memorial sign at Mirns cemetery for the 1943 plane crash with B-24 Liberator Murnserdijk 248573 WP Mirns
Balk Plaque on the outer wall of the Town Hall
Balk Plaque on the outer wall of the Town Hall Dubbelstraat 28561 BC Balk
Memorial Torch Graveyard in memory of Jeen Hornstra
Memorial Torch Graveyard in memory of Jeen Hornstra Menno van Coehoornweg 28563 AD Wijckel
Radar station Sondel
Radar station Sondel Restanten van het radarstation op het perceel van Siemen SminkNoorderreed 22
8565 GP Sondel
The crash of the Wellington Mk 1C
The crash of the Wellington Mk 1C Liemerige wei 48567 HM Oudemirdum
8567 JD Oudemirdum