Fietstour meidagen 1940

In Rotterdam, the city is continuously being fought over from 10 to 14 May 1940. An incredible, largely unknown story that precedes the devastating bombardment. Rotterdam has been right on the front line since the very beginning of the German invasion on 10 May 1940. For five long days, fighting rages in the streets, on the river and in the air above the city. German and Dutch troops lie opposite each other along the Maas. The people of Rotterdam are caught between two fires.

Former soldier and military historian Wouter Hagemeijer of Strijd om de Maasbruggen takes you on this cycling tour through the course of the battle and the confusion of those days.

The bike tour takes you past well-known and lesser-known locations of the battles between Dutch and German soldiers. We start at Museum Rotterdam '40-'45 NU with a short introduction to the situation in Rotterdam on the eve of the war. The route takes you via the Waalhaven and the Afrikaanderplein to the Noordereiland and includes lunch. In the afternoon we enjoy a magnificent view of Rotterdam and the former battlefield on both banks of the Maas from the roof of the Witte Huis. This is followed by a visit to the Marines Museum where you will get a good impression of the uniforms, weapons and equipment of that time. Via Plein 1940 (Zadkine) you cycle back to Museum Rotterdam '40-'45 NU for a short tour and to undergo the Experience.

PLEASE NOTE: The distance of the bike tour is 25 kilometers and at the meeting points there will be a longer stop. During the tour several (steep) stairs have to be climbed.