Landgoed Oorsprong — Attraction in Renkum

The Hemelse Berg. The lateral moraines, high above the Rhine River, where during the Second World War so much fighting took place over the Arnhem bridge ("A Bridge too Far"), are a romantic sight today. The beautiful estates Duno, the Oorsprong and the Valckeniersbosschen offer plenty of variety in the form of streams, bridges, waterfalls, majestic and very impressive trees and beautiful panoramic views. Yet everywhere you go you feel the history, the spirit of the Battle of Arnhem and Operation Market Garden is all around you, and with some imagination you can still imagine what it must have been like here. Evidently at Villa Hartenstein, in September 1944 the headquarters of the British 1st Airborne Division under the command of Major-General Roy Urquhart, where outside a number of abandoned artillery pieces such as a M4 Sherman tank can be seen (in Villa Hartenstein is now the Airborne Museum, which is definitely worth a visit!). But also for example at the Old Church on the Rhine near Oosterbeek, now an idyllic spot, but in the vicinity of the church in September 1944 heavy fighting took place for eight days. In the old presbytery next door about 250 wounded British soldiers were cared for. The church served as a rallying point for the Allies before they withdrew across the nearby Rhine River. The church was heavily damaged and partially destroyed in the acts of war. As breathtakingly beautiful as the landscape is here (even on a cloudy day), you are still regularly aware that very many, often very young, soldiers lost their lives here. And it is good to realize this at the place where it all happened. A visit to the Commonwealth war graves in Oosterbeek should be a part of the experience. Their final resting place is in a beautiful area, may that be some consolation to the bereaved. A breathtakingly beautiful area, steeped in...

The little forest 'de Hemelsche Berg', translated to 'Heavens mountain' isn't actually a mountain but from nature point of view, it's truly a bit of heaven on earth. Natural wells feed little creeks that meander through the woods, covering height differences with a plentitude of waterfalls. Hiking trails zigzag around these, with wooden bridges to cross the water every now and then. Good place for a relaxing walk while close to city of...

Lots of rivers for the dogs to play in. In the middle there’s a nice lake full of fish. There are statues and buildings around the forest which are fun to see. The only reason I gave this 4 stars is because there are roads running through the middle which isn’t handy...