Westerborkpad and Vlakken Weg

The Westerborkpad is a historically significant long-distance trail in the Netherlands, spanning approximately 342 kilometers (213 miles) from Amsterdam to the former Camp Westerbork in Hooghalen. This trail commemorates the route taken by many during World War II and offers hikers a reflective journey through diverse Dutch landscapes.

Trail Overview

The Westerborkpad is divided into multiple segments, each offering unique experiences. The terrain is predominantly flat, making it accessible to hikers of varying fitness levels. The trail surfaces range from paved footpaths and urban streets to gravel and dirt tracks through forests and agricultural areas. While the trail is generally well-marked, it's advisable to use navigation tools like HiiKER to ensure accurate route tracking.

Historical Significance

This trail traces the path that many Jews, Sinti, Roma, and other persecuted groups were forced to take during the German occupation of the Netherlands from 1940 to 1945. Starting at the Hollandsche Schouwburg in Amsterdam—a former Jewish theater turned deportation center—the route leads to Camp Westerbork, the main transit camp from which over 100,000 individuals were deported to concentration and extermination camps. Along the way, hikers encounter numerous memorials, monuments, and information panels that provide insights into this tragic period.

Notable Highlights

- Hollandsche Schouwburg (Amsterdam): The trail's starting point, this site now serves as a memorial and museum dedicated to the victims of the Holocaust.

- Amersfoort: A historic city featuring important WWII memorials, medieval architecture, and local museums.

- Zwolle: A vibrant city combining rich history with modern Dutch culture, offering scenic canals and several remembrance sites connected to the trail’s legacy.

- Nature Reserves & Forests: Sections of the trail pass through tranquil Dutch forests and nature reserves, such as the Veluwe, providing peaceful natural scenery and opportunities to spot wildlife.

- Camp Westerbork Memorial Center: The poignant endpoint of the trail, this site includes the preserved remnants of the former transit camp, a museum, and moving monuments dedicated to the memory of those deported from Westerbork.

Nature and Wildlife

The trail offers opportunities to observe the rich biodiversity of the Netherlands. Hikers may encounter a variety of bird species, especially in wetland areas. The route also passes through the Hoge Veluwe National Park, one of the country's most prominent nature reserves, featuring heathlands, sand dunes, and woodlands. Wildlife such as red deer, wild boar, and mouflon can be spotted in this area.

Getting to the Trailhead

The trail begins at the Hollandsche Schouwburg in Amsterdam. For those using public transport, Amsterdam is well-connected by train and bus services. The Hollandsche Schouwburg is located at Plantage Middenlaan 24, easily accessible via tram lines 9 and 14, or a short walk from the Waterlooplein metro station. For those driving, parking is available in nearby public parking facilities, though spaces may be limited due to the central location.

Trail Conditions and Accessibility

The Westerborkpad is suitable for hikers of most fitness levels, provided they are prepared for the overall distance and are comfortable with potential exposure to variable Dutch weather. Facilities such as restrooms, water sources, and accommodation options (including hotels, hostels, and campsites) are available in larger towns or adjacent to the route but may be limited in remote sections. The trail can be completed in all seasons except mid-winter, with spring, summer, and autumn being optimal due to milder weather and longer daylight hours.

Embarking on the Westerborkpad offers not only a physical journey through the Dutch countryside but also a profound historical experience, providing insight into the events of World War II and the resilience of those who lived through it.