City museum again offers guided tours on the history of the city forest camp

The Bocholt City Museum is continuing its successful series of historical tours on the eventful history of the Bocholt city forest camp this year. A total of nine free public tours will take place between 12 April and 23 October 2025.

The Stadtwaldlager is an important testimony to Bocholt's history and reflects the political upheavals of the 20th century. Among other things, the site served as the location of the so-called Austrian Legion (1935-1938), later as a prisoner of war camp during the Second World War and in the post-war period as a "Palestine Transit Camp". These historical events still characterise the memory of the Stadtwaldlager today.

"Every year, the programme is met with great interest", explains museum director Lisa Resing. "We have already received many requests for new dates this year too. We are delighted to finally be able to fulfil this interest"

In addition to the regular guided tours, there will once again be two special dates for children this year. These child-orientated tours will teach young participants about the history of the camp in an age-appropriate way.

Historian Werner Loock will guide visitors through the history of the Stadtwaldlager, using historical images and the latest scientific findings to explain the living conditions of the inmates and the effects on the Bocholt population. The first camp residents - National Socialists from the Austrian Legion - and the prisoners of war who were imprisoned in the Stadtwaldlager between 1939 and 1944 are highlighted in particular.

All public tours are free of charge, but prior registration is requested. Further information on registration or private guided tours is available on the homepage of the city museum or by telephone on 02871/953-2171.