"Walk in Freedom": Cross-border hike with a historical background

On Saturday 29 March 2025, the Dutch foundation "DinXperience", in collaboration with the German citizens' initiative "Dinxperwick", is organising the cross-border walk "Walk in Freedom". This special route will take participants to historic places and tell stories of freedom and connection - exactly 80 years after the liberation of Dinxperlo (Netherlands).

Registration

Registration is now open at www.walkinfreedom.de/anmeldung.

A hike full of history

On the "Walk in Freedom", hikers follow the route taken by the liberators on 29 March 1945: from Kleve via Kalkar and Bienen to Dinxperlo. Four route lengths are offered, ranging from 7 to 53 kilometres, so that both experienced and leisure walkers can take part. The organisation will provide bus transfers from Dinxperlo to the starting points.

Hikers receive a route booklet and are guided along the way by clear signposting. There are large banners with historical photos and QR codes at a number of prominent points along the route. If you scan these, you can listen to a moving, true story about the respective place or an event in the region via a podcast.

Celebrating and preserving freedom

"Freedom is a precious commodity", according to the organising team. The "Walk in Freedom" commemorates the sacrifices made for the freedom of people living in the present and emphasises the importance of connection and cohesion. The walk brings together Dutch and German participants to celebrate freedom and strengthen the relationship between the two countries. "Walk with us in the footsteps of our liberators and experience an important chapter in our shared border history", invites the organisation.

Festive entry

The walk ends with a festive entry into the border villages of Suderwick and Dinxperlo. This finale starts at the Europabrücke bridge and leads over the Hellweg and through Suderwick to the Ponsen fitness centre on the Europastraat in Dinxperlo. The organisation invites everyone to take part in this celebration of freedom.

Practical information

All information about the walk and registration can be found at www.walkinfreedom.de in German and at www.walkinfreedom.eu in Dutch.

Promotion

The Gemeente Aalten and the city of Bocholt are supporting the project. In addition, the "Walk in Freedom" is made possible by the Interreg programme Germany-Nederland and its programme partners and co-financed by the European Union (EU).