Westerbork Path part 0

Hiking in Amsterdam (6.5 km) and visiting musea.

Walking in Amsterdam is about soaking in the atmosphere of our capital city with its most beautiful canal houses. You pass by the Anne Frank House, and at the Hortus Botanicus, the broken mirrors of Jan Wolkers’ monument symbolise that “the sky after Auschwitz will never again be unblemished.” Truly something to leave you speechless.

Introduction of the path

The Westerbork Path (Westerborkpad) is a moving and educational route in the Netherlands, telling the story of Jewish people who were sent away during World War II. It follows the path to the Westerbork transit camp, which was in the northeast part of the country. There, thousands of Jews were held before being sent to concentration and extermination camps. The route has many memorials and places that remember the suffering and strength of the victims. The Westerbork Path lets you think about history and remember the terrible things that happened during the Holocaust. It is a very emotional experience that honours the lives of those who were lost and teaches future generations about the horrors of the Nazi regime.

Hike report

Starting at Amsterdam Central Train Station

I began my journey in the shadows of Amsterdam’s largest station. It was quite eerie to witness the city so deserted. I love to see cities before people get up.

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Westerkerk

The Westerkerk in Amsterdam is a historic Protestant church near the Anne Frank House. It was built between 1620 and 1631 in Dutch Renaissance style and has the tallest church tower in Amsterdam, the Westertoren, which gives you amazing views of the city. It is also believed that Rembrandt is buried there, making it even more special.

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Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam is a must-visit museum that tells the story of Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl who wrote a famous diary while hiding from the Nazis during World War II. The museum has the secret annex where Anne, her family, and others hid for over two years. You can explore the preserved rooms, see Anne’s original diary, and learn about her life and the Holocaust. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up against discrimination and intolerance.

Note: if you wish to visit, reserve a few before visiting.

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Continue walking

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Rembrand Square

Rembrandt Square, or Rembrandtplein, is a bustling hub in the heart of Amsterdam. It is named after the legendary Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn. This place is a foodie’s paradise, with a wide array of cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops lining the streets.

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Continue walking

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Jewish Resistance Monument

The Jewish Resistance Monument in Amsterdam is a tribute to the brave Jewish folks who fought against the Nazis during World War II. It is located on Weesperstraat and honours the Jewish men and women who did everything they could to resist the Nazi occupation, from sneaky stuff to armed resistance. It is a reminder of how courageous and brave the Jewish community was during the war.

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National Holocaust Names Monument

The National Holocaust Names Monument in Amsterdam is a heart-wrenching tribute to the victims of the Holocaust from the Netherlands. It was unveiled in 2021 and is the first monument in the world to list the names of all known Dutch Holocaust victims. You will find it at Weesperstraat. It is made up of big, engraved walls that show the names of over 102,000 Jewish, Roma, and Sinti people who were killed during World War II. This monument is meant to keep their memory alive and honour their lives. It is a powerful reminder and a place to learn about what happened.

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Jewish Museum

The Jewish Museum in Amsterdam is a must-visit for anyone interested in Jewish culture, history, and religion in the Netherlands. It is a treasure trove of artefacts, artworks, and exhibitions that tell the story of Jewish life, traditions, and the devastating impact of the Holocaust. You will find displays on Jewish rituals, the rich history of the Jewish community in Amsterdam, and the harrowing experiences of Jewish people during World War II. The museum is a great place to learn about Jewish heritage and foster cultural understanding.

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Portuguese Synagogue

The Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam is a historic gem built in 1675 by the Jewish community of Portuguese descent. Nestled in the heart of the Jewish Quarter, it is one of the best-preserved 17th-century synagogues in the world. This place is a sight to behold with its stunning architecture and grand interior. You will find a beautiful wooden ark, chandeliers, and a magnificent marble bimah. It was designed in a Baroque style and is still an active place of worship today. The synagogue is part of the Jewish Museum complex and is a symbol of Jewish heritage in Amsterdam.

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Never Again Monument

The Never Again Monument is a powerful memorial honouring the victims of the Holocaust and standing against intolerance and discrimination. It was unveiled in 1998 and is situated near the Jewish Cultural Quarter. The monument features a massive sculpture of a broken, twisted figure, representing the immense trauma and suffering caused by the Holocaust. It serves as a grim reminder of the atrocities that happened and a call to action against hatred and prejudice, making sure such events never happen again.

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Hollandsche Schouwburg

The Hollandsche Schouwburg in Amsterdam is a historic theater that made headlines during World War II for its involvement in the Nazi deportation of Jewish people. Originally built in 1892 as a popular theater, the Nazis turned it into a holding station for Jewish men, women, and children before sending them to concentration camps. Today, the building houses a museum dedicated to the memory of the Holocaust and the victims of the deportations. It os part of the Dutch Resistance Museum complex and includes exhibits about the Jewish community in Amsterdam, their persecution, and the resistance efforts during the war. The Hollandsche Schouwburg is a place of remembrance and education.

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National Holocaust Museum

The National Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam is a must-visit place to learn about the Holocaust and honour the memory of its victims. They have amazing exhibits that tell the stories of the Jewish community in the Netherlands before, during, and after World War II. You will get to see how the Holocaust affected real people and families, and it is a powerful reminder of the importance of remembering the past and working towards a more tolerant future.

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Finish line at Artis

Artis is a zoo in the heart of Amsterdam, established way back in 1838. It is one of the oldest zoos in the Netherlands and houses a wide array of animals, from exotic creatures to regular ones. Plus, they have got beautiful gardens, a planetarium, and an aquarium. Artis is not just a zoo, it is also a place where scientists do research and teach people about animals.

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Details of the hike

  • From: Amsterdam
  • To: Amsterdam
  • Distance: 6.5 km
  • Weather: 5˙ C, mostly cloudy, 82% humidity

More info

#100DaysToOffload 6/100