John Frost Bridge
A pivotal WWII landmark, the John Frost Bridge in Arnhem symbolizes courage and the 'Bridge Too Far' battle.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Experience moving ceremonies.
John Frost Bridge
Best Time
Experience moving ceremonies.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A pivotal WWII landmark, the John Frost Bridge in Arnhem symbolizes courage and the 'Bridge Too Far' battle.
"A great piece of history and well worth the visit, you get a real sense of what went on in this place."
Visit the Free Visitor Centre
A small but informative center with donations welcome. Great context for the bridge!
Look for Bullet Holes
Remnants of the battle are still visible, a powerful reminder of history.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Bridge Itself
An iconic landmark, symbolizing a pivotal WWII battle and the courage of Lt. Col. John Frost.
Bullet Holes and Battle Scars
Visible on the bridge structure
Look for remnants of the intense fighting, a stark reminder of the battle's ferocity.
Visitor Centre
Near the bridge
A free, donation-based center offering excellent historical information and context.
Commemoration Plaques
On the bridge
Two new plaques honor Lt. Col. John Frost, one in Dutch and one in English.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Understand the History
Timing Your Visit
+2 However, for a quieter experience, aim for weekdays outside of major holidays. Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit the Free Visitor Centre
A small but informative center with donations welcome. Great context for the bridge!
Look for Bullet Holes
Remnants of the battle are still visible, a powerful reminder of history. +1
Check for Events
Commemorations like Bridge to Liberation offer unique experiences.
Walk Across for Views
Enjoy scenic river views and a sense of the strategic importance.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit the Free Visitor Centre
A small but informative center with donations welcome. Great context for the bridge!
Look for Bullet Holes
Remnants of the battle are still visible, a powerful reminder of history. +1
Check for Events
Commemorations like Bridge to Liberation offer unique experiences.
Walk Across for Views
Enjoy scenic river views and a sense of the strategic importance.
Learn the Story
Understand Lt. Col. John Frost's role and the 'Bridge Too Far' narrative.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the John Frost Bridge as an iconic and historically significant landmark, offering a powerful connection to the Battle of Arnhem. The free visitor center is highly recommended for its informative content. While the bridge itself is a functional crossing, its historical resonance makes it a worthwhile stop for history buffs and those interested in WWII.
"Fantastic trip here to see a monument of legendary status! There is a great little visitors centre just along the bridge, with excellent information about the area and bridge. This is free, but donations are gladly accepted, so be good with the ol' tip jar!
If you're staying anywhere local, this is definitely worth visiting. We didn't stop in the town but looked nice and typically Dutch."
A Brown
"Great piece of history and well worth the visit, you get a real sense of what went on in this place, way back on the 17'th September 1944. There is a good museum that is free to enter and very informative, with a small display and good loos. Definitely worth a visit if you in to your WWII history as it is a beautiful place to visit even if it's a stroll down the river to check out the local bars. Please give me a like for the review many thanks Marcus 😃"
Marcus Simpson
"Wonderful site to visit for anyone interested in World War II history or that is a fan of the movie "A Bridge Too Far." The Arnhem bridge was the bridge the Allies fell short of taking in Operation Market Garden in September 1944. The current bridge was named in honor of the British Lt. Colonel John Frost of the British 1st Airborne Division who led a small force of 740 men in a valiant attempt to take the bridge. German forces at the bridge proved much stronger than expected and American and British reinforcements were delayed by unexpected German resistance on the road to Arnhem. After four days of fighting, the British force at the bridge was overrun. The movie was not filmed here at the bridge because the buildings had changed so much in the ensuing years that the location no longer resembled its appearance in 1944. The bridge in the film is located at Deventer several miles away. A great site to visit for the history buff!"
Bill Delperdange
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The John Frost Bridge is centrally located in Arnhem and easily accessible. You can reach it by public transport, with buses stopping nearby. If driving, there are parking facilities in the city center. Many visitors enjoy walking or cycling to the bridge, especially from the train station.
Yes, there are several parking garages in the city center of Arnhem, within walking distance of the John Frost Bridge. Some street parking may also be available, but can be limited.
Absolutely! Cycling is a popular and convenient way to explore Arnhem, and there are dedicated bike paths leading to and across the John Frost Bridge.
Yes, numerous bus lines stop in the vicinity of the John Frost Bridge, making it easily reachable via public transportation from various parts of Arnhem.
Many visitors recommend a combination of walking across the bridge, visiting the nearby visitor center, and exploring the riverbanks for different perspectives.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, visiting and walking across the John Frost Bridge itself is free of charge. The nearby visitor center also offers free entry, though donations are appreciated.
The bridge is a public thoroughfare and is generally accessible 24/7. However, specific events or ceremonies might temporarily affect access.
The visitor center near the John Frost Bridge is free to enter. Visitors are encouraged to make a donation to support its upkeep and information services.
Yes, the John Frost Bridge is a focal point for commemorations, particularly around September for Operation Market Garden. Events like the Bridge to Liberation experience are held annually.
The bridge is a public road and is typically accessible at night. It can offer a different, atmospheric experience, especially when illuminated.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can walk across the bridge, observe historical markers like bullet holes, visit the free visitor center for context, and enjoy views of the Rhine River. +1
Yes, the bridge is a vital part of Arnhem's infrastructure and is used by vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Definitely! The bridge offers iconic views, especially during sunrise or sunset. Look for unique angles and historical details.
It's famous for its role in the Battle of Arnhem during WWII, where British paratroopers fought valiantly to capture it as part of Operation Market Garden.
While there might not be official guided tours specifically for the bridge, the visitor center provides excellent information. Local walking tours of Arnhem often include the bridge.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings for sunrise and late afternoons for sunset (golden hour) offer beautiful light.
The bridge itself, the riverbanks with reflections, and the surrounding cityscape provide diverse photographic opportunities. Don't forget to capture any visible battle scars. +1
Drone usage is subject to local regulations. Always check current rules and restrictions before flying a drone in the area.
Yes, look for the bullet holes, the memorial plaques, and the overall structure that evokes its wartime past. +2
Wide shots showing the bridge spanning the Rhine, close-ups of historical details, and shots incorporating the atmosphere of Arnhem will best capture its essence.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎖️ WWII History Enthusiasts
+1 Spend time at the free visitor center to delve deep into the historical context, and take a slow walk across the bridge, imagining the intense fighting that took place. 📸 Photographers
+1 Capture the bridge spanning the Rhine, the city skyline, and any visible historical details like bullet marks. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Battle of Arnhem and Operation Market Garden
+1However, the operation faced significant challenges. The paratroopers were dropped further from the bridge than planned, and German resistance proved far stronger than anticipated. Frost and his men fought valiantly for four days, holding out against overwhelming odds, but ultimately, they were unable to secure the bridge for the advancing ground forces. The phrase "A Bridge Too Far" became synonymous with the operation's ultimate failure to achieve its objectives.
+1Today, the bridge stands as a powerful memorial to the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers involved. Visitors can still see remnants of the battle, such as bullet holes, and the nearby visitor center provides detailed accounts and artifacts from this pivotal moment in history.
Visiting the John Frost Bridge Today
Many visitors find it moving to simply walk across, imagining the events of 1944. Adjacent to the bridge, a free visitor center provides invaluable context. This center, supported by donations, offers exhibits and information detailing the Battle of Arnhem and the role of Lt. Col. John Frost. It's a highly recommended stop for anyone interested in WWII history.
Beyond its historical importance, the bridge offers scenic views of the Rhine and the city of Arnhem. It's a popular spot for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset, offering a blend of historical reflection and natural beauty.
+1
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