Arnhem

Springer-Arnhem

20140822 Huis Zypendaal3 Arnhem

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Bundesarchiv Bild 183-S73820, Arnheim, britische Gefangene

John Frostbrug 2017

Gem-Arnhem-OpenTopo

Arnhem is a city and municipality situated in the eastern part of the Netherlands. It is the capital of the Gelderland province and is located on the banks of the rivers Nederrijn and Sint-Jansbeek, which played a crucial role in the city's development. Arnhem is known for its parks, outdoor activities, and as a significant site during the World War II operation known as the Battle of Arnhem.

History

The area around Arnhem was settled as early as 1500 BC, but the city itself was officially mentioned for the first time in 893 AD. Arnhem received city rights in 1233 from the Count of Zutphen, which marked the beginning of its development as a trade city, benefiting from its strategic location. The 19th century saw Arnhem transform into a fashionable resort for the wealthy, with the construction of large parks and estates.

During World War II, Arnhem was the site of the Battle of Arnhem, part of Operation Market Garden. The battle took place in September 1944 and was a significant Allied defeat, with the objective of securing several bridges in the Netherlands failing. The events of the battle were later depicted in the 1977 film A Bridge Too Far.

Geography

Arnhem is located in the eastern Netherlands, in the province of Gelderland, near the German border. The city is characterized by its green environment, with several parks and the Hoge Veluwe National Park nearby. The Rhine river flows through the city, providing picturesque views and opportunities for water-based activities.

Economy

The economy of Arnhem is diverse, with a strong focus on healthcare, education, and services. The city is home to several educational institutions, including the ArtEZ Institute of the Arts. Additionally, Arnhem has become a hub for energy and environmental technology companies, partly due to its initiative to become energy neutral by 2050.

Culture

Arnhem is rich in culture and arts, hosting numerous events and festivals throughout the year. The Netherlands Open Air Museum and the Kröller-Müller Museum, which houses the second-largest Vincent van Gogh collection in the world, are located nearby. The city is also known for its fashion industry, highlighted by the annual Fashion Design Festival Arnhem.

Transport

Arnhem is well-connected by road and rail. The Arnhem Central Station is a major railway hub, with services to various domestic and international destinations. The city's public transport system includes buses and trolleys, the latter being unique in the Netherlands.

Notable People

Several notable individuals hail from Arnhem, including Marga Klompé, the first female minister in the Netherlands, and Audrey Hepburn, the British actress and humanitarian who spent part of her childhood in Arnhem.

See Also

• Battle of Arnhem
• Gelderland
• Operation Market Garden
• Netherlands Open Air Museum