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History of the Rupel Bridge in World War II

Discover

Places to see

Belgium

Flanders

Antwerp

Boom

History of the Rupel Bridge in World War II

35 people recommended this place

Recommended by 35 cyclists out of 45

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Nationaal Park Scheldevallei

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Location: Boom, Antwerp, Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium

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Top cycling routes to History of the Rupel Bridge in World War II

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1. Benedenvliet - Schelle – Cycle Path Along the Nete loop from Antwerpen-Zuid

53.4km

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Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.6

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2. A bird paradise – Zennegat loop from Niel

39.7km

02:15

70m

Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

4.5

(6)

190

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3. Zennegat – Benedenvliet - Schelle loop from Antwerpen-Berchem

82.0km

04:48

170m

Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

Tips

🇧🇪 Herwig Aertbeliën

April 18, 2022

Info board clarifies the importance of the undamaged capture of the Rupelbrug on September 4, 1944.

Brief history: This Rupel bridge was inaugurated in the presence of King Leopold III on July 8, 1939.

A few months later WWII broke out. During the years of occupation, the Rupelbrug was always seen as an important strategic link in Rivierenland and the South Rand of Antwerp.

Nevertheless, on September 4, 1944, this bridge came into the hands of the liberators undamaged. Reference is made to the efforts of Robert Vekemans at this location. Rarely has a single man's feat been so rich in happy consequences for the Belgian community. He ensured, by his tactical insight, that this bridge was undamaged by the Army Group of Marshal Montgomery in the hands of the liberators. The bridge was the 'keyhole to the liberation of the city of Antwerp'. This conquest allowed the Army Group to advance to Antwerp without delay. The metropolis was liberated by surprise the same day and the harbor facilities could be prevented from being destroyed.

So see how the capture of one bridge can make a difference in war history. The complete history has been extensively written down in two historical books 'De Bruggen van Boom'.

A place to pause for a moment.

Translated by Google •

🇧🇪 Herwig Aertbeliën

July 28, 2022

Shelters are silent witnesses of the war years. In the past, bridges were strategic points that definitely needed to be guarded. At this location you will find shelters for armed bridge keepers.

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FSM FACTORY TEAM 🇮🇹

September 13, 2023

Ideal roads for quiet bike rides

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Location: Boom, Antwerp, Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium

History of the Rupel Bridge in World War II

1. Benedenvliet - Schelle – Cycle Path Along the Nete loop from Antwerpen-Zuid

2. A bird paradise – Zennegat loop from Niel

3. Zennegat – Benedenvliet - Schelle loop from Antwerpen-Berchem

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