Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial
Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial
Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial
5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
499 reviews
Excellent
400
Very good
90
Average
6
Poor
2
Terrible
1
kgilbert78
Columbus, OH2,872 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
We tried to visit on the Monday of Memorial Day, and had a fair drive to do so (including paying extra for a cross border rental, as we rented in Germany). We got there at 4:45 pm when the cemetery closed at 5 pm. We were not only not allowed in but were not even allowed to turn around in the parking lot--and the entrance is on a narrow country road. I understand the need to keep proper hours, but a 5 min look would have sufficed, and we were there before closing.
Written 20 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan K
The Hague, The Netherlands8,944 contributions
Jan 2021
Although closed due to COVID19, you can walk by from a backroad called the Hoogsteeg. As we were staying in a cottage just around the corner, I walked by during a short walk in the neighbourhood.
It still is very impressive to see, every time I see it. We must never forget the sacrifice these men gave for our freedom.
Something I still don’t understand, is why there is a gate on the Rijksweg while there is a hedge just over half a metre high on the backroad. It would never come into my mind to jump the fence, nor am I suggesting people should do! But from a security perspective I just don’t get it.
It still is very impressive to see, every time I see it. We must never forget the sacrifice these men gave for our freedom.
Something I still don’t understand, is why there is a gate on the Rijksweg while there is a hedge just over half a metre high on the backroad. It would never come into my mind to jump the fence, nor am I suggesting people should do! But from a security perspective I just don’t get it.
Written 4 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WWW-Wanderlust
Belgium1,264 contributions
Jun 2024 • Friends
I recently enjoyed a tour at the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial, a Second World War military war grave cemetery, located in the village of Margraten, 10 km (6.2 mi) east of Maastricht.
The cemetery, the only American one in the Netherlands and dedicated in 1960, contains a constantly varying number above 8,000 American war dead and covers 65.5 acres (26.5 ha).
Simple but elegant architecture and the well maintained gardens and fields are a beautiful setting to those who lost their life and to those who pay their respect.
The new visitor centre (2023) is worth a visit and gives a good overview what kind of an impact WW11 had on the area and rest of the region.
You can pay a free visit to the cemetery. There is sufficient parking, rest rooms and there is also free access to those keen to visit the vistor centre.
The cemetery, the only American one in the Netherlands and dedicated in 1960, contains a constantly varying number above 8,000 American war dead and covers 65.5 acres (26.5 ha).
Simple but elegant architecture and the well maintained gardens and fields are a beautiful setting to those who lost their life and to those who pay their respect.
The new visitor centre (2023) is worth a visit and gives a good overview what kind of an impact WW11 had on the area and rest of the region.
You can pay a free visit to the cemetery. There is sufficient parking, rest rooms and there is also free access to those keen to visit the vistor centre.
Written 28 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
s s
Assen, The Netherlands137 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
We wanted to pay our respect to the liborators of our country. Unfortunately we were not welcome with our 2 small dogs. It was supposed to be disrespectfull. No idea why suppose some of the military had dogs of there own. We were advised to leave the dogs in the car althoug it was sunny. Not a good idea according to us. Not respectfull to animals. So we went away without visiting. Too bad 😒
Written 10 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tammy k
Ames, IA54 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
Came over from the United States (Iowa) specifically to pay our respects to members of the 8th Air Force 401st bomb group. 5 members from Deenthorpe England are here from my father in laws crew. FREE to visit and museum is free. Need to visit if in the area.
Written 20 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniël
Gorssel, The Netherlands116 contributions
Aug 2014 • Friends
The cemetery field has less than 10.000 graves and looks a bit dull. It lays between cornfields and the design is a bit basic. I been to other memorial cemeteries, some with less graves which still looked a lot nicer than this one.
There is also a large bell tower that is part of the memorial and it plays dreadful chimes, probably at hourly intervals. I mainly visited the place to gather some film footage and must admit it did offer a few good shots.
In my opinion it is probably most interesting for people with relatives that lay here or who have some other special ties to WW2 memorials.
There is also a large bell tower that is part of the memorial and it plays dreadful chimes, probably at hourly intervals. I mainly visited the place to gather some film footage and must admit it did offer a few good shots.
In my opinion it is probably most interesting for people with relatives that lay here or who have some other special ties to WW2 memorials.
Written 1 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Olaf M
Hoensbroek, The Netherlands13 contributions
Nov 2017
goose skin and deep respect for those guys. no one can imagine what they did for our freedom, otherwise we would be all part of the German third reich!!!!!
Written 3 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chip S
Baltimore, MD346 contributions
May 2017 • Friends
Encountering this deeply moving and mercifully serene place was a bit of serendipity for us. We were visiting the nearby Dutch town of Valkenburg because of the caves and spotted a small sign pointing us to an "American Cemetery". Curious, we found our way to Margraten and the cemetery (which I had not previously known about).
It happened to be a lovely May day, one of the first spectacular weather days of the year. Past the gate is a drive and parking area, then small visitors center, historical display, and reflecting pool/memorial for the World War 2 servicemen whose remains have never been found. But the sight of row upon row of white grave markers, stretching out acre after acre is heartrending. Each a remembrance of service to country and loss to family. Each with its own story implied by the spare information of name, date, rank and unit. As a former American serviceman and reader of military history, it is impossible not to be deeply moved at such immense sacrifice. The memorial wall held this quote: "To you from failing hands we throw the torch, be yours to hold it high" which I found profoundly inspiring.
Should you visit, a few items of particular note:
* Many of the graves had flowers recently placed on them. I inquired how this was so, and learned that EVERY SINGLE one of the 8,301 graves has been adopted by a Dutch family. Every one, and there is a years-long waiting list. On Memorial Day, it becomes a sea of flowers, but I was there mid-May. I cannot convey how much this unexpected respect and degree of honor moved me.
* Servicewomen perished in the war as well, and three of them are interred at Margraten. Two were flight nurses and one a civilian Red Cross volunteer (this required a special exception to policy).
* Six Medal of Honor winners, all posthumous, are buried here. Many others displayed similar levels of courage and sacrifice, had we but known. Pick a marker, Google the name, and get a sense of who it represents.
It happened to be a lovely May day, one of the first spectacular weather days of the year. Past the gate is a drive and parking area, then small visitors center, historical display, and reflecting pool/memorial for the World War 2 servicemen whose remains have never been found. But the sight of row upon row of white grave markers, stretching out acre after acre is heartrending. Each a remembrance of service to country and loss to family. Each with its own story implied by the spare information of name, date, rank and unit. As a former American serviceman and reader of military history, it is impossible not to be deeply moved at such immense sacrifice. The memorial wall held this quote: "To you from failing hands we throw the torch, be yours to hold it high" which I found profoundly inspiring.
Should you visit, a few items of particular note:
* Many of the graves had flowers recently placed on them. I inquired how this was so, and learned that EVERY SINGLE one of the 8,301 graves has been adopted by a Dutch family. Every one, and there is a years-long waiting list. On Memorial Day, it becomes a sea of flowers, but I was there mid-May. I cannot convey how much this unexpected respect and degree of honor moved me.
* Servicewomen perished in the war as well, and three of them are interred at Margraten. Two were flight nurses and one a civilian Red Cross volunteer (this required a special exception to policy).
* Six Medal of Honor winners, all posthumous, are buried here. Many others displayed similar levels of courage and sacrifice, had we but known. Pick a marker, Google the name, and get a sense of who it represents.
Written 24 May 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
usarmydaughter
1 contribution
Feb 2018 • Solo
My father headed the American Graves Registration Command (AGRC) in Paris during the period 1947-1950. When his job began, 37 temporary U.S. military cemeteries were scattered throughout Europe, including in The Netherlands. Under Dad's command, more than 80,000 U.S. dead were sent home and about 60,000 others were reinterred in 10 permanent American cemeteries in Europe, which the AGRC had graded and constructed. When Dad's job ended (1951), the cemeteries were transferred to a civilian agency, which replaced the Army's simple wooden crosses and stars with those of marble. They also added beautiful structures.
The cover of a biography I wrote about my dad shows the Margraten Cemetery when it was still temporary. It's a reminder of the difficult and heart-wrenching tasks that lay ahead for the U.S. Army and the AGRC. They performed those tasks diligently.
The cover of a biography I wrote about my dad shows the Margraten Cemetery when it was still temporary. It's a reminder of the difficult and heart-wrenching tasks that lay ahead for the U.S. Army and the AGRC. They performed those tasks diligently.
Written 3 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RuPhi
The Netherlands42 contributions
Aug 2016 • Friends
I am a local. I take all my (international) guests here, and even if the idea of visiting "a cemetery" doesn't always appeal to everyone, the American Cemetery and Memorial never fails to leave a deep impression. Apart from it being extremely well-kept and set in a beautiful location, the seemingly-never-ending field of white crosses, as well as the historic and heroic accounts make for a powerful and humbling reminder of the many often-young lives sacrificed to liberate our countries from war, and that peace and freedom are not to be taken for granted.
Written 24 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We will be in Cologne one day for a Viking River Cruise and I would like to make the trip to the Henri Chappelle American Cemetery -- I have an uncle who died at The Battle of The Bulge that is buried there. There would be at least 4 of us make the trip....possibly a few more. What would be the recommended best way to go there and be able to be back in time to reboard our riverboat? Thanks so much!
Written 17 February 2024
planning a day trip from Brussels and back. looking for best way for 7 people.
Written 15 January 2023
We will be in Paris and would like to visit. Can this be done as a day trip?
Written 28 May 2018
Round trip Paris - Margraten - Paris is roughly 500 miles (800 km). If you rent a car it can be done in one day (10 hours). It is possible, but not recommended.
Written 31 May 2018
I am planning to visit the grave of my Uncle. Eugene F Schmidt and his cousin Gerald Davies. We are planning to take the train from Utrecht to Maastricht, May on May 13 Sunday. We get in about 1300. By train, but wondering about driving, so we can go back and forth in about one day. What time do the buses run to the Cemetery? Any tips on how to get to the cemetery or any info would be greatly appreciated. I work with Veterans in Oregon with the Honorflight Flight program and want to honor my relatives here. Thank you for any assistance.
Written 26 March 2018
hello there Oregon.
no problem to reach the Cemtery with bus. The best way to have an overview for the busses is to install the OV9292 app. This app informs you about all public transport in the area. Have a nice stay. regards, Olaf
Written 26 March 2018
I am hoping to bring my 85yo mother to Margraten to visit the only location her brother, Capt. Ross Bales is remembered. Like so many he was KIA in WWII. We read that a local group honors soldiers there on a special day. It would mean a lot to my family if we could bring his photo to leave for this type of event. Mother walks with a cane now, any suggestions on our visit? Thank you.
Written 5 March 2018
It is really a wonderful experience to meet the adopting family You can get the direct email of the administrator from the American Battle Monuments Comm Send them your info and dates of visit and they can correlate the visit
Also you can purchase the book The Boys of Margraten on Amazon
We stayed at the Hotel Groot Welsden in the area and highly recommend it Art Mouton
Written 5 March 2018
Will be in Cologne on a Rhine River Cruise and want to take a trip to the cemetery. What's the best way to get there, tour and get back the boat? Train, bus, rental, private driver?
Written 31 May 2017
The easiest thing to do would be to hire a car and drive there. Henri Chappelle American cemetery is a short drive away so you could incorporate that too.
Written 31 May 2017
Will be in Cologne on a Rhine River Cruise and want to take a trip to the cemetery. What's the best way to get there, tour and get back the boat? Train, bus, rental, private driver?
Written 31 May 2017
Dear,
Thank you for your question. Take the train from Cologne to Aachen. At Aachen train station, take Arriva line 350 from Aachen to Maastricht. Untill about 18:00 hours this bus leaves every 15 minutes at the opposite side of the street in front of the train station. The bus will stop at Margraten cemetery (just ask the bus driver).
I hope this will be helpfull to you!
Written 31 May 2017
Linda C
East Longmeadow, Massachusetts
What is the best way to travel from Brussels to the Netherlands American Cemetery? My husband and I will be visiting in August 2016.
Written 11 April 2016
There are several modes of transportation...
Train: It looks like the train will take you to Aachen first and then bus 50 will take you to the cemetery. Book early. Side note: If you have the time, Aachen is wonderful and well worth exploring (This is where I live).
Renting a car: Trains tend to be a bit expensive so this might be something to look into. Gas is not cheap but a car gives you more freedom to explore the area.
blabla car: Similar to uber. People post times, cost, and available seating when making a trip to different areas. You could check for rides to Maastricht or Aachen and take bus 50 at either destination. Make sure that you can find a ride both there and back... or you will be stuck taking the train.
Bus: I don't know much about the bus system... but there should be an option. The only problem is that it will take you many hours to reach your destination.
cheers
Written 29 May 2016
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