Cow statue along the dike – Heesselt loop from Uiterwaarden Waal
Cow statue along the dike – Heesselt loop from Uiterwaarden Waal
4.7
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hikers
Cow statue along the dike – Heesselt loop from Uiterwaarden Waal
02:26
9.67km
10m
Hiking
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: June 11, 2026
Tips
Temporary access restrictions
Includes segments with temporary access restrictions.
After 920 m for 1.26 km
Closed: • sunset-sunrise (otherwise open)
After 2.33 km for 1.83 km
Closed: • sunset-sunrise (otherwise open)
After 6.93 km for 922 m
Closed: • sunset-sunrise (otherwise open)
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
404 m
B-17 'Man-O-War' Memorial and American War Graves Opijnen
Highlight • Monument
The American B-17 bomber, belonging to the 323 Squadron of the 91st Bombardment Group, was returning to its base in England on July 30, 1943. Only two crew members survived the flight. The bombardier had fallen through the thatched roof of a farmhouse on a damaged parachute; he died from his injuries. The pilot and co-pilot landed safely by parachute but were captured by German troops.
On August 1, 1943, the fallen Americans were buried in the cemetery of the Reformed Church in Opijnen. Despite the fact that only the mayor received permission from the occupying forces to attend the funeral, the villagers turned out to attend. They listened to the speech and laid flowers on the graves to show their respect for the fallen Americans. Gravediggers were assisted, and a large sea of flowers formed.
The mayor sent a letter to his American counterpart from the pilot's hometown; a copy of this letter was sent to all the relatives of the eight fallen crew members.
During a memorial service in 1947, the people of Opijnen received a triptych. They were also thanked with a memorial.
Almost all American soldiers who died in the Netherlands are buried in Margraten; Opijnen is one of the exceptions.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
2.07 km
Beach
Beach
4.74 km
Cow statue along the dike
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
4.78 km
Heesselt
Highlight • Settlement
Translated by Google •
Tip by
5.19 km
Floodplains near Heesselt and Varik
Highlight • River
Translated by Google •
Tip by
6.82 km
Floating Bridge in Heesseltsche Uiterwaarden
Highlight • Bridge
Translated by Google •
Tip by
7.15 km
Spanish Anchor in the Heesseltsche Uiterwaarden
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
9.67 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
3.68 km
3.34 km
1.81 km
414 m
328 m
Surfaces
3.52 km
2.97 km
2.09 km
778 m
221 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Saturday 11 July
28°C
16°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 21.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Comments
The weather was perfect, sunny with a bit of cloud cover. I think the latter was because I showed my beautiful, white bare …
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