Commemoration of the “Tocht van Vrees en Hoop”

On October 11, 2026, we will commemorate the largest transport of prisoners from Kamp Amersfoort with a silent march. On this day in 1944, 1,439 men were transported to the Neuengamme concentration camp. Many had already realized what their destination was, and that large camp near Hamburg was notorious among the prisoners. Only 18% of those on this transport would survive the war.

To commemorate them, and the approximately 30,000 other prisoners who were taken from the Amersfoort “ Kamp ,” to other camps, we walk the route the prisoners took back then every year: from the Amersfoort “ Kamp ” to the Amersfoort Centraal station. Everyone is invited to join us. Walk with family members, friends, or on your own—together we keep the memory alive.

Do you live along the route? Please place a light in your window or by the roadside.

Transports
For many prisoners, “ Kamp ” Amersfoort was merely a stopover. More than three-quarters were transported in approximately 800 convoys to over 170 other locations. The threat of deportation was a constant source of fear and uncertainty.

Program
5:30 p.m. – Reception at Nationaal Monument Kamp Amersfoort
5:45 p.m. – Welcome remarks by Micha Bruinvels, Executive Director
5:50 p.m. – Speech by Ewoud Kieft, historian
6:00 p.m. – Start of the tour (duration: approx. one hour)
7:00 p.m. – Moment of remembrance at the station

Practical Information
Nationaal Monument Kamp Amersfoort will be open on October 11, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., so you can visit the museum before the tour.

Parking and shuttle buses
There is ample parking at the Nationaal Monument Kamp Amersfoort for visitors arriving by private vehicle.
Between 5:00 p.m. and 5:45 p.m., shuttle buses run between Amersfoort Centraal and Nationaal Monument Kamp Amersfoort.
After the event, the shuttle buses will return to the station. No registration is required for the shuttle bus.