In April 1945, the Allies liberated the eastern part of Overijssel in an advance that roughly began at the Twente Canal. From there, towns such as Almelo, Wierden, Vroomshoop, and Den Ham were liberated. Mariënberg, Hardenberg, and Gramsbergen were freed coming from the direction of Coevorden.

In this region, the resistance was very active; the well-known resistance leader Frits de Zwerver from Heemse near Hardenberg was based here. He co-founded the National Organization for People in Hiding (LO) together with Mrs. Kuipers-Rietberg (“Aunt Riek”) from Winterswijk.

The route takes you through the distinctive Twente countryside and the natural beauty of the Vecht Valley in Overijssel.