Reflections to the Sounds of the Carillon
As you wander through the German war cemetery, you hear the carillon bells ringing in the background. The carillon, consisting of 25 bells, plays various melodies. It was a tribute from Klara von Zitzewitz to her son, a German soldier who died near Son at the age of 18. The carillon serves as a tribute to all the mothers who lost their sons in the war. Take a seat on the bench opposite the carillon, next to Klara. Lost in thought, you hear her reflections in the chiming of the bells. "Why do we wage war, what's the point? And why do we send 18 year old boys into battle?"
Walking
Step through this area, walk past the 32,000 resting places of young soldiers, and listen to the carillon bells chiming in the background.
These walking routes not only offer the opportunity to enjoy natural beauty but also to reflect on the deeper meaning of peace and remembrance.
Explore the area at your own pace.
Cycle
Cycle along the paths surrounding this landmark. Look out over the graves of 32,000 young German soldiers. Each grave tells its own story and provides space to reflect on the meaning of peace and remembrance.
Cycle routes
Mountainbike
In the area, you'll find several mountain bike routes. Before you start, always check the current status of the routes here. We kindly request that you do not cycle on the cemetery grounds.
Mountainbike trails
In the area, you'll find several mountainbike routes. Always check the current status of the trails here before you start. We kindly request that you refrain from biking in the cemetery.
Hospitality
At the visitor center of the German War Cemetery in Ysselsteyn, you'll find the Brasserie. It's located in one of the most unique spots in the region. You can pay your respects at the cemetery and in the exhibition space. And reflect at the Brasserie over a cup of coffee with homemade pastries, a fresh lunch, or artisanal ice cream.
Reflections to the Sounds of the Carillon
"My boy, where are you?" With each strike of the carillon bells, I imagine you walking through the front door. With that big smile, dark blond hair, and brown eyes like your father's. Proud! Of the helpful young man you've become. This is my daydream, because I don't see you. I don't hear you. I don't smell you. My mother's heart cries. If you don't find me, then I will search for you! A quest that takes me across city and country borders.
These could have been the thoughts and words of Klara von Zitzewitz. Mother of a German soldier who died near Son at the age of 18. He found his final resting place at the German War Cemetery in Ysselsteyn, along with 32,000 other war dead. Among them are also war criminals and civilians, but the vast majority are German soldiers who died in the line of duty. Young men who supposedly fulfilled their duty for their homeland and their return.
Strolling through the cemetery, you hear the carillon bells ringing in the background. The 25-bell carillon plays various melodies. The carillon was donated by Klara von Zitzewitz to the cemetery in memory of her son and for all the mothers who lost their sons and husbands in this war.
Take a seat on the bench opposite the carillon, next to Klara. Lost in thought, you hear her reflections in the chimes. "Why do we wage war, what is the point? And why do we send 18-year-old boys into battle?"
Discover eikpunten nearby
Eikpunten general
De Hamert
Genneperheide
Seurenheide
Landgoed Bleijenbeek
Maaspark Ooijen-Wanssum
Odapark
Duitse Oorlogsbegraafplaats Ysselsteyn
Kasteelpark ter Horst
Campskoel
BreeBronne
Heldense Bossen
Witte Stein Reuver
Markt Beesel
Frequently asked questions
At the German War Cemetery Ysselsteyn, there are charging stations available for e-bikes.
There is a parking lot available at eikpunt Duitse Oorlogsbegraafplaats. Set your navigation to Timmermannsweg 75, Ysselsteyn to reach the parking lot. Parking is free.
Yes, eikpunt Duitse Oorlogsbegraafplaats is easily accessible by public transport. Get off at bus stop Provinciaalse weg, Ysselsteyn to get here.
Near eikpunt Duitse Oorlogsbegraafplaats, you will find bezoekerscentrum Ysselsteyn. Here, you can use the toilet, wash your hands, and fill a water bottle.
At eikpunt Duitse Oorlogsbegraafplaats, you will find a catering facility and a visitor center. The catering is called bezoekerscentrum Ysselsteyn. It is open from Monday to Thursday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and on Friday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. The visitor center is open every day from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Explore the area at your own pace, taking into account nature, humans, animals, and the memory of the war around you. The following rules apply to this eikpunt:
- Bicycles are not allowed on the cemetery, keep the bike in hand
- Keep dogs on a leash
Along the walking and cycling route network, you will find various rest points with benches where you can sit.
You can find eikpunt Duitse Oorlogsbegraafplaats at Timmermannsweg 75, Ysselsteyn. You'll recognize the starting point by a three-meter-high landmark with the eikpunt Limburg logo. The route network is indicated by poles and signs. The information panel at the eikpunt will tell you which signs to follow for which route.
At eikpunt Duitse Oorlogsbegraafplaats, you will find a visitor center. A place where you can visit an exhibition for free every day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Additionally, the visitor center offers a place to discuss or reflect in peace.
Yes, there is mobile coverage around eikpunt Duitse Oorlogsbegraafplaats.
Yes, at this eikpunt, you can book a guided tour with a guide. The guide will take you around the cemetery and its history. Check the website for more information and booking options: https://www.joc-ysselsteyn.eu/en/activities/workshops/guided-tour-at-the-war-cemetery/.
Around eikpunt Duitse Oorlogsbegraafplaats, you will find various walking and cycling routes, including the Liberation Route. At the German War Cemetery, you will find an audio spot, where you can listen to an audio play on your phone about the impressive experiences of one or more individuals during the last years of the war. For more information, take a look at VVV Hart van Limburg.