Timmermann’s Path – The Capture of the Remagen Bridge

FORTE CULTURA guided tour: Remagen (Germany) with Volker Thehos

Remagen Peace Museum – Fateful days in March 1945

On 7 March 1945, American soldiers under the command of Second Lieutenant K.H. Timmermann were standing on a bend in the road above the Rhine Valley near Remagen when they were surprised to see that the railway bridge over the Rhine was still standing. This was a completely new and unexpected situation, as the Allied troops had always found during their advance so far that the Germans had blown up bridges in good time.

The Americans seized the opportunity on the spur of the moment and captured the bridge within a few hours. Due to failures on the German side, but also to a series of mishaps, the attempt to blow up the bridge at the last moment failed. This enabled the Americans to cross the Rhine for the first time several weeks earlier than planned, which had a decisive influence on the course of the war in Europe.

Ten days after it was captured, the bridge suddenly collapsed whilst repair work was being carried out. All that remains are the fortified towers on both sides of the Rhine; the one on the left bank of the Rhine in Remagen now houses the Remagen Bridge Peace Museum.

Experience the events of 7 March in Remagen first-hand. On this guided tour, you’ll follow (in real time, as it were) the route taken by K. H. Timmermann and his unit from St Apollinaris’ Church through the town to the bridge towers. Numerous photographs illustrate the local conditions at the time and the thrilling story surrounding the capture of the bridge.