Hotel de Wereld has a rich history. The first writings already mentioned the former lodging house ‘De Waerelt’ in 1669. It was then mainly used as a stopping place for travelers heading east. Later ‘de Waerelt’ served as a stop for the steam train between Utrecht and Arnhem. A stately hotel where distinguished guests of the University of Wageningen liked to stay.
History
Capitulation
That changed in 1945. Since then, Hotel de Wereld has been known as the place where the capitulation of the German occupier became a fact. Hotel de Wereld was the preferred place of negotiation by Canadian General Foulkes, because of its location on the front at the time, the absence of civilians due to evacuation and the metaphorical character of the name ‘De Wereld’.
Monument of Peace and Freedom
On May 5, 1945, General Foulkes met the German Colonel General Blaskowitz in the current ‘Grote Capitulatiezaal (Great Capitulation Hall)’ to negotiate the surrender. Prince Bernhard was present as commander of the Interior Forces. The Germans turned out to be willing to capitulate and Hotel de Wereld became a ‘monument of peace and freedom’ in 1945.
Hotel de Wereld, after 1945
After the Second World War, the hotel slowly but surely fell into disrepair until it was thoroughly restored in 1975. It was used as an office and activity space by Wageningen University. In 2004 the building was restored again, restoring it to its former glory. The building was once again used as a catering facility: Hotel de Wereld as we know it today.
Him+
Since 1945, the hotel has had many owners and destinations. In 2020 the hotel was taken over by the Achterhoekse Him+ group. This experienced entrepreneurial group has a preference for beautiful catering companies in monumental buildings. These include, for example, Hotel Villa Ruimzicht in Doetinchem and LEV. by Mike te Winterswijk to the group.