Amsterdam: Private World War Two History Walking Tour

Amsterdam’s tumultuous World War II history is brought to life on a private walking tour led by passionate retired historians. Over three hours, participants explore significant sites, including the German army’s entry point, the memorial for Jewish victims, and the iconic Dam Square shooting incident. The tour is customizable to individual interests, ensuring an engaging and immersive experience. With a small group of up to four, informative materials and a coffee break are provided as you explore the resilience and suffering during this dark chapter. Uncover the stories behind the city’s wartime past and discover how its scars have shaped Amsterdam’s present.

Good To Know

• This private 3-hour WWII walking tour in Amsterdam is led by retired historians and explores significant sites from the Nazi occupation.
• Highlights include the entry point of German forces, the Dam Square shooting incident, memorials for Jewish victims, and the Auschwitz violin player statue.
• The tour provides a personal approach with detailed information, accommodates preferred pacing, and can be customized based on group interests and needs.
• Meeting point is the front of the old Anne Frank House, and advance reservations are recommended for this popular tour.
• The tour offers insight into the Dutch resistance, deportations to extermination camps, and the suffering and heroism during the Nazi occupation.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Details

This private World War Two History Walking Tour in Amsterdam offers a captivating exploration of the city’s profound wartime experiences.

Priced at €160 for groups of up to 4 participants, the 3-hour tour is led by passionate retired historians. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the wheelchair-accessible tour can be customized based on participants’ preferences.

Guests can freely ask questions throughout the journey, with informative materials provided for them to keep. The tour covers significant historical sites, from the entry of the German army to the shooting incident in Dam Square and memorials honoring Jewish victims.

Participants can also enjoy a coffee break and an optional breakfast during the tour.

Tour Highlights

The tour highlights a range of significant sites related to the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam from 1940 to 1945. Participants will explore the entry point of the German army, the site of a shooting incident at Dam Square on May 7, 1945, and learn about the food drops during the winter of hunger. The tour also includes visits to a memorial for Jewish victims and a statue of a famous violin player from Auschwitz. Discussions on deportations and extermination camps, such as Auschwitz and Sobibor, as well as photographs from Dutch resistance fighters, provide a comprehensive understanding of this historical period.

Site	Significance
Entry of German army	Marks the beginning of occupation
Dam Square shooting incident	Commemorates the end of Nazi rule
Food drop sites	Symbolizes hardship and resilience
Jewish memorial	Honours victims of the Holocaust
Auschwitz violin player	Represents the suffering of camp prisoners

Guided Experience

On the tour, participants are led by three retired historians who are passionate about World War II history.

They provide a personal approach without using audio systems, allowing participants to ask questions throughout the tour.

The guides accommodate participants at their preferred pace, ensuring they can fully enjoy the historical information.

Detailed information is provided on paper for participants to keep, serving as a valuable reference.

The tour offers a unique and engaging guided experience, tailored to the interests and needs of each group, making it an enriching exploration of Amsterdam’s WWII history.

Tour Route and Stops

During the tour, participants walk past historical locations related to World War II.

The tour includes the following stops:

1. The entry point of the German army into Amsterdam in 1940.
2. The site of the shooting incident at Dam Square on May 7, 1945.
3. The memorial for Jewish victims in Amsterdam.
4. The statue of the famous violin player from Auschwitz.

Along the way, the guide provides information about the food drops during the winter of hunger and discusses the deportations and extermination camps, such as Auschwitz and Sobibor.

A coffee break is included for refreshments, and participants can suggest a late breakfast during this stop.

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Meeting Point and Important Information

Participants meet the guide in front of the old Anne Frank House, located at Prinsengracht 263. Look for a guide carrying a large notebook to identify the tour group.

The guide will lead the small group of up to 4 participants through the significant WWII sites in Amsterdam. Guests should bring an umbrella as the tour continues rain or shine.

Those requiring wheelchair accessibility can opt for an email consultation to discuss the route and coffee stop.

The meeting point is conveniently located, allowing participants to explore the historic Anne Frank House before or after the tour.

Advance reservations are recommended to secure a spot on the popular private walking tour.

Nazi Occupation History

As the Germans marched into Amsterdam in May 1940, the city soon came under the harsh reins of Nazi occupation.

During this period:

1. The city witnessed the entry of the German army, which marked the beginning of a dark chapter in its history.

2. A shooting incident occurred at Dam Square on May 7, 1945, as the Nazis resisted the Allied advance.

3. Food drops during the winter of hunger provided a glimmer of hope for the starving citizens.

4. The deportation and extermination of Jewish residents in camps like Auschwitz and Sobibor cast a somber shadow over the city.

Through this walking tour, you will explore these significant sites and uncover the profound impact of the Nazi occupation on Amsterdam.

Resistance Fighters and Deportations

The Dutch resistance fighters played a courageous role in defying the Nazi occupation, risking their lives to protect fellow citizens and undermine the German rule.

They engaged in acts of sabotage, intelligence gathering, and hiding Jewish people and other targeted groups from deportation. Many resistance members were eventually arrested, tortured, and executed by the Gestapo.

The tour also covers the somber topic of the deportation of Jewish, Roma, and Sinti people to extermination camps like Auschwitz and Sobibor, where millions perished.

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the immense suffering and heroism that characterized this dark chapter of Dutch history.

Significant Sites and Memorials

The walking tour winds its way through Amsterdam, revealing significant sites and memorials that bear witness to the city’s harrowing experience during the Nazi occupation.

Participants will explore:

1. The entry point of the German army, where troops first marched into the city.

2. The site of the shooting incident at Dam Square on May 7, 1945, which marked the liberation from Nazi rule.

3. A memorial dedicated to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust, a solemn reminder of the tragic deportations and extermination camps.

4. A statue commemorating the famous violin player from Auschwitz, a poignant symbol of resilience and hope.

Throughout the tour, the guide provides historical context and insights, allowing participants to gain a deeper understanding of Amsterdam’s wartime past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snacks on the Tour?

Yes, participants can bring their own snacks on the tour. The tour description does not mention any restrictions on outside food or beverages. Bringing personal snacks may provide additional convenience and flexibility during the 3-hour walking experience.

Will the Tour Guide Provide Water or Drinks?

The tour guide does not provide water or drinks, but a coffee break is included during the tour for participants to purchase refreshments at their own expense. The guided experience is focused on the historical content rather than providing complimentary beverages.

Is the Meeting Point Accessible by Public Transport?

The meeting point is located in front of the old Anne Frank House, which is accessible by public transport. Participants are advised to check the route and schedule options to arrive at the starting location.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Participants are welcome to take photos during the tour. The guide encourages capturing the historical sites and landmarks to preserve memories of the experience. However, certain sensitive areas may require discretion.

Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?

The tour may not be suitable for young children, as it covers mature historical topics related to World War II. The guide accommodates participants at their preferred pace, but the content may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

The Sum Up

This private walking tour offers an immersive and insightful exploration of Amsterdam’s WWII history. Guided by passionate retired historians, it covers significant sites and uncovers the resilience and suffering during this dark period. With a customizable itinerary and small group size, the tour ensures an engaging and informative experience, delving into the city’s tumultuous past and memorializing the sacrifices made by its people.

You can check if your dates are available here: