Amsterdam: World War II Private Walking Tour

Amsterdam’s wartime history is a poignant testament to human resilience. The World War II Private Walking Tour takes visitors through the city’s significant sites, led by knowledgeable retired historians. Over 2.5 to 3 hours, this immersive experience explores landmarks like the Monument to Jewish Resistance, offering insights into how Amsterdam’s people withstood the Nazi occupation. With a 100% recommendation rate, this tour is a must for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the city’s wartime legacy. What secrets might these streets still hold?

Key Points

• Immersive private walking tour focused on Amsterdam’s historic sites during the German occupation in World War II, led by knowledgeable retired historians.
• Tour highlights significant landmarks and monuments related to the Nazi regime, providing insights into the city’s wartime past.
• Accessible meeting point near Westerkerk and Anne Frank House, with the tour ending at the National Holocaust Names Monument.
• Moderate physical activity required, with the tour lasting approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, offered in English and German.
• Comprehensive exploration of Amsterdam’s wartime landscape, emphasizing the resilience and sacrifices made by the city’s people.

Tour Overview

The private walking tour takes participants on a captivating journey through the historic sites of Amsterdam during World War II.

Led by knowledgeable retired historians passionate about the German occupation of the Netherlands, the tour focuses on significant landmarks and monuments related to the Nazi regime.

Lasting approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, the tour is offered in English and German, making it ideal for history enthusiasts and those seeking to learn about the city’s past.

While the tour doesn’t include visits to popular attractions like the Anne Frank House, it provides an opportunity to engage with the guides and deepen one’s understanding of the legacy of the Second World War.

Meeting and End Points

The tour’s meeting point is at Prinsengracht 263, 1016 GV Amsterdam, situated behind the Westerkerk and near the Anne Frank House.

The tour ends at the National Holocaust Names Monument, 1018 TZ Amsterdam. The start time is 09:30 AM.

• The meeting point is easily accessible and a short walk from major landmarks.

• The end point, the National Holocaust Names Monument, serves as a poignant conclusion to the tour.

• The start time allows for a leisurely exploration of World War II history in Amsterdam.

• The tour duration is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, providing ample time to cover the highlights.

Tour Highlights

Visitors on the tour enjoy the poignant history of Amsterdam’s World War II sites and monuments. They visit the Monument to Jewish Resistance, a powerful symbol of the city’s struggle against Nazi oppression.

The knowledgeable guides, retired historians passionate about this era, share insightful details and encourage questions, allowing participants to engage deeply with the legacy of the Second World War.

While the tour doesn’t include visits to the Anne Frank House, the Resistance Museum, or the Hollandsche Schouwburg, it nonetheless offers a comprehensive exploration of Amsterdam’s wartime landscape, shedding light on the city’s resilience and the sacrifices made by its people.

Inclusions and Accessibility

What does the tour include, and is it accessible to all travelers?

The World War II walking tour includes all fees and taxes, as well as coffee or tea.

However, it’s not wheelchair accessible, though it’s stroller accessible.

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems or pregnant travelers, as a moderate physical fitness level is required.

Despite these limitations, the tour is sure to appeal to history enthusiasts seeking an immersive experience in Amsterdam’s past:

• Includes all fees and taxes, coffee/tea
• Not wheelchair accessible, but stroller accessible
• Not recommended for those with back problems or pregnant travelers
• Moderate physical fitness level required

Reviews and Recommendations

Fourteen reviews with a 100% recommendation rate from travelers attest to the tour’s popularity.

Based on ratings from Viator and Tripadvisor, the tour boasts an overall 5.0-star rating. As one traveler, Lisa_W, noted in August 2023, "Great tour – a walk back in time through the streets of Amsterdam with detailed history. Highly recommend!"

The tour’s value is further emphasized by its free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience.

With its knowledgeable guides, focus on significant WWII sites, and engaging format, this walking tour provides an immersive and informative exploration of Amsterdam’s wartime past, making it an ideal choice for history enthusiasts.

Getting to the Meeting Point

The meeting point for the World War II Walking Tour in Amsterdam is located behind the Westerkerk, near the Anne Frank House, at Prinsengracht 263, 1016 GV Amsterdam.

The location is easily accessible on foot or by public transportation:

• The tour starts just a short walk from Amsterdam Centraal Station.
• Several tram and bus lines stop near the meeting point, including Trams 13, 14, and 17.
• Paid parking is available in the vicinity, though it’s recommended to use public transport if possible.
• The meeting point is situated in a historic and charming neighborhood, providing a fitting setting for the tour.

What to Expect on the Tour

As participants embark on the World War II Walking Tour in Amsterdam, they’ll be immersed in the city’s storied past. Guided by knowledgeable retired historians, the tour focuses on significant sites and monuments related to the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands from 1940-1945.

Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with the guides, asking questions and learning about the legacy of WWII. The tour highlights include the Monument to Jewish Resistance, though it doesn’t include visits to popular attractions like the Anne Frank House or the Resistance Museum.

Participants should be prepared for moderate physical activity, as the tour lasts approximately 2.5 to 3 hours and covers a walking route.

Additional Information

Participants can expect a thoughtfully curated experience on this World War II Walking Tour. The tour is led by knowledgeable retired historians who are passionate about sharing the city’s past.

While the tour doesn’t include visits to the Anne Frank House, the Resistance Museum, or the Hollandsche Schouwburg, it offers the opportunity to engage with the guides and ask questions about the legacy of the Second World War.

• The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller accessible.
• It isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems or pregnant travelers.
• A moderate physical fitness level is required.
• Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Language Options Are Available for the Tour?

The tour is offered in English and German, catering to a range of language preferences for participants interested in exploring Amsterdam’s World War II historical sites with knowledgeable retired historian guides.

Can I Purchase Additional Items During the Tour?

The tour includes coffee/tea, but doesn’t mention any additional items that can be purchased during the experience. Travelers should plan accordingly and bring any extra supplies or snacks they may need.

Is Photography Allowed Throughout the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed throughout the tour, though tour guides may request guests refrain from taking photos at certain sensitive sites. Visitors should respect any instructions provided during the experience.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Interests?

Unfortunately, the tour itinerary cannot be customized. The private walking tour focuses on pre-determined World War II historical sites in Amsterdam and is led by knowledgeable retired historians. However, travelers can engage with the guides to ask questions about the city’s past.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

There are no age restrictions for participants on the tour. The tour is suitable for all ages, though it’s recommended that young children be accompanied by an adult due to the historical nature of the content.

Recap

This immersive World War II walking tour in Amsterdam offers a poignant exploration of the city’s wartime legacy. Led by knowledgeable retired historians, the tour visits significant sites like the Monument to Jewish Resistance, providing insights into the resilience of the local people. With a 100% recommendation rate, this tour is a must-see for history enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of Amsterdam’s wartime experiences.