Cologne: EL-DE Haus and Old Town Private Guided Tour

Uncover the profound history of Cologne on this private guided tour that delves into the former Gestapo headquarters and the iconic landmarks of the Old Town. Led by a knowledgeable 5-star guide, this 2 to 4-hour journey offers insights into the impact of World War II on the city’s Jewish community. With a flexible schedule, multilingual options, and hassle-free planning through free cancellation and a reserve now, pay later feature, this tour promises an immersive exploration of Cologne’s complex past. But the true significance of this experience lies in the untold stories waiting to be discovered.

Key Points

• Explore the former Gestapo headquarters at EL-DE Haus and learn about Nazi terror and the German Jewish community in Cologne.
• Tour the iconic Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the historic district, including the former Jewish quarter.
• Enjoy panoramic views from the Hohenzollern Bridge during the 2-hour or 4-hour guided tour options.
• Benefit from the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the reserve and pay later option.
• Choose from a variety of multilingual guides, including English, German, French, Russian, Spanish, and Italian, for a personalized experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This private guided tour of Cologne offers visitors the opportunity to explore the historic EL-DE Haus and the city’s charming Old Town, with prices starting from $200.95 per person.

The tour duration ranges from 2 to 4 hours, providing flexibility to suit your schedule.

What’s more, you can take advantage of the free cancellation policy – cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

For added convenience, a reserve now and pay later option is available.

With a knowledgeable 5-star guide leading the way, you’ll explore Cologne’s rich history and gain a deeper understanding of the city’s significance during World War II and beyond.

Historical Significance

The EL-DE Haus, which serves as the NS Documentation Center, was formerly the Gestapo headquarters during World War II. Despite the heavy bombings it endured, the building has survived and now stands as a memorial and research center. Beneath its surface, the basements were used as prison cells and torture rooms, where over 1,800 prisoner inscriptions remain visible today, serving as a haunting reminder of the Nazi terror inflicted upon the people of Cologne. The historical significance of this site is undeniable, providing a powerful opportunity to learn about the dark chapter of German history and the experiences of the Jewish community in Cologne.

Historical Significance
Former Gestapo Headquarters	Survived Heavy Bombings	Memorial and Research Center
Prison Cells and Torture Rooms	1,800+ Prisoner Inscriptions	Haunting Reminder of Nazi Terror
Learning about German History	Experiences of Jewish Community	Powerful Opportunity to Reflect

Tour Highlights

A central highlight of the private guided tour is the opportunity to explore the NS Documentation Center, formerly the Gestapo headquarters during World War II.

Visitors can learn about the Nazi terror and the history of the German Jewish community in Cologne through the expert guidance of a 5-Star rated tour guide.

The tour also includes:

1. Admiring the iconic Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. Visiting the historic district, including the former Jewish quarter and the Great St. Martin Church.

3. Enjoying panoramic views from the Hohenzollern Bridge.

This comprehensive tour provides an immersive experience, allowing guests to explore the fascinating past of Cologne while appreciating its architectural and cultural significance.

Guided Experience

Depending on one’s interests, the private guided tour offers two distinct experiences – a focused 2-hour option that concentrates on WWII and Nazi terror in Cologne, or a comprehensive 4-hour tour that includes a 2-hour private walk through the city’s historic Old Town with a local guide.

The shorter tour delves into the dark history of the EL-DE Haus, which served as the Gestapo headquarters during the Nazi regime. Guests will learn about the building’s grim past and the atrocities that occurred within its walls.

The longer tour complements this exploration with a deep dive into Cologne’s broader history, showcasing landmarks like the Old Market Square, Historic Town Hall, and the panoramic views from the Hohenzollern Bridge.

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Logistics and Meeting Point

Where can guests meet for the private guided tour of Cologne?

The meeting point is the main entrance of the EL-DE Haus, located at Appellhofpl. 23-25, 50667 Köln, Germany.

The tour guides are available in multiple languages, including English, German, French, Russian, Spanish, and Italian, so visitors can choose the language that suits them best.

Before the tour, guests will receive important information via email the day prior, ensuring they’re prepared for the experience.

Cancellation Policy

Travelers can cancel their Cologne private guided tour up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund. This flexible cancellation policy ensures customers don’t lose money if their plans change last-minute.

The tour operator understands unexpected circumstances can arise, so they offer this hassle-free cancellation option. Guests simply need to notify the company by the designated 24-hour deadline to get their money back.

This provides peace of mind when booking the tour. Whether travelers need to adjust their itinerary or encounter an emergency, they can cancel without penalty.

The tour company’s customer-centric approach makes it easy to plan a worry-free visit to Cologne’s historical sites.

Reserve and Pay Later

The convenience of a Reserve and Pay Later option allows guests to secure their Cologne private guided tour with a simple booking, postponing the full payment until closer to the tour date.

This flexible arrangement caters to travelers’ needs, enabling them to plan their trip and manage their finances more efficiently. Whether guests wish to pay upfront or closer to the tour, this alternative payment method provides the flexibility to suit their preferences.

The Reserve and Pay Later feature offers several key benefits:

1. Secure your tour with a minimal deposit.

2. Pay the remaining balance closer to the tour date.

3. Enjoy the peace of mind of having your tour booked without the immediate financial commitment.

This hassle-free booking process allows guests to focus on planning the rest of their Cologne adventure.

Multilingual Guide Options

For the Cologne private guided tour, guests can choose from a variety of multilingual guide options to accommodate their language preferences.

The tour is offered in English, German, French, Russian, Spanish, and Italian, ensuring that visitors from around the world can fully engage with the historical content and enjoy the city’s rich heritage.

Whether you’re a native speaker or prefer to explore in a foreign language, the knowledgeable guides are equipped to provide a personalized and insightful experience.

This multilingual approach allows the tour to cater to a diverse array of participants, making it accessible and enjoyable for all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Food or Drink Included During the Tour?

No, food or drink is not included during the tour. The tour focuses on the historical and cultural aspects of the EL-DE Haus and Cologne’s old town. Participants are responsible for bringing their own refreshments during the guided experience.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Our Interests?

Yes, the tour can be customized to the interests of the participants. The private nature of the tour allows the guide to tailor the itinerary and focus areas to meet the specific needs and preferences of the group.

Does the Tour Include Transportation to the Meeting Point?

The tour doesn’t include transportation to the meeting point. Guests are responsible for making their own way to the main entrance of the EL-DE Haus, the tour’s starting location in Cologne, Germany.

Are There Restrooms Available During the Tour?

The tour includes access to restrooms during the visit to the EL-DE Haus. Participants can use the facilities located within the museum building. Restrooms may also be available at some of the other sites visited during the tour.

What Is the Minimum and Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The minimum group size for this private guided tour is 1 person. The maximum group size is not specified, but private tours typically accommodate small groups of up to 8-10 people for an intimate and personalized experience.

Recap

Delving into Cologne’s WWII history, the private guided tour of EL-DE Haus and the Old Town offers a captivating and flexible experience.

Exploring the former Gestapo headquarters and iconic landmarks like the Cologne Cathedral, visitors gain insights into the city’s profound past.

With a knowledgeable 5-star guide, convenient logistics, and multilingual options, this tour provides a hassle-free way to uncover Cologne’s profound history.

You can check if your dates are available here: