Copenhagen: Danish-Jewish History Tour

Exploring Copenhagen’s rich Jewish heritage, the Danish-Jewish History Tour offers an insightful look into the city’s remarkable past. Led by knowledgeable guides, the 2.5-hour experience delves into the remarkable survival rate of Danish Jews during the Nazi occupation, visiting historical synagogues and former ghettos. Participants uncover the courageous smuggling efforts that saved lives, while also learning about the community’s cultural contributions in art and science. With an engaging presentation and complimentary beverage, the tour provides a profound understanding of Denmark’s enduring Jewish legacy. What secrets remain to be unveiled on this captivating journey?

Good To Know

• This 2.5-hour tour explores the remarkable history of Copenhagen’s Jewish community, including their contributions to Danish culture and the heroic efforts to rescue Jews during WWII.
• The tour visits several synagogues, former ghettos, and highlights the strong integration of Jews within Danish society, reflected in iconic products and notable figures.
• Participants gain insights into the 97% survival rate of Danish Jews during the Nazi occupation, attributed to the strong community bonds and the government’s refusal to comply with deportation demands.
• Guided by knowledgeable professionals, the tour provides a personalized experience and enhances understanding of the Danish-Jewish heritage, including its artistic and intellectual influence.
• With a focus on immersive exploration, the tour offers a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by the Jewish community and their lasting impact on Copenhagen’s cultural landscape.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

What’s this Danish-Jewish History Tour all about?

It’s a 2.5-hour activity that explores the rich history and cultural contributions of Copenhagen’s Jewish community. Priced from €100.52 per person, the tour is available in multiple languages and accessible for wheelchair users.

Booking is simple – reserve now and pay later with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

With a 97% survival rate during Nazi occupation, Denmark’s Jewish population significantly influenced the country through fields like science, art, and even products like Tuborg beer.

This tour promises an engaging and informative experience, covering synagogues, former ghettos, and the heroic smuggling efforts that saved many Danish Jews.

Historical Significance

Denmark’s Jewish community has had a remarkable history, with an astonishingly high survival rate of 97% during the Nazi occupation in World War II. This is a testament to the strong bonds between the Danish Jewish community and their Danish compatriots.

Jews have significantly influenced Denmark through their contributions in various fields, including science, art, and industry. Notable figures like Niels Bohr, Victor Borge, and Georg Brandes have all left an indelible mark on Danish culture.

The country’s Jewish heritage is also reflected in iconic products such as Tuborg Beer and Bang & Olufsen porcelain, underscoring the deep integration of Jews within Danish society.

Exploring Synagogues

On the tour, guests explore several synagogues and prayer rooms in central Copenhagen. The tour highlights the Great Synagogue of Copenhagen, which boasts stunning Moorish-style architecture and a rich history.

Visitors also get the chance to see:

1. The Copenhagen Synagogue, a modern structure that serves as a hub for the city’s Jewish community.
2. The small prayer room at the Krystalgade, which offers a glimpse into the intimate spaces used for religious observance.
3. The Østerbro Synagogue, a lesser-known gem that showcases the diversity of Jewish worship spaces in the city.

Through these visits, guests gain a deeper understanding of the vibrant and resilient Danish-Jewish culture that has endured for centuries.

Visiting Jewish Ghettos

Visiting former Jewish ghettos offers a compelling glimpse into the historical challenges faced by Copenhagen’s Jewish community.

The tour explores the neighborhoods where Jews were once confined, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of this marginalized group. Guests will learn about the harsh living conditions, economic restrictions, and social segregation that characterized Jewish life in these areas.

Despite the adversity, the tour also underscores the cultural contributions of Danish Jews, who left an indelible mark on the city’s intellectual, artistic, and commercial landscapes.

Through this immersive experience, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the complex history and enduring spirit of Copenhagen’s Jewish heritage.

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Artistic Connections

Jewish artists and intellectuals have left an indelible mark on Denmark’s cultural landscape.

The Hirschsprung family played a pivotal role in Danish Impressionism, collecting and promoting the works of prominent artists.

Plus, the renowned comedian and musician Victor Borge, known for his unique piano performances, was of Danish-Jewish descent.

On top of that, the influential literary critic and scholar Georg Brandes, who championed new trends in European literature, was a trailblazing Danish-Jewish intellectual.

1. The Hirschsprung family’s art collection and patronage of Danish Impressionism.
2. Victor Borge’s celebrated comedic and musical talents.
3. Georg Brandes’ pioneering contributions to literary criticism and scholarship.

Smuggling Danish Jews

In October 1943, the Danish people undertook a remarkable rescue operation to smuggle the country’s Jewish population to safety in Sweden, amidst the Nazi occupation.

Over the course of two weeks, around 7,200 Danish Jews were ferried across the Øresund Strait to neutral Sweden, with the help of the Danish resistance movement and ordinary citizens.

This rescue effort was facilitated by the Danish government’s refusal to comply with Nazi demands to deport the Jewish population.

As a result, Denmark stands out as having the highest survival rate of Jews under Nazi occupation, with 97% escaping deportation and extermination.

Tour Inclusions

The tour includes a private guide who accompanies visitors throughout the experience.

At the end of the tour, guests are treated to a complimentary beverage, either alcoholic or non-alcoholic.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 6 years of age.

The key inclusions are:

1. Private tour guide
2. Complimentary beverage
3. Not suitable for young children

Customer Feedback

Guests have provided highly positive reviews for this Copenhagen history tour, with an overall rating of 5/5 based on 4 reviews.

Guides are praised for their knowledge and personable nature, with the tour described as informative and engaging, covering both Jewish and Danish history.

Reviewers highlight the tour’s ability to provide insights into the city’s rich cultural heritage, from the survival rate of Danish Jews during World War II to the significant contributions of the Jewish community in various fields like science, art, and industry.

The tour’s focus on exploring the synagogues, former ghettos, and stories of heroism has resonated strongly with past participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Combine the Tour With Other Copenhagen Sightseeing?

You can combine this tour with other Copenhagen sightseeing. The tour’s 2.5-hour duration allows flexibility to explore additional attractions before or after the Danish-Jewish history experience. Check with the tour operator about coordinating a personalized itinerary.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour, but visitors should be respectful and avoid disrupting the experience for others. Check with the tour guide for any specific restrictions or recommendations regarding taking photos.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Included Beverage?

The tour doesn’t specify any dietary restrictions for the included beverage, so it’s likely that both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options are available to accommodate different dietary needs and preferences.

What Happens in Case of Inclement Weather?

In case of inclement weather, the tour will proceed as scheduled. Guests will be provided with umbrellas or ponchos to ensure their comfort throughout the tour. The tour guide will adjust the itinerary as needed to accommodate any weather-related changes.

Can I Request a Specific Tour Guide?

Customers can request a specific tour guide, subject to availability. The tour operator will make every effort to accommodate preferences, ensuring a personalized and enjoyable experience for participants.

Sum Up

The Copenhagen: Danish-Jewish History Tour offers an insightful exploration of the resilience and rich heritage of Copenhagen’s Jewish community. Visitors uncover the remarkable survival rate during the Nazi occupation, learn about cultural contributions, and hear heroic stories of smuggling efforts to save lives. With knowledgeable guides and a complementary beverage, it’s a compelling journey into Denmark’s Jewish legacy.

You can check if your dates are available here: