Delve into Amsterdam’s untold wartime stories with retired historians guiding a private 3-hour tour focused on the Nazi occupation and Holocaust. Avoid the crowds and see the city’s history from a fresh, compelling perspective.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves moderate walking on paved city streets.
Wildlife
History
Amsterdam was occupied by Nazi Germany from 1940 to 1945, during which the Jewish community suffered deportation and persecution.
Conservation
The tour promotes awareness of Amsterdam’s cultural heritage by encouraging respectful visitation of historical sites.
History Walks
Delve into Amsterdam’s untold wartime stories with retired historians guiding a private 3-hour tour focused on the Nazi occupation and Holocaust. Avoid the crowds and see the city’s history from a fresh, compelling perspective.
History Walks is a specialized walking and cycling guide company based in Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, offering focused World War II and Holocaust tours led by retired historians. The organization runs public and private 3-hour tours that explore Amsterdam South and key sites tied to the German occupation, including Anne Frank's house, the former Gestapo headquarters, and documented resistance safe houses. Tours use bicycles for the public World War II Cycle Tour and a walking or tailored route for private bookings.
Each tour is presented in third-person historical commentary and emphasizes factual, source-based interpretation. Guides are retired historians whose backgrounds support rigorous storytelling, archival context, and respectful treatment of sensitive subjects. The private World War II and the Holocaust in Amsterdam tour is designed for groups seeking deeper context, flexible pacing, and focused site visits away from typical tourist paths.
History Walks prioritizes educational value and cultural sensitivity, providing clear logistics, meeting points in Amsterdam South, and guidance on accessibility where applicable. The company’s experiences are suitable for history enthusiasts, students, academic groups, and travelers seeking authoritative interpretation of Amsterdam’s wartime past.
Booking information, group size limits, and availability are provided on partner platforms and official listings. Photographs, primary-source references, and route summaries accompany many listings to help prospective guests evaluate fit. History Walks does not sensationalize events; instead, it aims to foster informed understanding through careful narration and well-researched site visits. Tours consistently emphasize local context, archival evidence, and respectful memorialization to honor victims and educate contemporary audiences.
Location
Amsterdam, Noord-Holland
Tours meet in Amsterdam South
Tour Length
3 hours
3-hour public and private tours
Guides
Retired historians
Source-based, academic-led narration
Tours Offered
2 tours
Public cycle and private walking options
Reserve the public World War II Cycle Tour or a private, tailored World War II and Holocaust tour led by retired historians — check listings for availability.
Wear comfortable shoes
This walking tour covers several city blocks over three hours, so sturdy footwear will keep you comfortable.
Bring a light rain jacket
Amsterdam weather can change quickly, so carry waterproof layers to stay dry during the walk.
Prepare for emotional content
The stories discuss difficult aspects of WWII and the Holocaust; be ready for a serious and respectful experience.
Pack a water bottle
Hydration is important during the three-hour tour, especially in warmer months.
Comfortable walking shoes
Essential for navigating city streets comfortably during the three-hour walk.
Water bottle
Keeps you hydrated, especially on warm or sunny days.
summer
Light rain jacket
Protects against spring showers that are common in Amsterdam.
spring
Warm layers
Necessary for staying comfortable in cooler, windy weather.
fall|winter