Echoes of War: A National Socialism and Cologne WWII Tour

Duration2h 30m

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesGerman, English

Group sizeUp to 20 travelers

Overview

Come travel back to the traumatic history of Cologne during World War Two as we delve into how life was shaped under Nazi rule.

While visiting Cologne's GESTAPO headquarters, the Cologne Cathedral, and Holocaust monuments, learn about the steps taken towards National Socialism long before the first bombs fell. Then, hear the tales of the first air raids, the battle of Cologne and the aftermath in the city.

From the dramatic rise of the Nazi State to its devastating effects to its violent fall, explore Cologne during the largest war in human history.

- A 2.5-hour guided tour exploring Cologne's WWII history
- Visit key sites from the GESTAPO headquarters, the war memorials and the Cologne Cathedral
- Group size limited to 20 people for an intimate experience
- Sundays at 19:11, providing a unique evening perspective

What's included

An exclusive list of recommendations and suggestions to futher explore the city
An experienced local guide with deep knowledge of the city

What to expect

Alter Markt
10m

Here we'll begin our tour. Meeting your guide in the center of one of Cologne's most important squares within view of the Cologne Townhall where the Nazi flags flew, our tour is introduced and the beginnings of the rise of National Socialism is discussed.
Rote Funken Platzchen
12m

In a square dedicated to Cologne's most joyous time of year, Karneval, learn how Nazism crept its way into the every day life of Germans and began to shift the minds and identity of the city. Here, learn the first steps taken towards war laid far before Hitler stood on the steps of the Reichstag.
15m

At the first of several monuments to the victims of the Holocaust, we'll discuss the societal impacts on the vunerable communities in our city while the Blitzkreig began to take its first violent steps. How did the city of Cologne adjust for the approaching war as Allies began to move away from their sleepy policy of appeasement.
10m

With our first real views of Cologne's Cathedral, we'll follow the route taken by the populations of the city that not many returned from, shipped from the city to concentration camps. With a view of one of our Holocaust memorials and the bridges that were destroyed as the Nazis fled across the Rhein, we'll discuss the bombs that began to fall on Cologne as the Allied Forces began to mount. How did the population react to an impact directly on their hometown?
Cologne Cathedral
15m

Next to the most important buidling in our History, we'll discuss the Cathedrals importance throughout the war for both sides of the conflict. Hear the tales of the largest bombing in history at that point and the impact of the Dom as the city rebuilt.
10m

In the shadow of what used to be the courthouse, learn how the violent ideology of the Nazi party accelerated even as they lost ground across their attempted empire and the Allied forces neared Cologne. As the Battle of Cologne neared, hear of the political prisoners who resisted and paid the price.
NS Documentation Centre of the City of Cologne
15m

Across from the court house, follow the footsteps of the prisoners as they entered the political prison of the Gestapo where their journeys ultimately and cruelly ended.

Also, the Allies enter the streets of Cologne. Were they welcomed as liberators as the Nazis fled to the rightside of the river?
Edith Stein-Denkmal
15m

At a monument to a Sainted Martyr murdered in the chambers at Auschwitz, we'll end our tour. After hearing the stories of Edith Stein and similar heroes of the war, we'll discuss the changes that followed in Cologne after the National Socialist Regime of the Third Reich breathed its final breaths. Learn what bloomed from the ruins of Cologne to create a city far from its brown-colored past as we summarize our tour and say our goodbyes with recommendations on how to continue learning about Cologne as well as explore the other aspects of our town.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

You'll meet your guide next to the large fountain in the center of Cologne's history Alter Markt. They'll be recognizable through a backpack and a nametag.

End point

Minutes away from the Dom, your tour will end in walking distance to the important pieces of Cologne's tourist center as well as restaurants, museums, public transport and river.

Additional information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

5.0 (14)

From

€15.00 per person

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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
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Operated by Freewalk Cologne · Booked through Viator

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