Cologne: WWII History & EL-DE Haus Private Guided Tour

4.6 (10 reviews) Cologne, Germany
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Duration2h - 4h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesGerman, Russian, English, Italian, French, Spanish
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

What was life like in Nazi-era Cologne? Uncover personal stories, tragic fates and dark history of World War II on a private tour. Optional: visit the NS Documentation Centre (EL-DE Haus) and explore the secrets of Gestapo with an Expert Guide.

Choose any of these fantastic options tailored to your choice or preference:

2-hour: WWII Traces Guided Tour
Uncover WWII history in Cologne's Old Town. See the iconic Cathedral, learn about the Trail of Remembrance, Stumbling Stones, and Kolumba.

4-hour: WWII Traces & EL-DE Haus Guided Tour
Uncover WWII history in-depth in Cologne's Old Town and the NS Documentation Center (EL-DE Haus). See the iconic Cathedral, learn about the Trail of Remembrance and more.

Uncover the dark history of Cologne’s WWII past on a private walking tour designed by Rosotravel, where a Licensed Guide will share powerful stories of destruction, survival, and remembrance. Follow traces of war that still shape the city today.

Options

4H:WWII Traces&EL-DE HausGuide

Duration: 4 hours: Uncover WWII history in-depth in Cologne's Old Town and the NS Documentation Center (EL-DE Haus). See the iconic Cathedral,
,: learn about the Trail of Remembrance and more.
Expert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language - DECO009.

2-hour:WWII Traces Guided Tour

Duration: 2 hours: Uncover WWII history in Cologne's Old Town. See the iconic Cathedral, learn about the Trail of Remembrance, Stumbling Stones,
,: and Kolumba.
Expert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language - DECO009.

What's included

  • 5-Star Licensed Guide who is fluent in your chosen language
  • (number of attractions depends on the selected option)
  • See the Cologne Cathedral from outside
  • Private walking tour in Cologne Old Town discovering WWII traces
  • Fascinating facts and stories in a tempo adjusted to your preferences and interests
  • Entry ticket to EL-DE Haus - NS Documentation Center (in the 4-hour option)
  • Entry to the Cologne Cathedral

What to expect

  1. 10m
    Meet your guide Kreuzblume monument in front of the entrance to Cologne Cathedral
  2. Cologne Cathedral
    50m
    Begin at the iconic Cologne Cathedral (viewed from outside only), a stunning Gothic masterpiece that miraculously survived heavy bombings and still bears bullet holes. Continue your journey along Cologne’s quiet cobblestone streets and uncover the poignant Trail of Remembrance.
  3. Stolpersteine Cologne
    30m
    Learn about the small brass Stolpersteine (Stumbling Stones) that mark the last known homes of Jewish victims, and hear their stories of loss and courage.
  4. Cologne Central Station
    30m
    See key WWII sites such as the Central Station, Hohenzollern Bridge, and the former exhibition grounds—once linked to the Auschwitz-Buchenwald subcamp—and learn about their roles during wartime. With your Private Guide, you’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace, ask questions, and focus on the aspects of history that move you most.
  5. NS Documentation Centre of the City of Cologne
    2h · Admission ticket included
    Visit to the NS Documentation Center, known as the EL-DE Haus. This former Gestapo headquarters is now a chilling memorial, preserving prison cells and over 1,800 inscriptions carved by prisoners. Walk through rooms where forced laborers, political enemies, and resistance members were held and tortured, and hear how Nazi terror unfolded in Cologne. With a Licensed Guide at your side, you’ll gain a deeper, personal understanding of these harrowing events.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meet your guide Kreuzblume monument in front of the entrance to Cologne Cathedral

End point

Meet your guide Kreuzblume monument in front of the entrance to Cologne Cathedral

Additional information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please check your email the day before the tour for important information from Rosotravel, your tour operator.
  • The number of attractions visited depends on the selected option.
  • Please note Entry to the Cologne Cathedral is not included
  • This is a walking tour, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes and dressing appropriately for the weather, as the tour runs rain or shine!
  • Have a special request or need accessibility support? Let us know in advance—we’re happy to help!

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

4.6 (10)
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€182.30 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by Rosotravel - Munich · Booked through Viator
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