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World War II History Tour

World War II tour

The story of an occupied city

World War II History Tour

Book tour
Book tour

World War II tour

World War II History Tour

  • Startingpoint
    Startingpoint

    We start at the main entrance of the Concert Gebouw at the Museum square.
    End is at the Dam square

  • Duration | Distance
    Duration | Distance

    2.5 hours | -/+ 3 km (1.4 ml)

  • Highlights
    Highlights

    - Nazi headquarters on Museum square
    - The Nazi Robbery bank
    - Jewish art collections
    - The Mayor's residence
    - The Halifax aircraft crash
    - Royal Palace and royal family during WWII

  • Price
    Price

    See Booking page

Schedule your
private World War II tour

More Information
Tour Reviews
  • Startingpoint
    Startingpoint

    We start at the main entrance of the Concert Gebouw at the side of the Museum square.
    End is at the Dam square

  • Duration | Distance
    Duration | Distance

    2.5 hours | -/+ 3 km (1.4 ml)

  • Highlights
    Highlights

    - Nazi headquarters on Museum square
    - The Nazi Robbery bank
    - Jewish art collections
    - The Mayor's residence
    - The Halifax aircraft crash
    - Royal Palace and royal family during WWII

  • Price
    Price

    See Booking page

Book your
private World War II tour

More Information
Tour Reviews

World War II & The Holocaust in Amsterdam: A Private History Tour

Uncover the complex history of the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam (1940–1945) on this expert-led 2.5-hour walking tour. Beyond the famous landmarks, we explore the stories of the 10% of the city’s population lost during the Holocaust and the enduring scars left on the Dutch capital.


 

Beyond the Diary: The Human Stories of Resistance

While many know of Anne Frank, our tour introduces you to other pivotal figures whose courage shaped the Dutch narrative:

  1. Etty Hillesum: Walk past the home of this Jewish writer and resistance member near the Concertgebouw. Her diaries offer a profound, spiritual perspective on life under the occupation.

  2. Tony van Renterghem: Learn about Hillesum’s neighbor, a legendary Dutch war hero who transitioned from active resistance to high-level espionage.

The Royal Concierge: Hear the incredible story of the man who single-handedly protected the Royal Palace on Dam Square from Nazi seizure.


 

Fact-Checking History: Myths vs. Reality

This tour takes a scholarly approach to the “historical corruption” and common misconceptions about Amsterdam during the war. We use primary sources and raw data to address difficult questions:

  • The Resistance Myth: Why was organized resistance in Amsterdam slower to form than often portrayed?

  • The “Grey Zone” of Collaboration: How did ordinary citizens and city officials navigate the thin line between survival and complicity?

  • The Impact of the Blitz: Understand why Amsterdam was largely spared from German bombing, unlike Rotterdam, and how that shaped the occupation.


 

Key Historical Landmarks You Will Visit

LocationHistorical Significance
MuseumpleinThe starting point and site of the “Other Diary” history.
Amsterdam CanalsHow Jewish money financed a concentration camp and “Nazi-money” the resistance.
Royal Palace (Dam Square)The epicenter of the 1945 shooting tragedy and the seat of Dutch sovereignty.
National MonumentThe focal point for modern Dutch Remembrance Day (May 4th).

The Tragic Finale: Dam Square, May 7th, 1945

The war did not end cleanly for Amsterdam. We visit the exact spot where, three days after the official German surrender, a tragic shooting occurred on Dam Square. We discuss the role of Queen Wilhelmina in London and how her radio broadcasts (Radio Oranje) influenced the Dutch spirit.


 

Why This Tour?

  • Research-Driven: Our guides move past the “tourist version” of history to provide a deeper, evidence-based account.

  • Small Group Focus: We allow time for discussion on sensitive topics like the Holocaust and modern-day remembrance.

  • Hidden Geography: Discover “invisible” monuments and sites that many locals walk past every day.

Book your World War II Amsterdam Tour today to understand the city’s darkest and most heroic hours.

Tour reviews

  • star rating  Living in Amsterdam I read quite a bit about its history. However, during the history of expats tour Tijs knew how to surpise me with interesting details I didn't know... read more before. Time was flying! Thanks!

    tripadvisor logo
    avatar thumb suusjeaussie1979
    April 1, 2019
  • star rating  This was an amazing walking tour of Rembrandt’s steps, where he lived, about his work, the good and bad, etc. It was extremely informative and our guide was Tijs who... read more did an outstanding job. He was funny, and professional, and it was obvious he is passionate about history. Definitely worth doing! …

    tripadvisor logo
    Viviana K
    August 1, 2020
  • star rating  We’ve lived in Amsterdam for 10 years and finally took the time to learn more about the fascinating history. The financial tour did not disappoint - learning about both the... read more financial innovations of the Dutch, but also the uncomfortable truths in its history.
    Thank you, Thijs, for the engaging tour!

    tripadvisor logo
    RTJS
    July 20, 2021
  • star rating  Amazing experience! Tijs took us through the history, like coming back in the past. Walking in the streets, listening at his storytelling was an incredible experience. Such a passionate guide!... read more We learned a lot about the culture, the past and the present. Can't wait to...More

    tripadvisor logo
    stellacasella
    May 11, 2019
  • star rating  Tijs was an excellent tour guide - funny, engaging and incredibly knowledgeable. The private tour was a fantastic experience and made the museum so much more accessible to someone who... read more isn’t an art expert. Would 100% recommend!

    tripadvisor logo
    Hbf99
    May 16, 2022

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