Amsterdam in World War Two Cycle Tour

The Amsterdam in World War Two Cycle Tour offers a compelling journey through the city’s wartime past for those interested in history, resistance, and the impact of the German occupation. Priced at $63.67 per person, this 2 hour 30 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes tour takes cyclists through Amsterdam South, revealing stories behind iconic sites, resistance efforts, and wartime struggles. The tour is led by three retired historians with a passion for sharing detailed insights into the German occupation, making it a rich experience for history enthusiasts.

This tour is ideal for visitors who want more than just sightseeing; it provides context and storytelling that bring WWII history to life. Keep in mind, the tour is capped at a maximum of 6 travelers, ensuring an intimate and informative experience. While the scenery is tranquil outside the busy city center, the tour covers significant, often somber, historical locations, making it suitable for those prepared for a thoughtful exploration of Amsterdam’s wartime past.

Key Points

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• Price and Duration: The tour costs $63.67 and lasts roughly 2.5 to 3 hours.
• Historical Focus: It covers Amsterdam South, with stops at key WWII sites, including the Anne Frank house vicinity, German bunkers, and resistance locations.
• Expert Guides: Led by three retired historians, the guides share detailed stories and personal insights on the occupation and resistance.
• Unique Stops: Highlights include the Victorieplein, Merwedeplein, Museumplein, and the Olympiaplein, with stories rooted in actual events like the 1943 Jewish roundup and resistance actions.
• Visually Rich Experience: The tour features old photographs shown at each site, illustrating how locations looked during the war compared to today.
• Limited Group Size: The tour accommodates up to 6 guests, allowing for personalized attention and questions.

Starting at Victorieplein, the Historic Beginning

The tour begins at Victorieplein, formerly known as Daniël Willinkplein, where a major Jewish raid in June 1943 took place. During the Judenaktion, large groups of Jewish residents were arrested and transported to Westerbork concentration camp. At this stop, the guide explains the details of this dark chapter, supported by photographs and stories, setting a serious but essential tone for the tour.

This initial stop contextualizes how the German occupation directly affected Amsterdam’s Jewish community and introduces the significance of the locations you’ll visit throughout the tour.

Visiting the Home of Anne Frank at Merwedeplein

Next, the bike route takes you past Merwedeplein 37-II, the home of the Frank family. In the summer of 1942, Otto Frank moved his family into the Secret Annex on Prinsengracht, as the Nazi threat intensified. A statue of Anne Frank on the square commemorates her legacy. Nearby, the Waalstraat bookstore is notable for being where Otto Frank purchased the diary that would later be published in 1947, marking a poignant connection to the young girl’s story.

This stop provides a tangible link to Anne Frank’s story, emphasizing her enduring influence and the personal stories behind the famous diary.

Waalstraat Bar and the Courage of Lex van Weren

Opposite Merwedeplein, the tour visits the Café Blek at the former Tilex Bar location. Here, the story of Lex van Weren unfolds; he survived Auschwitz by playing his trumpet during executions. This part of the tour highlights the small acts of resistance and survival, emphasizing the resilience of individuals amidst overwhelming oppression.

The PBA Barracks at Cornelis Troostplein

At Cornelis Troostplein 23, the tour stops at the former PBA barracks. Before WWII, this site was known as the peace parish, housing convents and a school. During the occupation, the Gestapo inspected the site, meeting Reichsführer SS Heinrich Himmler at the nearby Museumplein in spring 1942. This location exemplifies the Nazi presence and control within Amsterdam.

The German Stronghold on Museumplein

One of the most visually striking stops is Museumplein, where the Germans transformed the square into a fortified stronghold. The houses on the left housed German offices, including the Zentralstelle für Jüdische Auswanderung (Central Jewish Emigration Office), the Ortskommandantur, and the Feldgendarmerie. The IJsclubterrein was fortified with bunkers and anti-aircraft batteries. The NSB headquarters also sat here, with all bunkers now destroyed after the war.

This stop vividly illustrates how the occupation shaped the city’s landscape into a militarized zone.

Coffee Break at Roelof Hartplein and Resistance Stories

A brief 10-minute stop at Café Wildschut on Roelof Hartplein offers a chance to rest and enjoy some refreshment. Nearby, a photo shop was used by the Dutch resistance to develop rare photographs of the 1943 Jewish roundup, including images by notable resistance photographer Charles Breijer.

The stop also features a small monument honoring the Jewish residents arrested from this neighborhood, making it a poignant reminder of local suffering.

The Executions and Resistance at Beethovenstraat

The tour visits the corner of Beethovenstraat and Apollolaan, where in October 1944, SS officer Herbert Oelschlägel was executed by resistance fighters. In retaliation, the Sicherheitsdienst (SD) burned down two houses and executed 29 resistance fighters. This site marks the violent reprisals faced by those fighting against the occupation.

Nazi Offices on Memlingstraat and Rubensstraat

On Memlingstraat and Rubensstraat, the tour explores the SD headquarters and the Hausraterfassungsstelle, involved in confiscating possessions of deported Jews. During 1944, resistance groups requested a RAF attack on these sites to destroy files, a mission carried out by Group Captain De — highlighting the covert efforts to hamper Nazi operations.

The Registering of Jews at Olympiaplein

Olympiaplein/Parnassusweg hosts a significant WWII site where Jewish residents arrested during the June 1943 raid were registered by the SD and Jewish camp police. This stop underscores the brutal logistics of the Holocaust in Amsterdam.

The Luftwaffe at Valeriusplein and the Resistance’s Symbolic Act

The school building at Valeriusplein served as the Luftwaffe headquarters toward the end of the occupation. Nearby, the Queen Emma statue on Emmalaan/Prins Hendriklaan became a site of resistance in summer 1940, with locals placing flowers in defiance of the Germans.

The Last Days and Memorials

The tour concludes near Prins Hendriklaan, where a monument commemorates victims of shootings during the German surrender days in May 1945. This somber location marks the final moments of resistance and loss, bringing the historical journey full circle.

Final Segment: Vondelpark to Leidseplein

After wrapping up the key sites, the guide leads the group through Vondelpark back to Leidseplein, completing the historic circuit. The gentle pace and scenic surroundings provide a reflective end to the tour.

Unique Features and Practical Details

The Amsterdam in World War Two Cycle Tour is delivered with a mobile ticket, starts at Tesselschadestraat 1, and begins promptly at 11:00 am. The small group size—up to 6 travelers—ensures personal attention, allowing questions and deeper discussion. The tour is suitable for most travelers able to bike for a few hours and interested in history with visual storytelling.

Booking is recommended 12 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. The tour’s focus on wartime photos and detailed stories sets it apart from more general sightseeing options, making it especially valuable for those wanting an immersive historical experience.

Amsterdam WWII Cycle Tour: An Honest Overview

This tour provides a thoughtful, detailed look into Amsterdam’s occupation days, with a focus on resistance, Nazi control, and Jewish suffering. The expert guides’ knowledge and storytelling receive high praise, making the experience both educational and emotionally impactful.

While physically active, the bike-based format allows access to neighborhoods often skipped by traditional walking tours. The small group size enhances engagement, and the inclusion of historic photographs enriches the narrative.

The main limitation is the focus on South Amsterdam, which may not cover the entire scope of WWII history in the city. Still, for those interested in a depth-oriented, location-specific exploration, this tour offers a compelling and well-rounded look at a crucial period in Amsterdam’s history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $63.67 per person.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at Tesselschadestraat 1 and concludes in the Vondelpark to Leidseplein area.

Is the tour suitable for all fitness levels?
It’s designed for most travelers capable of biking for this duration, with a focus on historical stops rather than strenuous activity.

Who leads the tour?
The guide team comprises three retired historians with a passion for WWII history and Dutch resistance stories.

What are some key stops on the tour?
Significant locations include Victorieplein, Merwedeplein, Museumplein, Olympiaplein, and sites related to resistance and Nazi operations.

Are photographs included in the tour?
Yes, the guides show old pictures of the sites to illustrate how locations appeared during the war.

Is this a small-group experience?
Yes, the group is limited to six people, ensuring an engaging and personalized narration.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance; cancellations less than 24 hours before the tour are non-refundable.

How do I book this tour?
Booking can be done through the provided platform, with most reservations made 12 days in advance for guaranteed availability.