Path of Resistance: Berlins Hidden Holocaust Stories

Discover Berlin’s Resistance and Holocaust Stories for $47.47

This small-group walking tour in Berlin, Germany offers a compelling 2-hour 30-minute journey through some of the city’s most significant historical sites related to Jewish heritage, resistance efforts, and Nazi atrocities. Priced at $47.47 per person, it is designed for those who want an intimate, detailed exploration of Berlin’s darkest chapters, led by knowledgeable guides who bring history vividly to life. The tour departs from Oranienburger Str. 36 and ends at Friedrichstr. Georgenstraße, with a convenient location at S+U Friedrichstraße station.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is its focus on stories of resistance against fascism, alongside visits to remarkable landmarks like the Neue Synagoge, the Jewish Cemetery, and the Book Burning Memorial. It is ideal for history enthusiasts interested in Holocaust remembrance, Jewish history, and Nazi resistance, offering a personalized experience with limited group sizes of up to 15 people.

While the tour involves walking and standing at various sites, its accessible nature and focus on narrative storytelling make it a meaningful choice for those willing to engage actively with history. The reviews highlight guides’ expertise and engaging storytelling, and the price point offers excellent value for such an in-depth exploration.

Key Points

• Price of $47.47 per person for a 2-hour 30-minute walking tour
• Small-group format ensures personalized storytelling and attention
• Visits to key Berlin landmarks related to Jewish resistance and Holocaust history
• Expert guides share moving stories of bravery and tragedy
• Accessible tour with free admission at all stops
• Departure point at Oranienburger Str. 36, ending at Friedrichstraße station

Starting Point at the Neuer Synagoge and Its Significance

The tour begins at the Neue Synagoge, constructed in 1866 as a symbol of Berlin’s vibrant Jewish community of approximately 160,000 members. This site is notable for surviving vandals during Kristallnacht, and despite being damaged in 1943, it was partly rebuilt and now hosts the Centrum Judaicum, dedicated to preserving Jewish memory and traditions. The visit provides context for Berlin’s Jewish heritage and the community’s resilience amidst adversity.

Visiting the Jewish Gymnasium Moses Mendelssohn

Next, the Jewish Gymnasium Moses Mendelssohn, founded in 1779, stands out as Germany’s first Jewish school without fees. Open to students of all faiths, it promoted liberal Jewish thought and accepted female students from 1931. During 1941, as part of Nazi policies, the building was converted into a transit camp for Jews being deported to the East, with barred windows and a grim history of deportation. Visitors gain insight into the educational and social life of Berlin’s Jewish community before the Holocaust.

The Jewish Cemetery and Holocaust Mass Graves

The Jewish Cemetery, active between 1672 and 1827, holds the remains of around 12,000 community members. In 1943, the Gestapo destroyed the site, smashing gravestones and desecrating graves. The cemetery was briefly used again in April 1945 to bury around 2,500 German soldiers and civilians killed during the fighting or executed by the SS. This stop offers a somber reflection on the loss of Jewish life and the destruction inflicted during Nazi rule.

Otto Weidt’s Workshop for the Blind: Acts of Courage

Located in a hidden courtyard, the Otto Weidt Workshop supported over 30 blind and deaf Jewish workers from 1940 to 1945. Otto Weidt’s efforts to protect employees involved bribing Gestapo officers and falsifying documents, even risking his own safety. His act of bravery includes traveling to Auschwitz to rescue an employee. This site highlights individual acts of resistance and the importance of protecting vulnerable communities during oppressive times.

The Rosenstraße Protest and Women’s Courage

A remarkable story unfolds at the Denkmal Rosenstraße. On February 27, 1943, 2000 Jewish men were arrested by the Gestapo, sparking protests from hundreds of non-Jewish German women whose husbands and sons had been detained. Despite threats of violence, the women refused to disperse, rallying public support. Under pressure, Goebbels authorized the release of the prisoners. This site exemplifies civil resistance and the strength of ordinary people fighting injustice.

Lustgarten and Nazi Propaganda Rallies

The Lustgarten, once a gathering place for protests, including a mass rally of 200,000 after Hitler’s rise, was transformed during the Nazi era. By 1934, Nazi authorities paved over the space for propaganda rallies, swearing-in ceremonies, and military parades. Today, it remains a central public space, but its history as a site of dissent and Nazi spectacle persists, providing context for Berlin’s political history.

Zeughaus and the Resistance Plot

The Zeughaus, built in 1730 as an artillery arsenal, played a role in WWII history. On March 21, 1943, it was used to exhibit Soviet captured weapons, but it’s also connected to resistance efforts. Major General Rudolf Christoph Freiherr von Gersdorff, who planned to assassinate Hitler, was involved in events linked to the Zeughaus. His daring plan to blow himself up with Hitler exemplifies active resistance within the German military, adding depth to the site’s historical significance.

The Memorial at Neue Wache

The Neue Wache functions as Germany’s central memorial to the victims of war and tyranny. Its solemn design and central location make it a poignant stop, emphasizing the importance of commemoration and reflection on the atrocities committed under Nazi rule. The monument’s presence reinforces the tour’s focus on remembrance and resistance.

The Book Burning Memorial at Bebelplatz

On May 10, 1933, Nazi students and professors burned over 25,000 “un-German” books at Bebelplatz, symbolizing the suppression of free thought and culture. The memorial, with its glass panel revealing empty shelves beneath, commemorates this act of censorship. It serves as a reminder of the cultural destruction during Nazi Germany and the importance of preserving intellectual freedom.

Trains to Life, Trains to Death Sculpture

The Trains to Life, Trains to Death sculpture vividly depicts Jewish children’s contrasting fates—those who escaped via Kindertransport to England and those deported to concentration camps. Designed by Frank Meisle, himself a survivor, the sculpture provides a powerful visual contrast of hope and despair, highlighting the personal stories behind historical events.

Practical Details and Accessibility

This tour is led by an expert guide knowledgeable about Berlin’s resistance and Holocaust history. It includes visual aids like then & now photographs and maps to enhance understanding. The accessible nature of the tour ensures it is suitable for most participants, with no additional cost for entry at each site. The meeting point at Oranienburger Str. 36 and final stop at Friedrichstraße are easy to reach via public transport.

Final Thoughts on the Tour’s Value

The “Path of Resistance” tour provides a deeply personal look at Berlin’s dark history with a focus on acts of bravery and resistance against Nazi oppression. Its small-group size fosters an intimate experience, and the guides’ expertise is repeatedly praised for making history come alive. The price offers excellent value for a comprehensive, thought-provoking walk through pivotal sites and stories.

While the physical aspect involves some standing and walking, the rich content and storytelling more than compensate. This tour is especially suited for history enthusiasts, those interested in Jewish heritage, and anyone wanting to understand Berlin’s complex past beyond typical sightseeing. It leaves visitors with a greater appreciation for personal courage amid unimaginable atrocities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour price covers an expert guide, a small-group experience, and access to all sites with free admission. It also includes visual aids such as then & now photos and maps.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, providing a thorough yet manageable walk through Berlin’s key resistance and Holocaust sites.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Oranienburger Str. 36 and concludes at Friedrichstraße, near a major train station with easy access to public transportation.

Is the tour suitable for all physical abilities?
The tour is accessible and involves walking and standing at various stops. It is suitable for most participants, but those with mobility issues should consider the physical demand.

Are food or drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included in the tour price, but there are opportunities to explore local cafes or restaurants nearby after the tour.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. If canceled more than a day before, a full refund is issued.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly restricted, the storytelling and walking pace are best suited for older children or teenagers interested in history and resistance stories.

What makes this tour stand out from others in Berlin?
Its focus on resistance efforts and Jewish history, combined with expert guides and personal stories of bravery, makes it a thoughtful choice for those wanting depth and insight into Berlin’s past.