Westerbork Concentration Camp from Amsterdam – A Private Tour

Explore Westerbork and Its Surroundings on a Private Tour from Amsterdam

This private tour offers a meaningful journey through the history of Westerbork Concentration Camp, departing from Amsterdam for an around 8 to 9 hours experience. Priced at $892.13 per group (up to 7 people), this tour combines a 3-hour visit to Westerbork with several insightful stops along the way.

The tour begins at Anne Frank’s house in Amsterdam, where visitors can view the exterior and access a link to a reconstructed interior. It then takes travelers through historical sites like Het Verscholen Dorp, a secret village in the woods where resistance members and those in hiding once lived peacefully. The journey also includes a scenic drive across the Closure Dam and a visit to the Remembrance Center at Westerbork, providing context and reflection on the camp’s history.

This tour is structured to balance profound historical insight with moments of relaxation, making it suitable for those interested in Dutch history, World War II, or Holocaust remembrance. While it involves a full day, the guide’s storytelling and well-planned stops create a respectful and engaging experience.

Key Points

• Private, guided experience: Led by an engaging guide, only your group participates.
• Comprehensive itinerary: Includes Anne Frank’s house, Hidden Village, Westerbork camp, and the Closure Dam.
• Duration: Around 8 to 9 hours, with travel, sightseeing, and reflection.
• Cost: $892.13 per group (up to 7 people), includes transport and guide.
• Historical focus: Emphasizes the stories of 102,000 Jews and 245 Roma deported from Westerbork.
• Additional stops: Scenic drive across the Closure Dam with views of Dutch waterworks.

Starting Point at Anne Frank’s House in Amsterdam

The tour commences at Anne Frank’s original house in Amsterdam, where the exterior facades are visible. Although the interior is not included, a link provides access to a reconstructed version of her hiding place, giving visitors a sense of her environment. A small statue in the nearby park commemorates Anne Frank, setting a reflective tone for the day.

This start point is easy to find and near public transportation, making it accessible for most visitors. The significance of this site frames the journey, connecting the story of Anne Frank with the broader history explored later in Westerbork.

Visiting Het Verscholen Dorp in Vierhouten

Midway through the trip, the tour visits Het Verscholen Dorp, a reconstructed Hidden Village located in the woods of Vierhouten. This site was once a safe haven for people in hiding during WWII, helped by resistance members. Its existence was largely unknown until German hunters accidentally discovered and raided it, resulting in tragic consequences for those who could not flee.

The site’s reconstruction offers a tangible look at how resistance efforts operated and the risks faced by those in hiding. Visitors learn that, despite the danger, many residents in the village managed to keep their secret, and the story is even the subject of a novel by Irma Joubert, though not yet available in English.

This stop provides a powerful reminder of resistance and survival in times of oppression, adding depth to the overarching narrative of WWII in the Netherlands.

The Westerbork Remembrance Center and Camp Visit

The core of the tour is a 3-hour visit to Kamp Westerbork, including time at the Remembrance Center. Here, visitors explore exhibitions that detail the camp’s history as a transit point for about 102,000 Jews and 245 Roma deported to death camps in Germany.

The camp’s conditions were intentionally less severe to deceive prisoners about their fate, and there were no beatings or killings within the camp itself. The site also highlights the bravery of over 300 escapees who managed to flee. A shuttle bus transports visitors across the site, where they can walk through the camp’s grounds and see preserved structures.

While the entrance fee to the Westerbork Remembrance Center is not included (costing 12 euros), the visit offers a sensitive and honest view of this significant historical site. The guide provides context, helping visitors understand the complex history of the camp and its role during WWII.

Crossing the Closure Dam and Its Significance

After the Westerbork visit, the tour includes a scenic drive across the Closure Dam—one of the Netherlands’ major waterworks—built after the 1916 flood to protect the southern coast of the country. The dam’s construction between 1927 and 1932 marked a major engineering achievement.

At the statue of Dr. Lely, the dam’s architect, travelers enjoy a brief stop for refreshments and to admire the view. This segment offers a peaceful contrast to the historical intensity, showcasing the Dutch mastery of water management.

Visitors appreciate the opportunity to see this important piece of Dutch infrastructure, which also symbolizes resilience and ingenuity.

Guided Service and Transportation Details

The tour includes a professional guide who leads the group through all stops, providing historical insights and answering questions. An air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort during the long day of travel and sightseeing. The total duration accounts for travel time from and back to Amsterdam, making it a convenient option for those based in the city.

The private nature of the tour guarantees exclusivity, and pickup is offered, simplifying logistics. The tour is suitable for most travelers, including those with mobility considerations, as it involves walking around sites like Westerbork and Het Verscholen Dorp.

Practical Considerations and Additional Inclusions

This tour does not include lunch, coffee or tea, or additional fees such as entrance costs to Westerbork, which are payable separately. Travelers should budget for the 12-euro entry fee to the Remembrance Center.

Booking confirmation occurs within 48 hours and is subject to availability. The free cancellation policy allows cancellations up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, offering flexibility for planning.

Service animals are permitted, and the tour operates near public transportation, making access straightforward. Since the tour is private, only your group participates, enhancing the personal and reflective atmosphere.

Reflection on the Tour’s Value and Suitability

This private tour provides a thoughtful exploration of Dutch history related to WWII, combining personal stories with broader historical context. The inclusion of sites like Anne Frank’s house, Het Verscholen Dorp, and Westerbork makes it particularly meaningful for those interested in Holocaust history and resistance stories.

While the length of the day might be demanding, the guide’s storytelling and the variety of stops keep the experience engaging. The scenic drive across the Closure Dam offers a moment of pause and appreciation of Dutch engineering.

This tour stands out for its depth, personalization, and focus on remembrance, making it a compelling option for history enthusiasts who want a comprehensive, respectful look at a critical chapter of the Netherlands’ past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While most travelers can participate, the tour’s serious historical focus and length may be more appropriate for older children or teenagers interested in WWII history.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch is not included. Visitors should plan to bring their own or purchase food during the day.

How much time is spent at Westerbork?
Approximately 3 hours are dedicated to Westerbork, including visiting the Remembrance Center and walking around the camp.

What is the cost of entrance fees?
The entry fee to Westerbork Remembrance Center is 12 euros, payable separately from the tour price.

Are pickups available?
Yes, pickup is offered, making the start of the day more convenient.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
The tour involves walking around sites like Westerbork and Het Verscholen Dorp, so mobility considerations should be taken into account.

Can service animals join the tour?
Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.

What’s the weather contingency for outdoor stops?
Since stops like the Closure Dam and sites in outdoor areas are part of the experience, good weather is preferred. The guide can advise on suitable clothing.

How do I book this tour?
Bookings are confirmed within 48 hours and can be canceled free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What makes this tour unique compared to other WWII tours?
Its private guide, comprehensive itinerary including Het Verscholen Dorp, and focus on wider resistance stories make this experience richly informative and personal.