Amsterdam in World War Two Cycle Tour

Exploring Amsterdam’s WWII Past on a Bike: An Honest Review
Many visitors to Amsterdam are familiar with the city’s beautiful canals and lively neighborhoods, but few realize how deeply the Second World War marked this place. The Amsterdam in World War Two Cycle Tour offers a rare, intimate look at this turbulent chapter, taking you through streets that once saw tragic arrests, resistance, and occupation. Led by three retired historians with a genuine passion for this history, the tour combines storytelling, photographs, and authentic sites, making history feel surprisingly close.

What I love most about this experience is the way it makes history tangible. The guides do an excellent job of connecting the dots—showing you where significant events happened and bringing old photos to life. I also appreciated how the tour ventures outside the busy city center, into quieter neighborhoods that reveal a different side of Amsterdam’s wartime story. However, a possible consideration is that this tour is quite detailed and full of historical nuance, which might feel overwhelming if you’re expecting a light sightseeing jaunt.

Another highlight is the genuinely knowledgeable guides—Rudy, Peter, and the team are former professionals deeply invested in sharing their expertise. Their stories, combined with the immersive stops, elevate the tour from just a bike ride to a meaningful history lesson. Still, because the tour covers many sites, it requires some physical stamina and a moderate level of cycling comfort, especially in Amsterdam’s sometimes busy streets.

Key points / Takeaways:

• Authentic Sites Outside the Tourist Trap: The tour visits neighborhoods and landmarks often overlooked by standard guides, giving a more authentic experience.
• Expert Guides with a Passion for History: Rudy, Peter, and the team are retired historians who share stories with enthusiasm and depth.
• Rich Visuals: The tour uses old photographs paired with today’s views, creating a vivid sense of place and time.
• Careful Itinerary: The stops include significant locations like the Anne Frank home, German bunkers, resistance sites, and Nazi offices, providing a comprehensive wartime map of Amsterdam.
• Engaging and Educational: From the raid of 1943 at Victorieplein to resistance acts and retaliation, each stop offers compelling stories that deepen understanding.
• A Special Experience for History Enthusiasts: Ideal for those interested in WWII history, local stories, or authentic neighborhood explorations.

A Deep Dive into the Amsterdam WWII Cycle Tour

Starting Point: Victorieplein and the 1943 Raid

The tour begins at Victorieplein, formerly Daniël Willinkplein, a significant site in wartime Amsterdam. Here, the guides recount the massive raid of June 20, 1943, when Jewish residents were arrested during a notorious Judenaktion. As you cycle past the same building today, the stories of Dutch police, Nazi helpers, and the tragic roundup of Jews unfold with impactful narrative. The bravery and brutality of this event set the tone early on and remind you of the harsh reality faced by residents.

Visiting the Frank Family’s Home and Anne Frank’s Legacy

Next, you’ll visit Merwedeplein 37-II, the home of Otto Frank and his family before they went into hiding in the Secret Annex. This stop is especially poignant because it’s where Otto Frank bought Anne’s diary, and there’s a statue commemorating her. The guides emphasize the importance of this family’s story, and many visitors find this a moving highlight. You’ll get a sense of the personal toll of the occupation, intertwined with the broader historical context.

Nazi Presence and Resistance in the Neighborhoods

The tour then takes you to Waalstraat 48, where the Tilex Bar once stood. It’s a sobering reminder that ordinary businesses sometimes played roles in resistance or oppression—here, Lex van Weren, who survived Auschwitz, played a trumpeter at executions. From there, the route moves toward Cornelis Troostplein, once a peace parish, and into the heart of Nazi operations on Museumplein. Guides describe how the Germans transformed this square into a fortress, with bunkers, anti-aircraft batteries, and offices for the Nazi party, making it clear how occupation extended into the city’s very fabric.

Resistance and Retaliation: Heroic Acts and Tragedies

The tour’s stops include the site of Herbert Oelschlägel’s execution, which led to brutal Nazi retaliation—burning houses and executing resistance fighters. Another stop highlights Gerrit van der Veen, a resistance leader, and the secret communications of the RAF in November 1944 aimed at destroying Nazi offices. These stories underline the constant danger faced by those opposing the occupation and showcase acts of bravery that are often overlooked in standard histories.

Wartime Amsterdam: From Registration to Liberation

Moving on, the square of Olympiaplein is where Jewish individuals, arrested in the 1943 raid, were registered by the SD. You’ll see the school that served as the Luftwaffe’s end-of-war headquarters and the Queen Emma statue, a symbol of Dutch resilience. The last stop features a monument to victims shot on the last day of occupation—an emotionally charged reminder of the human cost of war and resistance.

Ending with Reflection in Vondelpark and Leidseplein

The tour concludes with a walk through Vondelpark, leading back to Leidseplein—giving you a moment to reflect on what you’ve learned. The experience ends where it began, tying together the stories into a broader understanding of how Amsterdam endured and resisted during its darkest days.

Who Should Take This Tour and Why?

This cycling tour is best suited for travelers genuinely interested in WWII history, especially those who appreciate a mix of storytelling, site visits, and authentic neighborhood exploration. It’s perfect for history buffs, educators, or anyone wanting to see a quieter side of Amsterdam beyond the usual tourist spots. Because the tour covers many sites and involves some cycling, it’s best for those comfortable on a bike for a few hours.

The tour’s value is especially high considering the expertise of guides like Rudy, whose storytelling brings history to life. The inclusion of photographs and detailed site descriptions makes it suitable for those who want a deeper understanding rather than just surface-level sightseeing.

If you prefer a quick, superficial overview, this might not be the best fit. But if you’re looking for an immersive, educational experience with authentic stories, this tour offers a compelling and memorable journey into Amsterdam’s wartime past.

Price and Logistics: Is It Worth It?

At around $64 per person, this tour offers excellent value given the depth of storytelling, the small group size (max 6), and the quality of guides. The two to three-hour duration strikes a good balance—long enough to see many sites without wearing out your legs or patience. It’s booked on average 12 days in advance, which indicates good planning and popularity.

The use of a bike makes the tour efficient, letting you cover more ground than walking. Plus, cycling allows you to experience the city’s neighborhoods in a more intimate way. The meeting point at Tesselschadestraat is easy to find, and the tour ends conveniently back near Leidseplein.

What about accessibility?

While the tour is accessible to most, some physical stamina is necessary due to the cycling component and the uneven surfaces in certain neighborhoods. It’s best suited for those comfortable on a bike, but not necessarily for those with mobility issues.

Final Thoughts

This Amsterdam in WWII Cycle Tour is a powerful way to learn about the city’s wartime history through a combination of storytelling, site visits, and neighborhood exploration. The guides’ passion and expertise shine through, making the experience both educational and engaging. You get a real sense of how the war impacted ordinary lives, from resistance fighters to victims, and the city’s ongoing story of resilience.

For anyone eager to connect history with place, this bike tour offers a meaningful, authentic experience that’s worth the price. It’s a thoughtful choice for history enthusiasts, curious travelers, or anyone wanting to see Amsterdam from a different perspective—away from the crowds and into its history.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes, allowing enough time to visit key sites and hear detailed stories without feeling rushed.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 6 travelers, which helps ensure a personalized experience and ample opportunity to ask questions.

Do I need my own bike?
No, you are encouraged to bring your own bike, but bike rentals are typically not included in the tour price. The tour is designed for cyclists, so familiarity with biking is recommended.

What is the price?
The tour costs about $63.67 per person, which includes guided storytelling, site visits, and the experience of exploring neighborhoods often off the usual tourist route.

Is this tour suitable for kids?
While the tour is educational and engaging, it might be best for older children or teenagers who can handle a bike ride and are interested in WWII history.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, allowing flexibility if your plans change.

Who operates this tour?
It is run by Slagveldreizen.nl, a reputable provider focused on historical walks and cycling tours in the Netherlands.

In essence, if you’re looking for an immersive, story-rich exploration of Amsterdam’s WWII history, guided by passionate experts, this bike tour offers an enriching experience worth considering. It’s a chance to see the city through the lens of resilience, resistance, and history—crafted with care for those eager to learn more.