Cologne’s EL-DE Haus and WWII Jewish Holocaust History Tour offers a powerful exploration of the city’s tumultuous past. Visitors can enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the Old Town while also encountering sobering reminders of the atrocities committed by the Nazis. The tour culminates at the former Gestapo headquarters, now a memorial center, providing a poignant opportunity to reflect on the oppression and resistance experienced during the Third Reich. This thought-provoking experience invites participants to consider the lasting impact of the Holocaust and its relevance in the present day.
Key Points
- The tour explores Cologne’s Old Town and focuses on the oppression and resistance experienced during WWII and the Holocaust.
- Visitors can explore the EL-DE House, a former Gestapo headquarters turned memorial center for Nazi victims.
- The tour provides insight into the devastation caused by Allied bombings that destroyed 90% of Cologne during the war.
- Participants can encounter Stumbling Stones that commemorate individuals murdered by the Nazis.
- The tour adapts to the group’s needs and includes expert commentary on the Third Reich, WWII, and the Holocaust.
Tour Details
The EL-DE Haus and WWII Jewish Holocaust History Tour in Cologne lasts for 3 hours and can be conducted in German, English, French, Russian, Spanish, or Italian.
This private group tour takes visitors through Cologne’s Old Town, exploring historical sites like the Alter Markt, Cologne Cathedral, and the 10th-century Dominican Church of St. Andrew.
Along the way, guests will see Stumbling Stones that commemorate victims of the Nazi regime.
The tour provides in-depth insight into the oppression and resistance experienced by political prisoners, forced laborers, and Jewish people during World War II, as well as the devastating impact of Allied bombings that destroyed 90% of the city.
Entrance to the EL-DE House, the former Gestapo headquarters turned Nazi victim memorial center, is included.
Tour Highlights
Visitors on the EL-DE Haus and WWII Jewish Holocaust History Tour in Cologne can explore the city’s Old Town, including the iconic Alter Markt, the towering Cologne Cathedral, and the 10th-century Dominican Church of St. Andrew.
The tour also includes a visit to the EL-DE House, the former Gestapo headquarters that has been transformed into a memorial center for victims of the Nazi regime.
Along the way, guests will encounter Stumbling Stones, small brass plaques embedded in the sidewalks that commemorate individuals who were murdered by the Nazis.
The tour provides a deeper understanding of the oppression and resistance experienced by political prisoners, forced laborers, and Jewish people during World War II.
Tour Description
On the EL-DE Haus and WWII Jewish Holocaust History Tour, guests learn about the oppression and resistance of political prisoners, forced laborers, and Jewish people during World War II, gaining insight into everyday life and the dark side of German history under the Nazi regime.
The tour explores Cologne’s Old Town, including the Alter Markt, Cologne Cathedral, and 10th-century Dominican Church of St. Andrew, where visitors witness the Stumbling Stones commemorating victims of the Nazi regime.
Along the way, the expert guide provides commentary on the Third Reich, WWII, and the Holocaust, as well as the Allied bombings that destroyed 90% of Cologne.
The pace of the tour is adapted to the group, ensuring a meaningful and informative experience.
Inclusions
This tour includes a WWII and Jewish Holocaust History Tour of Cologne’s Old Town and EL-DE House, with entrance tickets to EL-DE House.
Guests also receive expert commentary on the history of the Third Reich, WWII, and the Holocaust, and the pace of the tour is adapted to the group.
Visitors will learn about the oppression and resistance of political prisoners, forced laborers, and Jewish people during World War II, gaining insight into the dark side of German history under the Nazi regime.
The tour also covers the Allied bombings that destroyed 90% of Cologne, providing a comprehensive understanding of this pivotal period in the city’s past.
Booking and Cancellation
Travelers can easily book this tour and enjoy the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve their spot now and pay later, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
This policy allows for last-minute changes in plans, catering to the needs of modern travelers. Booking the tour is a straightforward process, with the option to secure a spot without immediate payment. This gives guests time to finalize their travel arrangements.
Should plans change, they can cancel their booking free of charge, up to a day before the scheduled tour. The booking and cancellation terms make this Cologne WWII and Jewish Holocaust history tour convenient and accommodating for all.
Exploring Cologne’s Old Town
After exploring the somber history at the EL-DE House, the tour delves into Cologne’s vibrant Old Town, where guests can enjoy the city’s rich cultural heritage.
The walking segment showcases the Alter Markt, a lively public square surrounded by charming historic buildings, and the impressive Cologne Cathedral, an iconic Gothic masterpiece that dominates the skyline.
Along the way, the guide points out the enigmatic Stumbling Stones, small brass plaques embedded in the sidewalks that memorialize individual victims of the Nazi regime.
The Old Town offers a striking contrast, where the weight of history is tempered by the bustling energy and resilience of the city.
Commemorating Nazi Victims
Along the walking tour, visitors encounter the Stumbling Stones, small brass plaques embedded in the sidewalks that poignantly commemorate individual victims of the Nazi regime. These memorial markers shine a light on the lives lost, bearing the names, birth dates, and deportation dates of Jewish citizens, political prisoners, and others murdered by the Nazis.
The tour also includes a visit to the EL-DE House, the former Gestapo headquarters that has been transformed into a memorial and museum dedicated to:
- Honoring the memory of those persecuted and killed
- Educating about the atrocities committed during the Holocaust
- Reflecting on the importance of human rights and preventing future genocides
The Cologne WWII and Jewish Holocaust History Tour provides a moving and impactful way to pay tribute to the victims of the Nazi regime.
Witnessing Wartime Destruction
During the tour, visitors witness the extent of the wartime destruction that devastated Cologne, as the guide recounts how Allied bombing raids in World War II reduced nearly 90% of the city’s buildings to rubble. The group is taken to sites where they can see firsthand the scars left by the bombings, from crumbling facades to monuments commemorating the lost heritage. As they walk through the Old Town, the guide provides vivid descriptions of the city’s pre-war appearance and the harrowing experience of the air raids, allowing participants to better understand the immense toll the war took on Cologne and its people.
| Bombing Raids | Duration | Destruction | Casualties | Rebuilding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Forces | 1940-1945 | 90% of city | 20,000+ | Decades |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Time Does the Tour Start and End?
The tour starts at 10:00 AM and ends at 1:00 PM, lasting a total of 3 hours. It provides guided commentary throughout the experience.
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
The tour is wheelchair accessible. The pace is adapted to the group, and the expert guide can provide assistance to ensure those with mobility challenges can fully participate in the tour experience.
Are Snacks or Refreshments Provided During the Tour?
The tour does not include any snacks or refreshments. Participants are responsible for bringing their own sustenance during the 3-hour walking tour. Additional food and beverage options may be available to purchase separately along the route.
Can I Take Photos Inside EL-DE House?
Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside the EL-DE House, the former Gestapo headquarters turned Nazi victim memorial center. However, please be mindful and respectful of the solemn nature of the site.
How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?
The tour involves a moderate amount of walking, spanning the old town of Cologne. Participants can expect to cover several kilometers over the course of the 3-hour tour, with stops at key historical sites along the way.
Recap
The Cologne EL-DE Haus and WWII Jewish Holocaust History Tour provides a poignant exploration of the city’s past, allowing visitors to enjoy Cologne’s rich cultural heritage.
The tour also encounters powerful reminders of the oppression and resistance experienced during the Third Reich and the Holocaust.
The tour culminates in a visit to the EL-DE House, a former Gestapo headquarters transformed into a memorial center for Nazi victims.
