Second World War Tour Amsterdam
Wheelchair accessible experience
With this historical tour you will have the chance to discover the history of Amsterdam during the Second World War. Strewn throughout the city there are a number of places closely linked to the Jewish culture of the past and the present. We will dive deeper into the history of the Jewish community of Amsterdam and you will hear about Ann Frank, one of the most famous Jewish victims of the war, who lived in Amsterdam during this time of worldwide conflict. The tour will end at the Museum of Jewish History, so that those who wish can continue the day by visiting it (independently).
The guided tours offered by Accessible Travel Netherlands can be customized according to your needs. It is therefore possible to agree on different routes and on different times. Your guide will accompany you through the city, choosing a route that is also accessible to wheelchair users. The places that will be visited during the tour have an accessible entrance. All the stages included in the route have been personally selected by the Accessible Travel Netherlands team.
Highlights
- Amsterdam during the Second World War
- Jewish history of Amsterdam
- Dutch Resistance
- Anne Frank’s history
Accessibility info
- Flat terrain
- Cobblestones: from smooth to bumpy
- Accessible bridges
- Use of sidewalk ramps
- Accessible toilet
- Involve walking/rolling between the site
Included
- Private tour with a professional guide
- Tour adjustable to your wishes
- Duration: 3 hours circa
- Start: in the center of Amsterdam
- Participants: max 15 per guide
Not included:
- Food/drinks
- Transfer
Discover the tour
Jewish Historical Museum
Your Second World War tour begins at the Jewish Historical Museum, where your private guide will meet you. Housed in four monumental synagogues near Waterlooplein, the museum’s extensive collection includes artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits that tell the story of Jewish life in the Netherlands before, during, and after the Second World War. You’ll learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Dutch Jewish community and the tragic impact of the Holocaust. The museum also features a poignant memorial dedicated to the 104,000 Dutch Jews who perished during the war, providing a space for reflection and remembrance.
Auschwitz Monument
Your tour continues with a visit to the Auschwitz Monument in Wertheim Park. This striking memorial, created by Dutch artist Jan Wolkers, consists of broken mirrors symbolizing that the sky will never be whole again after the atrocities of the Holocaust. As you stand before this powerful piece of art, your guide will share stories of the Dutch resistance, the persecution of Jews, and the significance of this memorial in honoring the victims of Auschwitz and other concentration camps. This site offers a sobering reminder of the past and the importance of remembering those who suffered.
Dutch Resistance Museum
The Dutch Resistance Museum is another key stop on your tour. Here, you’ll delve into the stories of those who bravely opposed Nazi occupation. The museum’s exhibits include personal accounts, artifacts, and multimedia presentations that illustrate the various forms of resistance, from underground newspapers to sabotage and espionage. You’ll gain insight into the courage and determination of the Dutch resistance fighters, as well as the difficult choices they faced. The museum provides a comprehensive look at the complexities of life under occupation and the efforts to fight back against oppression.
Hollandsche Schouwburg
Your tour will also take you to the Hollandsche Schouwburg, once a vibrant theatre and later a deportation center for Jews during the war. Today, it stands as a memorial and museum dedicated to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust. The building’s history is preserved through poignant exhibits and a memorial wall inscribed with the names of thousands of Jews who were deported from the Netherlands. Your visit here will provide a stark reminder of the war’s impact on the Jewish community and the importance of preserving their memory.
National Holocaust Memorial
To conclude your tour, you’ll visit the National Holocaust Memorial, also known as the Spiegelmonument, located in the heart of Amsterdam. This moving memorial, designed by Daniel Libeskind, honors the memory of the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust, including the 104,000 Dutch Jews. The monument’s mirrored walls reflect the names of the victims, creating a space for contemplation and remembrance. Your guide will share the stories behind the memorial, offering a final, powerful reflection on the significance of remembering and learning from this dark chapter in history.