Amsterdam: Cycling along the World War Two spots

If you’re visiting Amsterdam and want a meaningful way to understand the city’s darkest and most impactful moments during WWII, this cycling tour offers an insightful journey through history. It’s a three-hour ride led by passionate retired historians, taking you past vital WWII sites, from the house where Anne Frank once lived to the locations of resistance activities and Nazi occupation headquarters. The tour’s focus on authentic locations and expert commentary makes it a compelling choice for history buffs and curious travelers alike.

What we particularly appreciate about this experience is how it combines active exploration with deep storytelling, making the history come alive in a very personal way. You’ll get a detailed look at Amsterdam’s wartime past without feeling overwhelmed by dry facts. One potential consideration is that the tour involves cycling, so it’s best suited for those comfortable on a bike and with moderate physical activity. It’s perfect for travelers eager to understand the city’s WWII history beyond the museums, especially those who enjoy an interactive, outdoor experience.

This tour is ideal for visitors who want to combine sightseeing with storytelling, especially if they’re interested in the wartime experiences of the Jewish community, resistance fighters, and the occupation forces. It’s a small-group experience, meaning you’ll get personalized attention and the chance to ask plenty of questions. If you’re keen to see the city from a local’s perspective while learning about its past, this tour is a strong pick.

Key Points

• Educational and engaging storytelling from passionate retired historians
• Active outdoor experience cycling past significant WWII sites
• Authentic locations like Anne Frank’s house and Gestapo headquarters
• Small group size ensures a personal, immersive experience
• Includes bike rental, making logistics easier
• Focus on Dutch resistance, Nazi occupation, and Jewish history

Starting Point and Logistics

The adventure kicks off at Leidseplein, a lively hub in central Amsterdam, right next to the Apple Store. Here, you’ll meet your guide and, before hopping on the bikes, visit a bike rental shop to arrange your rental — a practical way to keep things simple. The tour lasts around 3 hours and concludes back at the starting point, making it a manageable addition to your day.

The tour is priced at $45 per person, which, considering it includes an expert guide, bike rental, and a carefully curated route, offers good value. The availability of different start times means you can choose a slot that fits your plans—just check in advance. The group size is limited to one participant per booking, ensuring a more personalized experience, especially valuable when discussing sensitive topics like WWII history.

What You’ll See and Experience

The route covers a wide swath of WWII-related sites, each with its own story:

Victorieplein and the June 20, 1943 Raid

Your journey begins at Victorieplein, where you learn about a major raid that took place in 1943. This event was a turning point for the local Jewish community and marks the beginning of many tragic episodes in Amsterdam’s WWII history. The guide will paint a vivid picture of what life was like during the occupation, bringing to life the tension and fear of those times.

Anne Frank’s House at Merwedeplein 37-II

No visit to Amsterdam’s WWII history would be complete without passing by the house where Anne Frank lived with her family, just before going into hiding. While you won’t enter, the tour offers insights into the Frank family’s life, the risks they faced, and the broader context of Jewish life under Nazi rule. The guide’s storytelling here adds depth beyond what you might read in a typical guidebook.

Waalstraat 48 and Lex van Weren

The tour stops at Waalstraat 48, notably where Lex van Weren survived Auschwitz. This personal story adds a human element to the tour, emphasizing resilience and survival amid unbelievable hardship. The guide will recount Lex’s story, offering a powerful reminder of individual courage.

C. Troostplein and Nazi High Command

At C. Troostplein, you’ll learn about Gestapo Rauter, who met with Heinrich Himmler at this location. This spot marks the heart of Nazi control in Amsterdam, and understanding the high-level meetings that shaped local policies helps contextualize the occupation’s brutality.

The Transformation of Museumplein

During WWII, Museumplein was turned into a German stronghold, a stark contrast to its current status as a cultural hub. The tour highlights how the Germans transformed this open space into a strategic military point, giving you a visual sense of how occupation affected even Amsterdam’s public spaces.

Resistance and Resistance Safe Houses

You’ll also pass by secret safe houses used by resistance fighters and locations where raids, executions, and battles took place. The guides, with their expert knowledge, will fill in the stories of these clandestine efforts, giving you a clearer picture of the bravery and desperation of the resistance movement.

The Gestapo Headquarters

A significant site is the former Gestapo headquarters, which was targeted in 1944 by Allied air attacks. While much has changed, the remnants and stories of what happened there remain powerful reminders of the occupation’s dark days.

The Guides: Knowledge and Passion

The tour is led by three retired historians whose passion for the topic is evident. One reviewer specifically mentioned how knowledgeable and friendly the guides are, with one describing the guide as “a very interesting and nice man.” Their background ensures accurate, engaging storytelling, making complex history accessible and emotionally resonant.

Practical Tips

• Bike rental: We loved that the tour visits a rental shop, simplifying logistics. Just remember this is included in the price, so no hidden costs.
• Comfort: Amsterdam’s cobblestone streets and the possibility of weather changes mean dress comfortably and bring a rain jacket if needed.
• Physical readiness: If you’re comfortable cycling for three hours, this tour is a perfect fit. It’s not overly strenuous but requires a moderate level of physical activity.
• Timing: The tour’s start times vary, so plan to arrive a few minutes early to meet your guides and get ready.

Authenticity and Emotional Impact

From the moment you start, the guides’ storytelling pulls you into the past, making you feel connected to the stories of resistance fighters, victims, and survivors. It’s a sobering experience, but also one that highlights resilience and the importance of remembering history.

Price and Value

At $45, this tour offers great value considering the expert guidance, curated route, and inclusion of bike rental. Compared to museum tickets or private tours, it provides a comprehensive, outdoor, and engaging way to explore WWII history in Amsterdam.

This cycling tour suits those with a genuine interest in history, WWII, and the Jewish experience during the occupation. It’s perfect for active travelers comfortable on bikes who want an immersive experience rather than just a walk-through of historical sites. If you’re traveling with family or friends who appreciate storytelling and authentic locations, this tour offers meaningful insights in a friendly, small-group setting.

It’s also ideal for those seeking a balanced mix of education and outdoor activity. Since the guides are passionate and knowledgeable, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how WWII shaped Amsterdam and its citizens — a perspective often missing from standard museum visits.

This WWII cycling tour in Amsterdam provides an engaging, meaningful way to explore the city’s past, combining historical facts with personal stories that resonate. The knowledgeable guides make complex and often painful history accessible, helping visitors connect with the stories of resistance, survival, and occupation. The route’s focus on authentic sites like Anne Frank’s former residence and the Gestapo headquarters offers a tangible sense of what life was like during those dark years.

The inclusion of bike rental and small group size makes it a practical and intimate experience, ideal for travelers who prefer active, outdoor excursions with educational value. While it may not be suitable for those who dislike cycling or have mobility issues, for most others, it offers a respectful, eye-opening journey through history that’s difficult to match in a traditional museum setting.

If you’re keen to understand Amsterdam’s WWII story beyond the surface, this tour delivers on both depth and authenticity, making it a memorable part of any trip to the Dutch capital.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
The tour involves cycling for about three hours, so it’s best for those who are comfortable on a bike and can sustain moderate activity.

Are bikes provided, or do I need my own?
Bikes are included in the tour price. You’ll visit the rental shop beforehand to arrange your bike, making the process straightforward.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Is the tour appropriate for children?
While the description doesn’t specify age restrictions, children comfortable on bikes will likely enjoy the outdoor experience. It’s best to check with the provider if you have young kids.

What language are the guides speaking?
All tours are conducted in English, making it accessible to most international travelers.

How many people are in each group?
The experience is limited to one participant per booking, ensuring a small, personalized group.

Where does the tour end?
The tour finishes back at Leidseplein, where it started, making it easy to continue exploring or heading back to your accommodation.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothing, a rain jacket if needed, and a sense of curiosity. The tour provides bikes and helmets.

Is this tour educational or emotional?
Both. It offers factual storytelling with emotional insights into the experiences of resistance fighters and victims, creating a powerful and respectful experience.