Amsterdam in World War Two Cycle Tour

Exploring Amsterdam’s WWII Past on a Bicycle

When it comes to understanding a city’s history, nothing beats cycling through its streets and hearing stories from passionate guides who bring the past to life. The Amsterdam in World War Two Cycle Tour offers just that—a two- to three-hour journey through some of the most significant WWII sites in the Dutch capital, led by three retired historians with a true love for this period. With a focus on authentic stories, vivid visuals, and historical context, this tour promises a compelling experience for history buffs and curious travelers alike.

What we especially like about this tour is its combination of storytelling and physical activity—riding through neighborhoods that saw resistance, collaboration, and tragedy, all while being guided by guides with deep local knowledge. One possible challenge might be the pace; given the detailed stops and stories, it’s best suited for those comfortable with cycling and eager to learn. This tour appeals most to visitors who want an immersive, insightful perspective on Amsterdam’s WWII history beyond the typical museums and sightseeing.

Key Points

• Authentic storytelling from three passionate retired historians
• Focus on lesser-known sites along with familiar landmarks
• Visually engaging: old photos juxtaposed with today’s scenes
• Accessible and well-paced for most cyclists, about 2.5 to 3 hours long
• Insight into resistance, occupation, and collaboration through detailed stories
• Limited group size (max 6) for a personalized experience

A Deep Dive into the Itinerary

This cycling tour begins at Victorieplein, a historically significant square that was once called Daniël Willinkplein. Here, the guide shares the chilling story of the Judenaktion raid on June 20, 1943, when large groups of Jewish residents were arrested. What makes this stop compelling is the way guides juxtapose historic photographs with the current scene, allowing us to visualize the scale of these dark events. The arrest of Jews at Olympiaplein, and their subsequent transportation to Westerbork, is a stark reminder of the brutal logistics of occupation.

Next, the tour takes you to Merwedeplein 37-II, the former home of Anne Frank’s family. You’ll learn about Otto Frank’s decision to hide his family in the Secret Annex on Prinsengracht, and the nearby bookstore where the first edition of Anne’s diary was sold. This spot isn’t just about the past—it’s about the human stories behind one of the most famous accounts of WWII. The guides enrich this section with insights about Otto Frank’s connection to the area and the significance of Anne’s diary in shaping public memory.

Moving through the neighborhood, the tour visits Waalstraat 48, once a lively bar where survivor Lex van Weren played his trumpet at executions—an emotional reminder of life amid danger. The guides often share personal anecdotes, making these stories resonate more deeply.

The next few stops focus on Nazi military presence and resistance activities. At Cornelis Troostplein 23, you’ll see the PBA barracks, and learn about the conversion of a peaceful Catholic complex into a hub of oppression. The guide explains how high-ranking Nazi officials like Rauter and Himmler visited these sites, giving context to the strategic importance of Amsterdam during the occupation.

One of the tour’s focal points is Museumplein, which was transformed into a fortress, with German offices and bunkers. You’ll see where the Central Jewish Emigration Office once operated, and how the Germans fortified the square with bunkers and anti-aircraft batteries. Post-war, these bunkers were destroyed, but the history remains etched into the landscape.

A quick stop at Roelof Hartplein offers a chance for a brief break at Cafe Wildschut, with a chance to reflect on what has been seen so far. Nearby, the resistance used a local photo shop—fascinating for anyone interested in resistance photography—highlighting how locals secretly documented these events.

Further along, the tour points out a monument commemorating Jews from the neighborhood, and visits Beethovenstraat, where resistance leader Gerrit van der Veen was executed, sparking retaliation that led to burning houses and more executions. This stop emphasizes the brutal cycle of repression and resistance.

The route continues through the Memlingstraat and Rubensstraat, where offices linked to Nazi oppression sat—specifically the SD headquarters and the Jewish possessions office. These sites are poignant reminders of the systematic efforts to deport and seize property from Jews, and the targeted resistance efforts to destroy files and documents in November 1944.

Next up is Olympiaplein and Parnassusweg, where Jewish residents were registered during the initial raid, and where the resistance made efforts to attack Nazi offices. The stories of these clandestine operations underline the ongoing fight against occupation.

The tour moves on to Valeriusplein, formerly the Luftwaffe headquarters, and concludes near Queen Emma’s statue, a symbol of Dutch resistance, which was decorated with flowers during the early days of occupation. The final stop recounts the tense moments at the end of the war, with a monument to victims of shootings on the last day of German surrender in May 1945.

The route wraps up in Vondelpark, leading you back to Leidseplein, where you started. Throughout the ride, guides like Rudy and Peter are praised for their extensive knowledge, sharing personal stories and answering questions that deepen understanding of Amsterdam’s wartime history.

The Experience: What You Can Expect

The cycling pace is designed to balance sightseeing with storytelling—expect to cycle at a steady, comfortable speed, stopping frequently at points of interest. The ride is suitable for most cyclists, but comfort with biking in city traffic and over a few easier hills is advisable. The group size is limited to six people, which creates an intimate setting for questions and personalized stories.

The stops are well spaced, with most lasting about 10-15 minutes, including short breaks at cafes or monuments. The commentary is delivered by guides who are not only historians but also storytellers, making history accessible and engaging. The use of old photos alongside current sites adds a powerful visual element, helping to bring the past into focus against the modern cityscape.

The value for the price ($63.67 per person) is high, given the depth of knowledge, the quality of storytelling, and the hands-on experience of cycling through historic neighborhoods. The tour’s emphasis on lesser-known sites and resistance activities offers a layer of authenticity not often found in more conventional war-related tours.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

One reviewer describes the guides as “excellent and extremely knowledgeable,” noting that they did a “wonderful presentation” that made the stories come alive. Others highlight how the personal stories—like Lex van Weren’s trumpet playing at executions—add emotional weight to the experience. Several reviews mention the visual impact of the old photos and the importance of exploring quieter neighborhoods outside the usual tourist spots, which adds an extra dimension to understanding the city’s wartime history.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for travelers who crave more than surface-level sightseeing. History enthusiasts, especially those fascinated by WWII, will find this ride invaluable. It’s also well-suited if you prefer a small, personalized group and enjoy storytelling that combines visual elements, personal anecdotes, and tangible sites. If you’re comfortable cycling for a few hours and curious about Amsterdam’s wartime experiences, this tour will resonate deeply.

It’s less ideal for those who prefer indoor museums or have limited cycling endurance, but for most, it offers a compelling blend of activity and education.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you want a meaningful, immersive experience that combines cycling with storytelling, this tour is an excellent choice. The guides’ passion and depth of knowledge shine through, making complex historical topics accessible and engaging. You’ll get a unique perspective on Amsterdam’s WWII history, visiting sites that are often overlooked while learning about resistance, collaboration, and the city’s resilience.

The intimate group size ensures personalized attention and lively discussions. It’s a perfect fit for history buffs, curious travelers, or anyone interested in understanding the human stories behind the wartime landscape of Amsterdam.

While it requires a bit of cycling comfort, the overall value and insights gained make this tour a memorable addition to any WWII history itinerary in the city. For those eager to see Amsterdam through a different lens—one of courage, resistance, and change—this cycle tour provides a captivating, authentic journey.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
It’s best suited for travelers comfortable with biking for around 2.5 to 3 hours. Kids and teenagers who can handle cycling and are interested in history will enjoy it too, but check with the provider if you have younger children.

Do I need my own bike?
No, you don’t need to bring your own bike. The tour provides a bike for each participant, making it convenient and hassle-free.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is six travelers, which allows for a personalized experience and plenty of interaction with guides.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts roughly 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes. It’s well-paced, with stops to discuss each site in detail.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, since it’s an outdoor cycling tour, it’s best to check the weather forecast beforehand. The tour can be rescheduled or canceled with a full refund if weather conditions are severe.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexibility for unexpected changes.

This well-rounded tour provides a fascinating look at Amsterdam’s WWII history through the lens of those who lived it. With passionate guides, engaging stories, and historic sites, it promises a meaningful experience for anyone interested in the city’s wartime past.