Amsterdam in World War Two Cycle Tour

Amsterdam in World War Two Cycle Tour: A Deep Dive into History by Bike

If you’re looking for a way to blend active sightseeing with storytelling, this Amsterdam in World War Two Cycle Tour offers an engaging journey into the city’s wartime past. For just over $63 per person, you’ll spend roughly 2.5 to 3 hours riding through neighborhoods that echo with stories of occupation, resistance, and survival. Led by three retired historians passionate about WWII history, it’s a tour that combines physical activity with profound insights.

We love the way this tour doesn’t shy away from the darker chapters of history, instead weaving personal stories with striking visuals—old photographs paired with the present-day streets. It’s a rare chance to see Amsterdam through a different lens, especially outside the crowded city center. Plus, the small group size—limited to six participants—ensures a personalized experience.

A possible consideration is that this bike tour is quite detailed and might not be suitable for travelers looking for a quick overview or those with limited cycling experience. You’ll need to bring your own bike or rent one, but the tour’s focus on authentic stories makes it well worth the effort.

This experience suits history buffs, WWII enthusiasts, and travelers who appreciate a deeper understanding of Amsterdam’s wartime stories beyond typical tourist spots. If you’re curious about the city’s role during the German occupation, this tour offers a compelling, authentic perspective.

Key Points

• In-depth storytelling: Led by passionate retired historians who bring the past alive with vivid narratives.
• Authentic sites: Visits to key wartime locations, including Anne Frank’s home, German bunkers, and resistance sites.
• Photographic insights: Comparison of old wartime photos with today’s views adds a visual dimension to history.
• Small group intimacy: Limited to six travelers, ensuring personalized attention and lively discussions.
• Balanced experience: Combines cycling, history, and local insights for an engaging, active tour.
• Value for price: At around $63, it offers an immersive, authentic experience that goes beyond the typical sightseeing.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

This bike tour begins at Victorieplein, a central spot that was once called Daniël Willinkplein, setting a historic tone right from the start. The first stop takes you to the site of the infamous June 20, 1943, Jewish roundup, where large groups of Jewish citizens were arrested during a brutal raid known as a Judenaktion. Standing here, you’ll learn how Nazi authorities collaborated with Dutch police units and volunteers from the NSB to deport Jews to Westerbork, a process leaving deep scars in the city’s fabric.

From there, your guides—three retired historians—bring the past to life with stories and photographs. At Merwedeplein 37-II, you’ll see the actual residence of the Frank family, where Otto Frank and his daughters hid in the Secret Annex. The nearby statue commemorates Anne Frank, adding a poignant emotional layer that many visitors find especially moving. We loved the way the guides connect the stories to the very streets you’re biking past, making history tangible.

Next, the tour takes you to Waalstraat 48, once home to the Tilex Bar, where one of the survivors, Lex van Weren, lived. His story of surviving Auschwitz because he played his trumpet at executions is a stark reminder of resilience amid horror. It’s these personal details that make the stories stick with you.

The tour continues to Cornelis Troostplein 23, where the PBA barracks stood, and then to Museumplein, which was transformed into a German military stronghold during the occupation. Here, Nazi offices, including the Zentralstelle für Jüdische Auswanderung (Central Jewish Emigration Office), once operated out of buildings now serving other purposes. The bunkers and anti-aircraft batteries built by the Germans are gone—blown up after the war—but their remains are remembered in stories and photographs.

A highlight is Roelof Hartplein, where a makeshift resistance photo shop operated during the war, developing secret images of the Jewish roundup. The tour stops here allow for a brief coffee break at Café Wildschut, giving you a moment to absorb the surroundings and reflect.

Among the most powerful stops is the corner of Beethovenstraat and Apollolaan, where resistance fighter Herbert Oelschlägel was executed by the Gestapo. The tour highlights the brutal cycle of retaliation and resistance, including the burning of houses in response to resistance actions. The guides also discuss Gerrit van der Veen, a key resistance leader, and reveal the hidden stories behind the Nazi offices at Memlingstraat and Rubensstraat.

As you cycle past Olympiaplein, you’ll see the site where Jewish people were registered during the June 1943 raid. The journey then takes you to Valeriusplein, where the Luftwaffe headquarters was located at the end of the occupation, and finally to Queen Emma’s statue, a symbol of defiance when flowers were placed there during the 1940 occupation.

The tour concludes with a sobering visit to a monument honoring victims of a shooting on the last day of German surrender in May 1945. The guides tie all the stories together, giving a nuanced view of Amsterdam’s wartime landscape.

We loved the way the guides share stories from their own experiences and extensive knowledge, making history feel personal and alive. The small group size means questions are encouraged, and every detail is discussed thoroughly. The bike ride itself is manageable for most, but you should be comfortable cycling for about three hours, navigating city streets and some uneven surfaces.

The tour’s length and focus on lesser-known sites make it ideal for those seeking a meaningful, immersive experience outside typical tourist routes. It’s particularly engaging for travelers who want to understand how the war shaped the neighborhoods and people of Amsterdam, not just read about it in a history book.

Practical Details

The tour starts at Tesselschadestraat 1 at 11:00 am and lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes. The group is limited to six travelers, ensuring a relaxed, engaging environment. You’ll want your own bike or rent one through the tour provider; the experience is designed around cycling at a comfortable pace.

Costing around $63.67 per person, this tour offers excellent value considering the depth of storytelling, the historical sites visited, and the personal engagement of the guides. The ticket includes a mobile voucher, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexible planning.

If you’re traveling with history in mind, this tour offers a rare mix of storytelling, physical activity, and authentic sites. It’s perfect for those who don’t mind a bit of cycling and want to go beyond the usual sightseeing.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This WWII cycle tour is best suited for travelers with a genuine interest in history, particularly WWII and the German occupation of the Netherlands. If you enjoy stories told by knowledgeable guides who are passionate about their subject, you’ll find this tour exceptionally rewarding. It’s also ideal for those who want an active experience outside the crowded core of Amsterdam, exploring neighborhoods that are quieter but historically significant.

It’s perfect for those who want to see and feel how the war affected local communities and to stand in the places where history unfolded. The small group format makes it a more intimate and personalized experience—perfect if you prefer your history served with a side of conversation and reflection.

FAQ

Do I need my own bike for this tour?
Yes, you should bring your own bike or rent one through the tour provider. The tour is designed to be a cycling experience, making it easier to cover the various stops efficiently.

How long does the tour last?
The tour takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes, depending on group pace and stops.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is six travelers, which helps keep the experience personal and engaging.

Is this tour suitable for children or inexperienced cyclists?
Most travelers can participate, but you should be comfortable cycling for the duration. It’s not specifically geared toward children, but older kids with cycling experience might enjoy it.

What sites will I visit?
You’ll see sites like Anne Frank’s house, the Jewish roundup locations, German bunkers, resistance spots, Nazi offices, and the Queen Emma statue. Each stop is rich with stories and historical context.

What is the price?
The tour costs about $63.67 per person. Considering the storytelling quality and sites visited, it’s a good value for a specialized history experience.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

To sum it up, this Amsterdam in WWII Cycle Tour offers a compelling, intimate look at the city’s wartime history. It combines active sightseeing with expert storytelling, making it ideal for history lovers and curious travelers alike. Small-group size, authentic sites, and passionate guides create a memorable experience that adds depth and perspective to your visit. If you’re willing to cycle a bit and want a story-rich, authentic tour, this one deserves a spot on your Amsterdam itinerary.