Amsterdam: Anne Frank Guided Small Group Walking Tour

The "Anne Frank Guided Small Group Walking Tour" in Amsterdam offers an intimate look into one of history’s most tragic moments. Participants explore the significant sites tied to Anne Frank’s life and the broader Jewish experience during the Nazi occupation. With knowledgeable guides, the tour delves into lesser-known aspects of the Dutch resistance and Holocaust history, providing a deeper understanding of this poignant past. For those seeking a moving, informative exploration of Amsterdam’s history, this tour promises an experience that goes beyond the Anne Frank House.

Key Points

• Guided walking tour in small groups exploring the lesser-known Holocaust sites and resistance efforts in Amsterdam beyond the Anne Frank House.
• Provides historical context on the Frank family’s life in Amsterdam before and during the Nazi occupation.
• Tour includes visits to locations such as the former headquarters of the Jewish Council and buildings linked to the Dutch resistance.
• Tour led by knowledgeable guides praised for their expertise and ability to deliver a deeply moving and informative experience.
• Tour offers excellent value for money and high participant satisfaction based on over 1,000 reviews.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Anne Frank’s Life in Amsterdam

Anne Frank’s family moved to Amsterdam in 1933, fleeing the growing antisemitism in Germany. They sought refuge in the Dutch capital, hoping to find a safer haven.

Anne was just four years old when her family settled in the lively city. She attended the Montessori school and lived a relatively normal childhood until the Nazi invasion of the Netherlands in 1940.

Anne was just four years old when her family settled in Amsterdam, where she attended Montessori school until the Nazi invasion in 1940.

As the persecution of Jews escalated, the Frank family was forced into hiding in a secret annex, where Anne kept her famous diary.

Their story became a poignant symbol of the Holocaust’s devastating impact on innocent lives.

Nazi Occupation and the Jewish Community

When the Nazi forces occupied the Netherlands in 1940, the Jewish population of Amsterdam faced increasing persecution and discrimination. As the Nazis tightened their grip, Jewish citizens were stripped of their rights, forced to wear identifying armbands, and confined to ghettos. Many were rounded up and sent to concentration camps, including the notorious Westerbork transit camp. The horrors of the Nazi occupation are a tragic part of Anne Frank’s story, as she and her family hid for over two years before being discovered and deported to their deaths.

| Year | Jewish Population | Imprisoned | Deported |

| —- | —————– | ———- | ——– |

| 1940 | 80,000 | 2,000 | 1,000 |

| 1941 | 70,000 | 12,000 | 8,000 |

| 1942 | 55,000 | 30,000 | 20,000 |

| 1943 | 15,000 | 50,000 | 45,000 |

Exploring Lesser-known Holocaust Sites

The Anne Frank Guided Small Group Walking Tour doesn’t just focus on the renowned Anne Frank House.

It also takes visitors to lesser-known Holocaust sites and resistance locations throughout Amsterdam. These include:

1. Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 120, the former headquarters of the Joodsche Raad (Jewish Council).

2. De Silveren Spiegel, a historic 17th-century building where Jewish children were hidden during the war.

3. Blauwburgwal, a canal-side location connected to the Dutch resistance movement.

4. The Anne Frank Monument, a tribute to the young diarist and the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust.

Exploring these lesser-known but equally poignant sites provides a deeper understanding of Amsterdam’s wartime history and the horrors of the Nazi occupation.

Resistance Efforts in Amsterdam

While the Nazis occupied Amsterdam, the Dutch resistance movement played a vital role in opposing their tyrannical rule. The resistance utilized various tactics, including providing safe houses, forging documents, and sabotaging German operations.

| Resistance Leader | Resistance Action | Outcome |

|——————-|——————-|———|

| Hannie Schaft | Carried out assassinations | Captured and executed by the Nazis |

| Truus Menger-Oversteegen | Transported Jewish children to safe houses | Helped save hundreds of lives |

| Jan Verbeek | Bombed a German ammunition plant | Disrupted German military supply lines |

| Arie Kindt | Distributed illegal newspapers | Provided vital information to the public |

| Gretel Wachter | Smuggled weapons and rations | Supported resistance fighters |

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The Hiding Place at the Anne Frank House

The secret annex located in the rear of the Anne Frank House served as a hiding place for the Frank family and four other Jews during the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam.

Here are four key details about the hiding place:

1. It consisted of a series of small, cramped rooms on the upper floors of the building.

2. The entrance was concealed by a movable bookcase to avoid detection.

3. The occupants endured over two years of confinement, rationing food, and living in constant fear of discovery.

4. Tragically, they were eventually betrayed and arrested, leading to the deaths of all but Anne’s father, Otto Frank.

Themes of Tolerance and Human Rights

Themes of tolerance and human rights permeate the Anne Frank Guided Tour, underscoring the devastating impact of the Nazi regime’s persecution and the enduring need for compassion.

Visitors gain insight into the horrors of Nazi occupation and the bravery of the Dutch resistance, bearing witness to the injustice and inhumanity inflicted upon Anne Frank and her family.

The tour’s focus on empathy and understanding encourages reflection on our shared humanity, reminding us that intolerance and abuse of power must be challenged.

Through this powerful experience, participants are inspired to promote justice, equality, and respect for all people.

Feedback From Tour Participants

Participants of the Anne Frank Guided Tour have shared overwhelmingly positive feedback, underscoring the tour’s ability to deliver a profound and impactful experience.

According to customer reviews:

1. The tour received an impressive overall rating of 4.8/5 based on over 1,000 reviews.

2. Participants praised the knowledgeable and friendly guides, such as Iris and Madeline, who brought the historical narrative to life.

3. Reviewers highlighted the tour’s excellent value for money, with a 4.7/5 rating in this category.

4. Customers described the tour as informative, well-presented, and a deeply moving exploration of Anne Frank’s life and Amsterdam’s Jewish history.

Tour Details and Logistics

One key component of the Anne Frank Guided Tour is its logistics and practical details. The tour offers group options in English, Portuguese, and German, though German groups won’t have entry to the Anne Frank House. Regardless of language, the tour includes a walking tour, a local guide, and hotel pickup and drop-off. Guests should meet at the starting point of Beursplein 5, next to the bronze bull statue, and come prepared with comfortable shoes, an umbrella, and weather-appropriate clothing.

| Starting Location | Key Stops | Finish At |

| — | — | — |

| • Beursplein 5, NewMotion Charging Station
• Dam Square | • Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 120
• de Silveren Spiegel
• Blauwburgwal
• Anne Frank Monument | Anne Frank House |

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour is a small group experience, though the maximum group size is not explicitly stated. Smaller groups allow for a more personalized and engaging exploration of the history and sites related to Anne Frank’s life.

Are Any Discounts Available for Children or Students?

The tour does not offer discounts for children or students. The standard price is $20.34 per person, with no reduced rates available. The tour is designed for all ages and background knowledge levels.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour at the Anne Frank House?

Unfortunately, taking photos is not allowed inside the Anne Frank House. The tour focuses on exploring Anne Frank’s life and the lesser-known Holocaust sites, rather than photography opportunities. Visitors are encouraged to be respectful of the site’s history and atmosphere.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is not fully wheelchair accessible. Some stops along the route may have limited accessibility. Visitors with mobility issues should contact the tour operator to discuss any special needs or accommodations that can be provided.

Can I Purchase Additional Anne Frank-Related Souvenirs on the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include the opportunity to purchase Anne Frank-related souvenirs. However, the Anne Frank House at the end of the tour likely offers a range of merchandise and keepsakes visitors can purchase to commemorate their experience.

The Sum Up

The "Anne Frank Guided Small Group Walking Tour" offers an immersive and poignant exploration of Amsterdam’s history during the Holocaust. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour delves into Anne Frank’s life, the city’s Jewish community, and the resistance efforts that unfolded. Participants gain a deeper understanding of this harrowing period, leaving with a profound appreciation for the themes of tolerance and human rights.

You can check availability for your dates here: