Amsterdam: Anna Frank and World War II History Walking Tour

Discover the haunting history of Amsterdam’s Jewish community on this poignant walking tour. Led by an expert guide, you’ll uncover the origins of this vibrant culture, the devastating impact of the Nazi occupation, and the enduring legacy of Anne Frank. Explore key memorials, explore the Frank family’s story, and culminate your journey at the iconic Anne Frank House. This immersive experience offers a profound and moving window into a dark chapter of the city’s past.

Key Points

• Guided walking tour of the ex-Jewish district in Amsterdam, exploring the history and legacy of the Jewish community.
• Visit the memorial monument dedicated to the 120,000 Jewish, Sinti, and Roma victims of the Holocaust.
• Conclude the tour at the entrance of the Anne Frank House, where visitors can use audio guides for deeper exploration.
• Gain insights into Anne Frank’s life and the events leading to her family’s tragic fate during the Nazi occupation.
• Understand the systematic persecution and deportation of Jews from Amsterdam to concentration camps during the Holocaust.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Amsterdam: Anne Frank and World War II History Walking Tour is a 2-hour guided experience that takes visitors through the ex-Jewish district of the city.

Priced from $27.13 per person, the tour is led by an Italian guide and has an overall rating of 4.8/5 based on 78 reviews.

Travelers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve their spot without paying today.

The tour explores Anne Frank’s history, the Jewish community’s origins, and the Nazi occupation, culminating at the Anne Frank House, where an audio guide is provided for the visit.

Highlights of the Tour

Exploring the ex-Jewish district, travelers learn about Anne Frank’s history and her family on this walking tour.

The tour highlights include:

1. Discussing the Jewish community’s origins in Amsterdam since 1600.

2. Discovering the Nazi occupation and the horrors of the Holocaust.

3. Visiting the memorial monument for the 120,000 Jewish, Sinti, and Roma who died during WWII.

4. Concluding at the entrance of the Anne Frank House, where visitors can gain a deeper understanding of this harrowing history through an audio guide.

Meeting Point and Itinerary

Participants meet at the entrance of the HART museum (formerly Hermitage) on the Amstel part, where the tour starts at the statue.

The group explores the ex-Jewish district, learning about the Jewish community’s origins in Amsterdam since 1600.

They’ll visit the memorial monument for the 120,000 Jewish, Sinti, and Roma victims of the Holocaust.

The tour concludes at the entrance of the Anne Frank House, providing an immersive experience in Amsterdam’s WWII history.

Audio guides are available at the Anne Frank House, allowing participants to explore the site independently.

Exploring the Ex-Jewish District

As the tour begins, the guide leads participants through the ex-Jewish district, recounting the long history of the Jewish community in Amsterdam since the 1600s.

The guide shares the origins of the Jewish population, their influence on the city’s culture, and the challenges they faced over the centuries.

The tour highlights:

1. The thriving Jewish community that once occupied this neighborhood.

2. The memorials and landmarks that pay tribute to the victims of the Holocaust.

3. The resilience of the Jewish people in the face of persecution.

4. The enduring spirit of Amsterdam’s diverse cultural heritage.

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Learning About Anne Frank’s History

The tour then turns its focus to the life and legacy of Anne Frank, one of the most renowned victims of the Holocaust.

Participants learn about Anne’s family history and their time in hiding at the secret annex. The guide discusses the events leading to their discovery and the tragic fate that befell them.

Visitors gain insight into Anne’s poignant diary, which has become a symbol of resilience and hope.

Anne Frank’s poignant diary stands as a symbol of resilience and hope, offering insight into her profound story.

The tour concludes at the entrance of the Anne Frank House, where attendees can further explore the history and enjoy this profoundly moving story.

Understanding the Jewish Community’s Origins

Though the Jewish community‘s presence in Amsterdam dates back centuries, their origins can be traced to the late 16th century. The city offered religious tolerance and economic opportunities, attracting many Jews fleeing persecution.

The community grew, establishing synagogues, schools, and businesses. Key events include:

1. 1593: The first Sephardic Jews arrive, escaping the Spanish Inquisition.

2. 1608: The first Ashkenazi Jews settle, escaping pogroms in Eastern Europe.

3. 1639: The Esnoga synagogue is built, the largest in Europe at the time.

4. 1671: The Portuguese Synagogue is constructed, a stunning example of Moorish architecture.

This vibrant Jewish heritage would later be devastated by the Nazi occupation during World War II.

Discussing the Nazi Occupation and the Holocaust

During the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, Amsterdam’s vibrant Jewish community faced devastating persecution.

This dark chapter is explored on the walking tour, which delves into the horrors of the Holocaust. Visitors learn how the Nazis systematically rounded up and deported Amsterdam’s Jews to concentration camps, where most perished.

The tour visits a memorial monument commemorating the 120,000 Jewish, Sinti, and Roma victims. Hearing these tragic stories provides a somber yet powerful insight into the persecution endured by the city’s Jewish population during the war.

A somber yet powerful insight into the persecution endured by Amsterdam’s Jewish, Sinti, and Roma populations during the Nazi occupation.

Understanding this history is a crucial part of the tour’s educational mission.

Visiting the Anne Frank House

As the tour concludes at the entrance of the Anne Frank House, participants have the opportunity to further explore this poignant historical site on their own.

The Anne Frank House offers a profound and moving experience, allowing visitors to:

1. Walk through the secret annex where Anne and her family hid from the Nazis.

2. Learn about the family’s daily life and the difficulties they faced while in hiding.

3. Gain a deeper understanding of Anne’s spirit and resilience through her famous diary.

4. Pay respects at the memorial, honoring the millions who perished during the Holocaust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos Inside the Anne Frank House?

Photography is not allowed inside the Anne Frank House to preserve the historic site and protect the privacy of visitors. Visitors can only take photos outside the building during the walking tour.

How Much Time Should I Allocate for the Anne Frank House Visit?

The Anne Frank House visit typically takes 1-2 hours to explore the historic house and learn about Anne Frank’s life and the Holocaust. Visitors should plan to spend at least an hour there to fully experience the museum.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour provider doesn’t offer any discounts for students or seniors. However, visitors can explore the Anne Frank House on their own using the audio guide provided, which allows for more flexibility in planning their time.

Is the Tour Accessible for People With Mobility Issues?

The tour may not be fully accessible for those with mobility issues, as it involves walking and visiting sites without elevators. However, the operator advises guests to reach out to discuss any special needs or accommodation requests.

Can I Leave and Re-Enter the Tour at Any Point?

The tour does not allow participants to leave and re-enter at any point. It’s a continuous walking tour, so once it starts, attendees are expected to remain with the group until the conclusion.

The Sum Up

The Amsterdam: Anne Frank and World War II History Walking Tour offers a poignant and informative exploration of the city’s Jewish heritage and the devastating impact of the Nazi occupation. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour takes participants through key memorials and culminates at the Anne Frank House, providing a deeper understanding of this tragic history.

You can check availability for your dates here: