Amsterdam: Cycling Along the World War Two Spots

Amsterdam offers a poignant cycling tour that takes riders through the city’s World War II sites, illuminating the Jewish Dutch experience during the German occupation. Visitors can explore locations like the former home of the Frank family and the haunting Victorieplein, where over 600 Jewish citizens were arrested. This tour provides a stark reminder of the brutality faced by countless families, leaving a lasting impression on those eager to uncover this chapter of Amsterdam’s history.

Key Points

• A cycling tour explores the Jewish Dutch experience during German occupation, highlighting key locations like the former homes of the Frank family and Lex van Weren.
• The Victorieplein raid, where over 600 Jewish citizens were arrested and deported, serves as a somber reminder of Nazi brutality in Amsterdam.
• The residence of the Frank family at Merwedeplein 37-II offers insight into the immense suffering of Dutch Jews during the occupation.
• Waalstraat 48, the former residence of Auschwitz survivor Lex van Weren, demonstrates the resilience and dedication to Holocaust memory in the community.
• Museumplein’s transformation into a Gestapo stronghold symbolized the German oppression experienced by Amsterdam’s residents during the occupation.

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Exploring the Jewish Dutch Experience

As the cycling tour explores the Jewish Dutch experience during the German occupation, it takes participants to key locations that serve as poignant reminders of the hardships faced by the community.

The tour visits Merwedeplein 37-II, the former home of the Frank family, whose story of hiding and eventual deportation to concentration camps has become a symbol of the tragedy.

Nearby, the Waalstraat 48 residence of Lex van Waren, an Auschwitz survivor, provides further insight into the resilience and suffering of Amsterdam’s Jewish population under Nazi rule.

The Victorieplein Raid

One of the key stops on the cycling tour is the Victorieplein, the site of a major raid conducted by the German occupiers on June 20, 1943.

On that fateful day, the Nazis rounded up over 600 Jewish citizens, deporting them to concentration camps. This brutal event shattered the lives of countless families and revealed the harsh realities of the German occupation.

The Victorieplein serves as a somber reminder of the sacrifices and struggles endured by the Jewish Dutch community during World War II.

Key facts about the Victorieplein raid:

• Over 600 Jewish citizens arrested

• Raid conducted by the German occupiers

• Victims deported to concentration camps

• Devastating blow to the local Jewish community

• Stark reminder of the brutality of the Nazi occupation

The Frank Family’s Residence

Though lesser known than the Victorieplein raid, the Frank family’s former residence on Merwedeplein 37-II holds immense historical significance.

This modest apartment was the home of Anne Frank, her parents, and sister. The Franks hid from the Nazis in the neighboring building’s secret annex for two years before being discovered and deported to concentration camps.

Only Anne’s father, Otto Frank, survived.

Today, the Frank family’s residence serves as a poignant reminder of the immense suffering experienced by Dutch Jews during the German occupation.

The site offers a somber, yet important, glimpse into their lives before the tragedy that befell them.

Lex Van Weren’s Legacy

Lex van Weren’s residence at Waalstraat 48 stands as a poignant symbol of resilience and courage. An Auschwitz survivor, van Weren dedicated his life to preserving the memory of the Holocaust.

His home served as a meeting place for the Dutch resistance, aiding those fleeing the Nazis.

Lex van Weren’s home was a refuge for the Dutch resistance, sheltering those escaping the Nazis during the occupation.

Van Weren’s legacy includes:

• Establishing the Anne Frank Foundation to honor the young diarist

• Advocating for Holocaust education and remembrance

• Providing safe haven for Jews and resistance fighters during the occupation

• Chronicling his experiences in Auschwitz to ensure the horrors weren’t forgotten

His unwavering spirit continues to inspire all who learn of his story.

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The Gestapo’s Stronghold

During the German occupation, the Museumplein in Amsterdam was transformed into a stronghold for the Gestapo, the Nazi secret police.

This central square became the headquarters for the German army and civil services. It was here that Gestapo leader Hanns Albin Rauter met with Heinrich Himmler, the head of the SS, in 1941.

The Museumplein was a hub of Nazi activity, with the square and surrounding buildings serving as a base for their operations.

This once-vibrant public space had become a symbol of the German oppression that had taken hold of the city.

Museumplein’s Transformation

Once a vibrant public square, the Museumplein in Amsterdam underwent a dramatic transformation during the German occupation.

The expansive green space was commandeered by the German army and civil services:

• Converted into a German stronghold and headquarters

• Heavily fortified with barbed wire, checkpoints, and barricades

• Transformed into a military logistics hub, with trucks and transports constantly moving in and out

• Visited by high-ranking Nazi officials, including Himmler, who inspected the area in 1941

These changes marked a dark chapter in the square’s history, as it became a symbol of the Nazi presence and control over the city.

Resistance Strongholds

Though the Museumplein had been commandeered by the German forces, it also became a hub for resistance efforts during the occupation. Nearby buildings and homes served as safe houses, where rebels planned clandestine operations and sheltered those fleeing persecution. These sites of resistance were often the targets of raids and executions by the Gestapo.

| Site | Activity | Fate |

| — | — | — |

| Waalstraat 48 | Lex van Weren’s residence, Auschwitz survivor | Site of resistance meetings |

| Merwedeplein 37-II | Home of the Frank family | Raided by the Gestapo |

| C. Troostplein | Meeting place of Gestapo Rauter and Heinrich Himmler | Execution site for resistance fighters |

Monuments and Memorials

Across Amsterdam, a series of monuments and memorials stand as poignant reminders of the city’s tumultuous past during the German occupation.

These memorials honor the lives lost and the resilience of the Dutch people in the face of adversity.

Some notable sites include:

• The monument on Victorieplein, commemorating the 1943 raid that resulted in the deportation of hundreds of Jews.

• The home of the Frank family on Merwedeplein 37-II, where Anne Frank and her family hid before being discovered.

• The residence of Lex van Weren, an Auschwitz survivor, on Waalstraat 48.

• The C. Troostplein, where the Gestapo’s Rauter and Himmler once met.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is not wheelchair accessible, as it involves cycling around Amsterdam and navigating uneven terrain. The description does not mention any provisions for participants with mobility challenges.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

There are no age restrictions for this cycling tour. The tour is open to participants of all ages, though young children may require a parent or guardian to accompany them during the 3-hour activity.

Can I Bring a Personal Bicycle Instead of Renting One?

Participants can use their own bicycles instead of renting one for the tour. The tour provider encourages using personal bikes to enhance the cycling experience, as long as they’re in good working condition.

Do We Stop for Breaks During the 3-Hour Tour?

Yes, the cycling tour includes scheduled breaks throughout the 3-hour duration. The guide ensures participants have opportunities to rest, take in the historical sites, and ask questions during the informative journey through Amsterdam’s World War II landmarks.

Is Photography Allowed at All the Historical Sites?

Photography is generally allowed at the historical sites visited during the tour. However, guests should be mindful of any restricted areas and follow the tour guide’s instructions to ensure an enjoyable and respectful experience.

The Sum Up

The cycling tour offers a poignant exploration of Amsterdam’s World War II history, illuminating the resilience and suffering of the city’s Jewish community. From the haunting Victorieplein to the Frank family’s former home, the tour serves as a stark reminder of the brutality faced by countless families during the German occupation. Through memorials and resistance strongholds, the tour honors the enduring spirit of the Dutch people in the face of immense adversity.

You can check availability for your dates here: