World War II in Amsterdam Private Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Beyond the Shadows: Amsterdam’s Untold WWII Stories
Step back into the 1940s on this 2.5-hour private journey through the heart of occupied Amsterdam. Moving beyond basic history, this tour dives into the complex human reality of the war—from the profound reflections of Etty Hillesum to the daring resistance of Tony van Renterghem.
You’ll explore iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace and National Monument through a new lens. We separate myth from reality, tackling the nuances of collaboration, defiance, and the Holocaust with sensitivity and depth. This is an invitation to witness the city's darkest hours and its most inspiring acts of bravery.
Tour Highlights
- A deep-dive narrative focused on the Holocaust and Dutch resistance.
- Landmarks like Museumplein, the Canal Ring, and Dam Square.
- Discuss the real lives behind the resistance, from secret diarists to high-stakes espionage.
- A small-group setting designed for meaningful questions and thought exchange
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What To Expect
Concertgebouw
Here we uncover the human heart of occupied Amsterdam. Standing in the shadow of the Concert Hall, we reveal the intersecting lives of an orchestra director, a secret diarist, and a forgotten resistance hero—contrasted against the dark legacy of the Holocaust’s architect. It’s a powerful look at the ordinary people who chose defiance in a city under siege.
Amsterdam Canal Ring
Trace the tightening grip of the occupation along Amsterdam's iconic waterways. From the subtle oppression that pushed ordinary citizens to pull off a notorious bank heist, to the tragic fate of the city’s largest Jewish art collection, we explore the cost of war. We end at the site of the post-war tribunals, where the city finally began to reckon with its past.
Options
Amsterdam Architecture Tour
Duration: 2 hours
What‘s Included
Private Guide
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
2 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fantastic and memorable WWI tour with Tijs
sc2022,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I recently booked the WWII walking tour with Tijs and it was one of the best and most memorable tours I have ever taken. I felt like I was walking through history with Tijs’ detailed descriptions of battles, Dutch and Jewish resistance stories, and German and Nazi occupation. He was so knowledgable and knew the answers to my many questions, since I am very interested in WWII history. I would absolutely recommend booking this tour even if you’ve been to Amsterdam before (it was my first time). I will definitely book with Tijs again when I return someday!
Worth every step
P8293ERdebp,May 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Edgar was very knowledgeable about WWII in Amsterdam. His facts and stories about the resistance were very interesting. It seemed he knew a lot about the more unusual or lesser known. He did a great job intertwining this with facts about Amsterdam and its history. It was a 3 hour tour and plenty of walking but worth every step.
Related Experiences
Operated by Historical Amsterdam Tours