Echoes of War: A National Socialism and Cologne WWII Tour

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2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

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Overview

Come travel back to the traumatic history of Cologne during World War Two as we delve into how life was shaped under Nazi rule.

While visiting Cologne's GESTAPO headquarters, the Cologne Cathedral, and Holocaust monuments, learn about the steps taken towards National Socialism long before the first bombs fell. Then, hear the tales of the first air raids, the battle of Cologne and the aftermath in the city.

From the dramatic rise of the Nazi State to its devastating effects to its violent fall, explore Cologne during the largest war in human history.

- A 2.5-hour guided tour exploring Cologne's WWII history
- Visit key sites from the GESTAPO headquarters, the war memorials and the Cologne Cathedral
- Group size limited to 20 people for an intimate experience
- Sundays at 19:11, providing a unique evening perspective

What's Included

An exclusive list of recommendations and suggestions to futher explore the city
An experienced local guide with deep knowledge of the city

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Alter Markt
50667 Köln, Germany

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Börsenplatz
50670 Köln, Germany

Minutes away from the Dom, your tour will end in walking distance to the important pieces of Cologne's tourist center as well as restaurants, museums, public transport and river.

What To Expect

Alter Markt

Here we'll begin our tour. Meeting your guide in the center of one of Cologne's most important squares within view of the Cologne Townhall where the Nazi flags flew, our tour is introduced and the beginnings of the rise of National Socialism is discussed.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Rote Funken Platzchen

In a square dedicated to Cologne's most joyous time of year, Karneval, learn how Nazism crept its way into the every day life of Germans and began to shift the minds and identity of the city. Here, learn the first steps taken towards war laid far before Hitler stood on the steps of the Reichstag.

12 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Memorial to Gay and Lesbian Victims of National Socialism

At the first of several monuments to the victims of the Holocaust, we'll discuss the societal impacts on the vunerable communities in our city while the Blitzkreig began to take its first violent steps. How did the city of Cologne adjust for the approaching war as Allies began to move away from their sleepy policy of appeasement.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Heinrich-Böll-Platz

With our first real views of Cologne's Cathedral, we'll follow the route taken by the populations of the city that not many returned from, shipped from the city to concentration camps. With a view of one of our Holocaust memorials and the bridges that were destroyed as the Nazis fled across the Rhein, we'll discuss the bombs that began to fall on Cologne as the Allied Forces began to mount. How did the population react to an impact directly on their hometown?

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Cologne Cathedral

Next to the most important buidling in our History, we'll discuss the Cathedrals importance throughout the war for both sides of the conflict. Hear the tales of the largest bombing in history at that point and the impact of the Dom as the city rebuilt.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Finanzgericht Köln

In the shadow of what used to be the courthouse, learn how the violent ideology of the Nazi party accelerated even as they lost ground across their attempted empire and the Allied forces neared Cologne. As the Battle of Cologne neared, hear of the political prisoners who resisted and paid the price.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

NS Documentation Centre of the City of Cologne

Across from the court house, follow the footsteps of the prisoners as they entered the political prison of the Gestapo where their journeys ultimately and cruelly ended.Also, the Allies enter the streets of Cologne. Were they welcomed as liberators as the Nazis fled to the rightside of the river?

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Edith Stein-Denkmal

At a monument to a Sainted Martyr murdered in the chambers at Auschwitz, we'll end our tour. After hearing the stories of Edith Stein and similar heroes of the war, we'll discuss the changes that followed in Cologne after the National Socialist Regime of the Third Reich breathed its final breaths. Learn what bloomed from the ruins of Cologne to create a city far from its brown-colored past as we summarize our tour and say our goodbyes with recommendations on how to continue learning about Cologne as well as explore the other aspects of our town.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Echoes of War: A National Socialism and Cologne WWII Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST). Read more Apr 2025