Cologne World War Two Historical Tour

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

Meeting Point

Jan von Werth-Brunnen

Alter Markt 38, 50667 Köln, Germany

You'll meet your guide next to the large fountain in the center of Cologne's history Alter Markt. They'll be recognizable through a backpack and a nametag.

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

What to expect:

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes

Alter Markt

Cologne, 50667, North Rhine-Westphalia

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

Rote Funken Platzchen

Buttermarkt, Martinsviertel, Cologne, 50667, North Rhine-Westphalia

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

Memorial to Gay and Lesbian Victims of National Socialism

50667 Cologne, Germany

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

Heinrich-Böll-Platz

Heinrich-Böll-Platz, 50667 Köln, Germany

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

Cologne Cathedral

Domkloster 4, Cologne, 50667, North Rhine-Westphalia

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

Finanzgericht Köln

Appellhofpl., 50667 Köln, Germany

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

NS Documentation Centre of the City of Cologne

Appellhofplatz 23-25, Cologne, 50667, North Rhine-Westphalia

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

Edith Stein-Denkmal

Boersenplatz 1, Cologne, 50667, North Rhine-Westphalia

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