Embark on a tour that will take you back to the dark days of World War II in Amsterdam. On this two-hour walking tour, you will discover what life was like after the occupation of the Netherlands by the Germans between 1940 and 1945, as well as Anne Frank's role as an icon of the brutality of repression. You will hear the moving story of her diary and how it was published by her father, Otto Frank.
Your guide will meet you near Waterloo Square, opposite the Jewish Historical Museum. As you stroll through the city, you will see monuments and buildings that still bear traces of the war. Your guide will bring history to life, giving you an insight into how the city's citizens behaved during the occupation and how they moved around in times of horror.
You will learn why the Dutch tried to coexist with the occupying army and how they treated Amsterdam's Jews, such as Anne Frank. You will learn about significant events such as the February Strike and the Hunger Winter.
During the tour, you will explore the Jewish quarter, where you will see the beautiful Portuguese Synagogue and its museum, as well as the Hollandsche Schouwburg, a former theatre converted into a detention centre during the occupation. You will also visit the headquarters of the Jewish council, and discover places that the Dutch resistance offered as secret hiding places for families such as the Frank family. The tour will conclude at the Anne Frank House, although entrance is not included.
This tour is ideal for European history buffs and provides an insight into how the Jewish community lived, survived and continues to thrive in Amsterdam.
It is important to note that this Anne Frank Tour does NOT include entry (without queuing) to the Anne Frank House. The tour starts near Waterloo Square and ends next to the Anne Frank House/Museum, but we do NOT enter the house. However, if you wish to visit the Anne Frank House, it is recommended that you purchase your ticket from the official Anne Frank House website (annefrank.org), with a time slot at least 2 hours after the start of this tour.