Halbe Pocket Battlefield Tour (Private Tour)

Berlin , Germany

Halbe Pocket Battlefield Tour (Private Tour)

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Imagine standing amidst the dense Spree Forest, where the air is thick with history.

Venture beyond the pages and YouTube videos. Walk the ground that beneath your feet has witnessed a desperate dance of tragedy and survival – The Battle of Halbe.

With each step on this journey, the past comes alive. The scent of cordite fills the air, the distant rumble of tanks, the haunting whistle of incoming shells, and the heart-wrenching cries of soldiers and civilians.

Tour Highlights:
Walk the streets of Halbe and Spree Forest
German War Graves
German Field Hospital
Zossen Bunker Complex

Learning Outcomes:
Historical Context
Personal Stories
Tactical Mastery
Battles Within the Battle

Why Choose Us?
Expertise
Intimacy
Experience
Interactive Engagement

Total time spent at locations: 4.5 hrs. Travel time to, from and between stops 2.5 Hrs.

Available options

Halbe Pocket Battlefield Tour (Private Tour)

What's included

Bottled water

Wifi access (Inside the vehicle)

Detailed itinerary

The Battle of Halbe occurred in the town of Halbe, 60 km south of Berlin, on April 24th and 28th, 1945. On April 24, the left flank of the 1st Belorussian Front and the right flank of the 1st Ukrainian Front closed the ring around the German 9th Army, followed by multiple efforts to break out against the Soviet soldiers parallel to the Battle of Berlin. On April 27, Soviet troops cornered barely able-to-fight German troops and civilians fleeing west in a small forest between Märkisch Buchholz and Halbe. The 12th Army's rescue attack from south of Potsdam on April 29th and 30th allowed considerable portions to escape westward via Kummersdorf-Gut to Beelitz and reach the German front on May 1st. The rest where slaughtered in the forests.

One of the largest war graveyards in Germany is the Halbe Forest Cemetery. There are in excess of 28,000 World War II victims buried there, most of whom fell in the Halbe Pocket. There are additional graves for executed Wehrmacht deserters, forced labourers, and those who passed away at the Soviet special camp Ketschendorf between 1945 and 1947.

A massacre of nurses and the wounded.

The Battle of Halbe soldiers' Soviet military cemetery in Baruth was built between 1946 and 1947. The final combat out of Berlin took place from April 24 to May 1, 1945, between the Soviet Red Army and the Wehrmacht.

The remnants of the German defence withdrawing from the Oder bank fought two major columns of the Soviet Army south of Berlin near Halbe. German forces were mostly surrounded in a salient. Both sides suffered tens of thousands of losses.

Two T-34 tanks guard the Soviet soldier battle cemetery, where thousands of fallen soldiers repose.

Built in the late 1930s near Wünsdorf, Brandenburg, the Wünsdorf Zeppelin bunker served as a communications hub for the German Wehrmacht and later the Soviet Forces in Germany. Constructed between 1937-1939, this bunker featured a two-story building and a three-story extension, connected to the Maybach I bunker complex. It played a crucial role during WWII as a key telecommunications node. Post-war, it was used by the Soviet Forces, undergoing renovations to withstand nuclear impacts and serving as a command post and intelligence center. After the Soviet withdrawal in 1994, the site underwent redevelopment, including a museum opened in 2009 to showcase its historical significance.

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Tour meets at the Park Inn by Radisson Berlin Alexanderplatz - Main Vehicle Entrance

Note:
The main entrance is along ALEXANDER STRAßE.

I will be holding a sign “Halbe Pocket Battlefield Tour.”

Important notes

Thank you for booking the Halbe Pocket Battlefield Tour

MEETING POINT:
Tour meets at the Park Inn by Radisson Berlin Alexanderplatz - Main Vehicle Entrance

Note:
The main entrance is along ALEXANDER STRAßE.

I will be holding a sign that reads “Halbe Pocket Battlefield Tour.”

What to Bring
- Snacks
- Comfortable shoes
- Umbrella or raincoat in unfavourable weather

Running Late?
Don't panic. Please call or text Matt at +49 (0)152 0468 9477. (Available on WhatsApp)

*Do you want to learn more about World War II? Click the links below or visit us at www.onthefront.com to see all of our tours.

» Hitler’s Berlin - The Rise and Fall (https://bit.ly/3z9BHHT)
» WWII Battlefield Tour - Seelow Heights (https://bit.ly/3PcDTni)
» Berlin Battlefield Tour (https://bit.ly/3aISKXB)
» Holocaust & Nazi Resistance Tour (https://bit.ly/3Pq7FEY)

About Berlin

Berlin, Germany's capital and largest city, is a vibrant metropolis known for its rich history, diverse culture, and dynamic nightlife. The city's eclectic mix of modern and historic architecture, world-class museums, and thriving arts scene make it a must-visit destination in Europe.

Top Attractions

Brandenburg Gate

A neoclassical monument and one of Berlin's most iconic landmarks, the Brandenburg Gate was built in the 18th century and has been a symbol of the city's history and reunification.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Berlin Wall Memorial and East Side Gallery

The Berlin Wall Memorial and the East Side Gallery are important historical sites that commemorate the division of Berlin during the Cold War and the fall of the Wall in 1989.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Museum Island

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Museum Island is home to five world-renowned museums, including the Pergamon Museum, the Neues Museum, and the Alte Nationalgalerie.

Museum Half-day to full day €19 (Museum Island Day Ticket) or individual museum tickets

Reichstag Building

The Reichstag Building is the seat of the German Bundestag (parliament) and a symbol of German democracy. The glass dome on top offers panoramic views of the city.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (but advance registration is required)

Potsdamer Platz

Potsdamer Platz is a major public square and traffic intersection in the heart of Berlin. It is known for its modern architecture, shopping, and entertainment options.

Architecture 1-2 hours Free to explore, costs vary for shopping and dining

Must-Try Local Dishes

Currywurst

A popular Berlin street food, currywurst is a sliced sausage served with a curry ketchup sauce and often topped with curry powder.

Snack Contains pork, vegetarian and vegan options available

Boulette

A German-style meatball, usually served with potato salad or mashed potatoes and a creamy sauce.

Main Course Contains beef or pork, vegetarian and vegan options available

Döner Kebab

A Turkish dish popularized in Berlin, consisting of seasoned meat (usually lamb, beef, or chicken) cooked on a vertical rotisserie and served in flatbread with vegetables and sauces.

Main Course Contains meat, vegetarian and vegan options available

Berliner Pfannkuchen

A jelly-filled doughnut, similar to a Berlin-style donut, often eaten during Carnival season.

Dessert Contains wheat, dairy, and egg, vegan options available

Popular Activities

Cycling Hiking Boat tours Rock climbing Spa and wellness Picnicking in parks Café hopping Boat tours on the Spree River

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest time of the year with long daylight hours, making it ideal for outdoor activities and festivals. The city is lively with tourists and locals enjoying the summer weather.

20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) 68°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: German
Widely spoken: English, French, Turkish, Arabic, Russian
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Berlin is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services, and agree on the fare before starting your journey.
• Keep your passport and valuables in a safe place, and carry a copy of your passport and important documents.

Getting there

By air

Berlin Brandenburg Airport • 18 km (11 miles) from city center

By train

Berlin Hauptbahnhof

By bus

Berlin Central Bus Station (ZOB)

Getting around

Public transport

The U-Bahn is a fast and efficient way to get around Berlin, with 10 lines serving 173 stations. It operates from early morning to late at night.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Mitte Kreuzberg Prenzlauer Berg Friedrichshain Charlottenburg

Day trips

Potsdam

35 km (22 miles) from Berlin • Half-day to full day

Potsdam is a charming city near Berlin, known for its stunning palaces, parks, and lakes. It was the former residence of Prussian kings and German emperors and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Spreewald

100 km (62 miles) from Berlin • Full day

Spreewald is a picturesque region of forests, lakes, and canals, known for its traditional wooden houses, pickles, and gondola rides. It is a popular destination for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial

35 km (22 miles) from Berlin • Half-day

The Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial is a somber and important historical site, dedicated to the victims of the Nazi regime. The memorial includes the preserved camp buildings, a museum, and a memorial cemetery.

Festivals

Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) • February Berlin Carnival of Cultures (Karneval der Kulturen) • Late May to early June Berlin Festival • September

Pro tips

Learn a few basic phrases in German, as it's appreciated by locals and can enhance your travel experience.
Consider purchasing a Berlin WelcomeCard for unlimited public transportation and discounts at attractions.
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions.
Visit Berlin's many parks and green spaces, which offer a peaceful and relaxing escape from the bustling city.
Be open to trying new foods and culinary experiences, as Berlin's diverse food scene offers something for everyone.