Cologne: WWII History & EL-DE Haus Private Guided Tour
Active
2h - 4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
What was life like in Nazi-era Cologne? Uncover personal stories, tragic fates and dark history of World War II on a private tour. Optional: visit the NS Documentation Centre (EL-DE Haus) and explore the secrets of Gestapo with an Expert Guide.
Choose any of these fantastic options tailored to your choice or preference:
2-hour: WWII Traces Guided Tour
Uncover WWII history in Cologne's Old Town. See the iconic Cathedral, learn about the Trail of Remembrance, Stumbling Stones, and Kolumba.
4-hour: WWII Traces & EL-DE Haus Guided Tour
Uncover WWII history in-depth in Cologne's Old Town and the NS Documentation Center (EL-DE Haus). See the iconic Cathedral, learn about the Trail of Remembrance and more.
Uncover the dark history of Cologne’s WWII past on a private walking tour designed by Rosotravel, where a Licensed Guide will share powerful stories of destruction, survival, and remembrance. Follow traces of war that still shape the city today.
Available options
4H:WWII Traces&EL-DE HausGuide
Duration: 4 hours: Uncover WWII history in-depth in Cologne's Old Town and the NS Documentation Center (EL-DE Haus). See the iconic Cathedral,<br/>,: learn about the Trail of Remembrance and more.<br/>Expert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language - DECO009.
2-hour:WWII Traces Guided Tour
Duration: 2 hours: Uncover WWII history in Cologne's Old Town. See the iconic Cathedral, learn about the Trail of Remembrance, Stumbling Stones,<br/>,: and Kolumba.<br/>Expert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language - DECO009.
What's included
5-Star Licensed Guide who is fluent in your chosen language
See the Cologne Cathedral from outside
Private walking tour in Cologne Old Town discovering WWII traces
Fascinating facts and stories in a tempo adjusted to your preferences and interests
Entry ticket to EL-DE Haus - NS Documentation Center (in the 4-hour option)
(number of attractions depends on the selected option)
Detailed itinerary
1
Meet your guide Kreuzblume monument in front of the entrance to Cologne Cathedral
2
Stop 2
Begin at the iconic Cologne Cathedral (viewed from outside only), a stunning Gothic masterpiece that miraculously survived heavy bombings and still bears bullet holes. Continue your journey along Cologne’s quiet cobblestone streets and uncover the poignant Trail of Remembrance.
3
Learn about the small brass Stolpersteine (Stumbling Stones) that mark the last known homes of Jewish victims, and hear their stories of loss and courage.
4
See key WWII sites such as the Central Station, Hohenzollern Bridge, and the former exhibition grounds—once linked to the Auschwitz-Buchenwald subcamp—and learn about their roles during wartime. With your Private Guide, you’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace, ask questions, and focus on the aspects of history that move you most.
5
Stop 5
Visit to the NS Documentation Center, known as the EL-DE Haus. This former Gestapo headquarters is now a chilling memorial, preserving prison cells and over 1,800 inscriptions carved by prisoners. Walk through rooms where forced laborers, political enemies, and resistance members were held and tortured, and hear how Nazi terror unfolded in Cologne. With a Licensed Guide at your side, you’ll gain a deeper, personal understanding of these harrowing events.
What's not included
Entry to the Cologne Cathedral
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
RU
EN
IT
FR
ES
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please check your email the day before the tour for important information from Rosotravel, your tour operator.
The number of attractions visited depends on the selected option.
Please note Entry to the Cologne Cathedral is not included
This is a walking tour, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes and dressing appropriately for the weather, as the tour runs rain or shine!
Have a special request or need accessibility support? Let us know in advance—we’re happy to help!
Meeting point
Meet your guide Kreuzblume monument in front of the entrance to Cologne Cathedral
Important notes
Information for the customer (Know before you go)
- Please check your email the day before the tour for important information from Rosotravel, your tour operator.
- The number of attractions visited depends on the selected option.
- Please note Entry to the Cologne Cathedral is not included
- This is a walking tour, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes and dressing appropriately for the weather, as the tour runs rain or shine!
- Have a special request or need accessibility support? Let us know in advance—we’re happy to help!
About Cologne
Cologne, located on the Rhine River, is known for its stunning Gothic cathedral, vibrant cultural scene, and rich history. The city offers a mix of medieval charm and modern attractions, making it a captivating destination for travelers.
Top Attractions
Cologne Cathedral
A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Germany's most famous landmarks, this Gothic masterpiece took over 600 years to complete.
Historical/Architectural
1-2 hours
Free entry, €6 for tower climb
Rhine River Cruise
A scenic cruise along the Rhine River offers beautiful views of Cologne and other riverside cities.
Adventure/Cultural
1-2 hours
€15-€30
Chocolate Museum
An interactive museum dedicated to the history and production of chocolate, with tastings included.
Museum
1-2 hours
€12.50
Cologne Zoo
One of the oldest and most renowned zoos in Germany, home to a wide variety of animals and beautiful gardens.
Nature
2-3 hours
€21
Old Town (Altstadt)
The historic heart of Cologne, filled with charming streets, traditional pubs, and medieval architecture.
Historical/Cultural
1-2 hours
Free to explore
Must-Try Local Dishes
Himmel un Ääd
A traditional dish made with mashed potatoes, apples, and blood sausage.
Dinner
Contains pork and gluten.
Rievkooche
Potato pancakes, often served with apple sauce or sour cream.
Snack
Vegetarian, can be made gluten-free.
Halve Hahn
A rye bread roll topped with roast beef, mustard, and onions.
Lunch
Contains beef and gluten.
Kölsch
A local beer, light and refreshing, served in small glasses.
Drink
Contains gluten.
Popular Activities
Rhine River cruises
Hiking in the surrounding hills
Biking along the Rhine
Spas and wellness centers
River walks
Coffee shops and cafes
Museum visits
Art galleries
Best Time to Visit
May to September
This is the best time to visit Cologne due to pleasant weather and numerous outdoor events. The city is lively with festivals and tourists.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: German
- Widely spoken: English, French, Dutch
- English: Widely spoken, especially among younger people and in tourist areas
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
Cologne is generally safe, with low crime rates. However, like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against pickpocketing and petty theft.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps.
- • Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or surveys.
Getting there
By air
- Cologne Bonn Airport • 15 km from city center
By train
Cologne Central Station
By bus
Cologne Central Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Trams and buses are efficient and frequent. The KVB app is useful for schedules and tickets.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Taxi Cologne, Mytaxi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Deutz
Südstadt
Belgian Quarter
Day trips
Bonn
25 km • Half day to full day
The former capital of West Germany, Bonn offers a mix of history, culture, and scenic beauty along the Rhine.
Dusseldorf
40 km • Full day
A vibrant city known for its fashion, art, and nightlife, Dusseldorf offers a mix of modern and historic attractions.
Burg Eltz
100 km • Full day
A stunning medieval castle nestled in the hills above the Moselle River, offering a glimpse into the past.
Festivals
Cologne Carnival • February/March (Weeks leading up to Ash Wednesday)
Cologne Lights • December
Cologne Pride • July
Pro tips
- Visit the Cologne Cathedral early in the morning to avoid long queues and crowds.
- Explore the city's vibrant nightlife in the Belgian Quarter or the Old Town.
- Take a Rhine River cruise to see the city from a different perspective.
- Try local Kölsch beer in traditional breweries like Brauhaus Früh am Dom or Peters Brauhaus.
- Visit the Chocolate Museum for a unique and interactive experience.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
