World War 2 Hamburg Private Guided Tour
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World War 2 Hamburg Private Guided Tour

Active
(6 reviews)
5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Hamburg's period under Nazi rule remains to this day one of the darkest periods of the city's history. Come discover the many events that would lead to the devastating bombing of 1943 and learn about how this topic is dealt with today.

This tour is ideal for those who want to know the ins and outs of Hamburg under the third reich. This dark but facinating period has shaped the city we see today and is a must see tour for those who wanting to know more about this topic.

This tour will cover the following topics:

From monarcy to dictatorship
The Arts under Hitler
1933 discriminatory laws
The Feldstraße tower bunker
Execution capital Hamburg
Architecture in Nazi Hamburg
Human Zoos
Concentration Camp Neuengamme
The Bombing of Hamburg
Deserters memorial
Nazi memorials to WW1
Hamburgs surrender
A culture of memory

Please note Neuengamme will be covered as a topic without visiting the camp itself due to time constraints. For customizations please contact us in advance.

Available options

World War 2 Hamburg Private Guided Tour

What's included

Guiding services
Public transit tickets if required

Detailed itinerary

1

At this location we will begin by looking at the interwar period by discovering the lesser known history of WW1, the hyperinflation of the 1920's, the rise of anisemitism and the treaty of Versaille.

2
Stop 2

Here we will dive into the downfall of Hamburgs judicial and political system in the 1930s while looking at the detrimental consequences this would have.

3
Stop 3

This location is marked to this day by one of the largest bunkers build during the second world war currently being repurposed as a skyline garden.

4
Stop 4

Now one of the most scenic locations in the city of Hamburg this idyllic location has a much forgotten and much darker past as a central location for executions during WW2, a propaganda project, a human zoo and a displaced persons camp.

5

5 different war memorial from different periods shape not only the physical landscape of this location but also the contempary culture of remembrance in Modern Hamburg.

6

What appears to be a water tower is one of the over 2,000 bunkers built in Hamburg during the second world war.

7
Stop 7

The Grindel district was once a district which hosted a vibrant jewish community. Here we look at how this area came to be, who lived there, what happened here during the war and what life looks like here today. Some topics of intrest include:

- The place of the deported jewish persons of Hamburg
- Kristallnacht (the night of broken glass) 1938
- Book burning 1933
- The Born Synagogue
- The Talmud Torah School

8
Stop 8

Here Hamburg tried to build a decoy city centre to avoid bombings in the second world war.

9
Stop 9

The Townhall was and remains the symbolic and literal seat of power in Hamburg. At this location we will learn how this location was used by the Nazi party during WW2.

The square is dotted with several memorials to:
- Political opposition the Nazi party
- The book burnings of 1933
- WW1 Prpaganda in Nazi Germany

10
Stop 10

A leftover from the German colonial period. This period of history although often forgotten is essential to understand racial segregation and genocide in WW2 Germany.

11
Stop 11

This church serves a memorial to the victims of war and the rule of terror. The site itself is the remains of the former church bombed along with the rest of city in 1943. The church displays several memorials to the bombing of Hamburg, the victims of the concentration camp Neuengamme and the reconcilliation between post-war Germany and the Uk.

At this location there is also a museum and atower with a elevator for a spectaular view of the city.

Available languages

Guide guide
DE EN

Reviews breakdown

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Tripadvisor 5.0
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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

We meet guests in front of the WW1 memorial on the main Townhall square.

About Hamburg

Hamburg is Germany's second-largest city and a major port hub with a rich maritime history. Known for its vibrant cultural scene, picturesque canals, and iconic Reeperbahn entertainment district, it offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern energy.

Top Attractions

Elbphilharmonie

An iconic concert hall and architectural marvel with stunning views of the city and the Elbe River.

Architecture 1-2 hours Free to enter the plaza, concerts vary in price

Miniatur Wunderland

The world's largest model railway exhibition, featuring intricate landscapes and miniature cities.

Museum 2-3 hours €21 (adults), €11 (children)

Speicherstadt

A historic warehouse district with red-brick buildings, canals, and bridges, now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to explore, museums have entry fees

Reeperbahn

Hamburg's famous entertainment district, known for its nightlife, theaters, and the Red Light District.

Entertainment Evening and night Varies by venue

Planten un Blomen

A beautiful public park with gardens, water features, and seasonal events.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Finkenwerder Scholle

A local delicacy of buttered and fried plaice, often served with potatoes and vegetables.

Main Course Contains fish and dairy

Franzbrötchen

A sweet, cinnamon-filled pastry similar to a croissant.

Breakfast/Snack Contains wheat and dairy

Rote Grütze

A berry dessert made with red currants, raspberries, and strawberries, served with cream or vanilla sauce.

Dessert Contains dairy and may contain gelatin

Hamburger Aalsuppe

A traditional eel soup made with vegetables, potatoes, and spices.

Soup Contains fish and may contain gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking in Lüneburg Heath Cycling along the Elbe River Boat tours on the Alster and Elbe Walking along the Alster Lake Relaxing at Elbstrand beach Visiting spas and wellness centers Visiting museums and historic sites Attending concerts and theater performances

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather, long daylight hours, and numerous festivals. The city is lively with outdoor events and water-based activities.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: German
  • Widely spoken: English, French, Spanish
  • English: Widely spoken, especially in tourist areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

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

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Hamburg is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any major city, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe visit.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
  • • Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing services to avoid overcharging.
  • • Be cautious when approached by strangers, particularly in the Reeperbahn area.

Getting there

By air
  • Hamburg Airport • 8.5 km from city center
By train

Hamburg Hauptbahnhof

By bus

ZOB Hamburg (Central Bus Station)

Getting around

Public transport

Efficient and frequent, the U-Bahn is the backbone of Hamburg's public transport system.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Mytaxi, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Altstadt (Old Town) Neustadt (New Town) St. Pauli HafenCity

Day trips

Blankenese
10 km from Hamburg • Half day to full day

A charming suburb known for its historic houses, scenic views, and the famous Elbstrand beach.

Lübeck
65 km from Hamburg • Full day

A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its medieval architecture, marzipan, and historic city center.

Lüneburg Heath
50 km from Hamburg • Full day

A vast area of heathland, forests, and meadows, known for its natural beauty and hiking trails.

Festivals

Hamburg Maritime Festival • May (annual) Reeperbahn Festival • September (annual) Christmas Markets • November to December (annual)

Pro tips

  • Visit the Elbphilharmonie's plaza for free and enjoy the stunning views of the city and the Elbe River.
  • Explore the historic Speicherstadt warehouse district and its canals, especially at sunset.
  • Try local specialties like Finkenwerder Scholle and Franzbrötchen at traditional restaurants.
  • Take a boat tour on the Alster and Elbe rivers to see the city from a different perspective.
  • Visit the Miniatur Wunderland early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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