Berlin Under the 3rd Reich Private Tour by Car or Foot

Berlin , Germany

Berlin Under the 3rd Reich Private Tour by Car or Foot

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

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Berlin was the dark heart of Nazi Germany – the capital city of a dictatorship that was responsible for waging a war that destroyed swathes of the European continent and industrially murdering millions.

Why did the Germans think they needed Adolf Hitler in 1933? How could a civilised people fall so deep into the moral abyss? Why were Jewish and other minority groups, both in Germany and across Europe, ruthlessly targeted? What is the legacy of Nazism in Germany today?

This tour answers such questions, giving crucial context regarding the rise of Adolf Hitler in pre-Nazi Germany, providing a comprehensive overview of the National Socialist capital, and telling the dramatic tale of the Battle of Berlin and the collapse of the regime in 1945.

Available options

Walking tour

Pickup included

Tour with a private vehicle

Pickup included

What's included

Professional, local guide

Private vehicle with a professional driver (depending on chosen option)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Visit the German parliament, burned down shortly after Hitler's rise to power, and see where the Soviet flag fluttered over the ruins of Berlin at the end of WWII.

Stop 2

Journey through the field of concrete stellae, bear witness the atrocities of Nazism, and hear the stories of the everyday bravery of the persecuted.

Stop 3

Stand where history's most notorious criminal committed suicide, having brought a continent to ruin, at the end of WWII.

Stop 4

Witness the dark heart of Nazi Germany at the former headquarters of the SS and Gestapo. See the excavated torture cells, and one of the last remaining pieces of Nazi architecture in the city centre: the former Reich Aviation Ministry.

Visit the central point of commemoration in Germany for those persecuted under Nazism as 'gypsies', and learn about other groups who were ruthlessly targeted by the regime.

Stop 6

Pay tribute to some 2,000 Soviet soldiers who died during the Battle of Berlin, and get up close and personal with the first two T34 tanks that entered Berlin at the end of the Second World War.

Stop 7

Delve into Berlin's former Jewish Quarter and to see the ornate golden domes of the New Synagogue, a target during the November 1938 pogroms, the Stolpersteine, personal tributes to victims of Nazism, the Auschwitz trees and the old Jewish graveyard.

Stop 8

Hear the story of Otto Weidt, the brush-maker who put his life on the line to shelter his Jewish workers from deportation at the hands of the SS and Gestapo.

See where huge propaganda events were staged in the heart of Berlin, and also where Hitler addressed crowds of fanatic followers hundreds of thousands strong.

Hear the story of Georg Elser: the man who tried to assassinate Adolf Hitler by blowing up a beer hall in Munich in 1939.

What's not included

Gratuities

Food and drink

Entrance fees (none required for the tour)

Public transportation costs (depending on chosen option)

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN ES

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

At the bottom of the steps in front of the Old Museum

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.