The Best WWII Sites in Europe You Shouldn’t Miss

As a WWII historian and Berlin tour guide, I’ve spent my career walking in the footsteps of the war that shaped the modern world. I also collaborate with the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, which organizes expert-led tours across Europe. I meet countless travelers who are deeply interested in WWII history — but aren’t sure where to start. If that’s you, this guide is for you. I know firsthand which places are truly worth visiting and which are more touristy stops. From the beaches of Normandy to the bunkers of Berlin, from Auschwitz to the Eagle’s Nest, here are the best WWII sites in Europe — places that bring the war’s history, tragedy, and legacy to life. Let’s travel through Europe, one battlefield, bunker, and memorial at a time.

If you want a deeper, personalized experience, check out these recommended private tour guides across Europe who can bring history to life.

1. The Best WWII Sites in France You Can’t Miss

I’ve traveled to France’s most important World War II sites myself, and I can tell you which places are essential and which are worth skipping. France’s wartime history is deeply moving, from the epic D-Day landings in Normandy to villages destroyed in Nazi reprisals.

Normandy Beaches: Where D-Day Changed Europe

No WWII trip to France is complete without Normandy. On June 6, 1944, Allied forces stormed the beaches to begin the liberation of Western Europe. Each landing site has its own story:

• Omaha Beach – The site of some of the fiercest fighting, with memorials, bunkers, and the iconic Omaha Beach Visitor Center.

• Utah Beach – Quieter than Omaha, but deeply moving, with the Utah Beach Museum showcasing vehicles, uniforms, and personal stories.

• Gold, Juno, and Sword Beaches – British and Canadian forces landed here; today, you can explore bunkers, museums, and monuments honoring the soldiers.

Nearby, the remains of Arromanches Mulberry Harbor highlight the incredible engineering that sustained the invasion. Walking these beaches, you can almost feel the courage and chaos of D-Day.

For me, one of the most moving experiences in Normandy was attending a midnight fireworks display across the beach during an anniversary celebration. I even met some survivor veterans, and it was incredibly powerful to see former enemies come together in remembrance. The beaches felt peaceful, yet the war cemeteries nearby are profoundly touching, a reminder of the sacrifices that made that peace possible.

Oradour-sur-Glane: A Village Frozen in Time

In central France lies Oradour-sur-Glane, a village destroyed by the SS in 1944 as a reprisal. I’ve walked through the silent ruins — burned-out houses, rusting cars, bullet-scarred walls — and it’s one of the most haunting sites in Europe.

Unlike many memorials, the village was preserved exactly as it was left, making it a chilling, unforgettable reminder of civilian suffering during the war. Guided tours and the on-site museum provide detailed accounts of what happened.

American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer

Overlooking Omaha Beach, the Normandy American Cemetery is a place of reflection. More than 9,000 American soldiers who died during the D-Day landings and subsequent battles are buried here, with perfectly aligned white crosses and Stars of David.

Visiting this cemetery is a profoundly moving experience. The visitor center offers maps, personal stories, and context for the invasion. As someone who has visited multiple war cemeteries across Europe, I can say this one is truly unmissable.

Dunkirk: The Miracle of Evacuation

On France’s northern coast, Dunkirk is famous for the 1940 evacuation of British and Allied forces under fire, known as Operation Dynamo. I spent a day walking the beaches and visiting the Dunkirk 1940 Museum, which explains the logistics, bravery, and chaos of the evacuation.

You can also see restored “Little Ships” that ferried soldiers to safety and walk the same beaches where thousands were rescued against all odds. Dunkirk tells a different story than Normandy — of retreat, survival, and resilience.

2. The Best WWII Sites in Germany You Can’t Miss

Germany is at the heart of World War II history. From the rise of the Nazi regime to the final battles that ended the war, Germany’s sites allow you to trace the story of power, destruction, and remembrance. I’ve visited all these sites myself and guided countless travelers through them — here’s my guide to the most important WWII destinations in Germany.

Berlin: The Epicenter of History

Berlin is the ultimate city for WWII travel in Germany. You can see where the war began to unravel and witness its scars everywhere. The Reichstag is an essential stop — where the Battle of Berlin reached its climax, and where bullet holes still mark the building’s history. Walking through the Holocaust Memorial is deeply moving; the stark concrete slabs create a sense of loss and reflection that stays with you. The Topography of Terror exposes the machinery of Nazi oppression on the site of the Gestapo and SS headquarters.

Other sites, like the Olympic Stadium, built as a showcase for Nazi propaganda, and the Wannsee Conference House, where the “Final Solution” was planned, are must-visits for serious WWII travelers.

Hitler’s bunker, now largely gone, is still marked with a discreet memorial, and the surrounding streets reveal bullet holes from the final battles. The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, bombed in 1943, stands as a symbolic reminder of the city’s resilience.

Berlin offers so much to explore, and for anyone wanting a structured visit, I recommend checking my full list of WWII sites in Berlin and joining my WWII tour, which brings all these places to life with stories you won’t find in guidebooks.

Potsdam – Cecilienhof Palace

Just outside Berlin, Cecilienhof Palace is where history shifted at the Potsdam Conference in 1945. Here, Churchill, Truman, and Stalin negotiated post-war Europe, determining borders, reparations, and the future of Germany. Walking through the preserved rooms and conference halls, you can almost feel the tension and weight of decisions that shaped the continent.

I personally guide visitors through this site, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and little-known details about the negotiations and the people involved.

Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp

Sachsenhausen, located north of Berlin, was one of the first major Nazi concentration camps, operational from 1936. It became a model for later camps and a center for experimentation and oppression. Today, the site functions as a museum and memorial. Walking the original barracks, administrative buildings, and the chilling execution zones, you confront the scale of human suffering.

As a guide, I help visitors understand the historical context and the personal stories behind the exhibits, making the visit unforgettable and educational.

Seelow Heights

The Battle of the Seelow Heights was one of the final major confrontations before Berlin fell. For me, visiting Seelow is an eerily atmospheric experience — the fields and forests are quiet, almost abandoned, yet you can feel the ghosts of history here. Sites like Schukow’s lookout, largely forgotten, allow you to stand where Soviet generals directed their assault on the German defenses. The combination of raw landscape, scattered memorials, and near-abandoned bunkers makes Seelow Heights uniquely immersive.

I personally guide travelers here to fully convey the story and the atmosphere.

Maybach I & II, Zossen

Deep in the forests south of Berlin lie the Maybach I and II bunkers, the former headquarters of the German High Command. These underground complexes are largely abandoned, making them exceptionally authentic and atmospheric. Walking through the corridors and seeing the remnants of offices and command rooms gives a real sense of the scale and secrecy of the Nazi war effort. This site is a hidden gem for those truly interested in the operational side of WWII.

Munich: The Birthplace of the Nazi Movement

Munich is essential for understanding the rise of the Nazi regime. As the “Capital of the Movement,” it was the city where Hitler and the NSDAP began their political journey, culminating in events like the Beer Hall Putsch of 1923. Today, you can visit the NS-Dokumentationszentrum, a modern museum that explores the origins of Nazi ideology, propaganda, and the transformation of Munich under the Third Reich. Walking through the city streets, you can see historic buildings tied to Nazi rallies and party offices, and understand how political ideas turned into mass movement. Munich’s combination of preserved sites, museums, and personal stories makes it a crucial stop for anyone studying WWII history. My colleague Steve gives excellent WWII tours here!

Nuremberg: From Nazi Rallies to Post-War Justice

Nuremberg holds a unique place in WWII history as both a symbol of Nazi power and the location where justice was served after the war. The city’s rally grounds, once the site of massive propaganda events, remain vast and impressive, giving a sense of the scale the Nazis aimed to project. But Nuremberg is equally famous for the Nuremberg Trials, where leading Nazis were held accountable for war crimes. Today, the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds and Courtroom 600 allow visitors to explore this dual legacy — the rise of tyranny and the pursuit of justice. For history enthusiasts, Nuremberg is indispensable because it combines the story of Nazi ambition with the international effort to confront its crimes. Contact my colleague Kevin for a WWII tour of Nuremberg!

Dachau Concentration Camp

Dachau, near Munich, was the first official Nazi concentration camp, opened in 1933. Today, it is preserved as a museum and memorial. Walking through the original barracks, the roll-call area, and the crematorium zones, you feel the weight of history. For serious WWII travelers, Dachau is a must-visit to understand the systematic oppression and early development of the camp system.

Bergen-Belsen

Bergen-Belsen was liberated in 1945 and is most famous for the tragic death of Anne Frank. Today, the memorial and museum focus on both the victims and the liberators, offering a place for reflection. I always encourage visitors to take time here — the simplicity and solemnity of the site make it profoundly moving.

Dresden

Dresden was almost entirely destroyed by Allied bombing in February 1945. While much of the city has been rebuilt, visiting Dresden today is powerful because it allows you to imagine the scale of destruction and the city’s remarkable recovery. Walking through the restored old town, seeing the Frauenkirche rise from ruins, and learning about civilian experiences gives context to the war’s devastating impact on urban centers. Check out Dresden's Military Museum!

Eagle’s Nest & Berghof

The Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus) above Berchtesgaden is famous for its alpine views and Nazi symbolism. But what makes this site truly outstanding is the bunker system beneath the mountains. Visiting the underground passages and command rooms provides insight into the regime’s inner workings. Nearby, the Berghof ruins tell the story of Hitler’s personal retreat and propaganda efforts. Exploring the ruins, not just the museum, gives a sense of place that’s both eerie and fascinating — a must for WWII enthusiasts.

3. The Best World War II Sites in Poland: Where History Feels Close

Poland is where World War II began — and where its scars still feel closest to the surface. From the first shots fired in 1939 to the Holocaust’s darkest chapters and the final days of resistance, the country is full of powerful, sobering, and essential sites.

Gdańsk – The Spark That Started It All

Gdańsk (formerly Danzig) is where the Second World War began. On September 1, 1939, German forces attacked the Polish garrison at Westerplatte, marking the start of the war. Today, you can visit the Westerplatte Memorial, a windswept peninsula that still holds ruins of bunkers and fortifications.

Don’t miss the Museum of the Second World War — one of Europe’s most comprehensive and impressive museums dedicated to the global conflict. Its exhibits vividly portray how the war affected ordinary people across the world, with a strong focus on Poland’s suffering and resistance. It’s immersive, emotional, and brilliantly designed — truly one of the best WWII museums anywhere in Europe.

Kraków – Oskar Schindler’s Legacy and the Shadows of the Ghetto

Kraków was one of the few major Polish cities not destroyed during the war, which makes it especially atmospheric to explore. The city is forever linked to the story of Oskar Schindler, whose factory can still be visited today. The Schindler’s Factory Museum offers a powerful account of life under Nazi occupation and the extraordinary effort to save Jewish lives.

Nearby, you can walk through the area of the former Kraków Ghetto and visit the Plaszów concentration camp site — once a labor camp and later a place of mass execution. Standing there, with the city visible in the distance, is a haunting reminder of how close the machinery of death was to everyday life. The former Plaszów camp and the nearby Liban Quarry are among the most haunting WWII sites I’ve ever visited — largely abandoned, eerily quiet, and often overlooked as most visitors head to Auschwitz. This is where scenes from Schindler’s List were filmed, and standing there alone among the ruins is an unforgettable experience — one of my highest recommendations in Kraków.

Auschwitz-Birkenau – The Symbol of the Holocaust

No place in the world confronts you with the horror of the Holocaust as powerfully as Auschwitz-Birkenau, near Oświęcim. This was the largest of all Nazi concentration and extermination camps, where over a million people, mostly Jews, were murdered.

The site is divided into Auschwitz I, the original camp with brick barracks and the infamous “Arbeit Macht Frei” gate, and Birkenau (Auschwitz II), the vast extermination area with ruins of gas chambers and crematoria. Guided tours are essential here to fully understand the site’s historical scope and human impact. Visiting Auschwitz is one of the most difficult but necessary experiences for anyone studying or traveling through WWII history.

Warsaw – The City That Refused to Die

Few cities suffered like Warsaw during the Second World War. Nearly 85% of the city was destroyed following the Warsaw Uprising of 1944, one of the most courageous and tragic acts of resistance in the war.

The Warsaw Uprising Museum is a must-visit — dynamic, emotional, and incredibly well-designed. It captures the bravery of the underground fighters and the devastation that followed. Walking through modern Warsaw today, rebuilt from rubble, you can still find remnants of the ghetto walls and memorials to fallen fighters.

Wolf’s Lair (Wolfsschanze) – Hitler’s Hidden Headquarters

Deep in the Masurian forests lies the Wolf’s Lair, one of Hitler’s most secretive and important military headquarters. It was from here that he directed much of the war on the Eastern Front — and where the famous 20 July 1944 assassination attempt by Claus von Stauffenberg took place.

Today, you can explore the remains of the massive bunkers and camouflaged buildings. The site’s eerie atmosphere, overgrown by moss and trees, makes it one of the most hauntingly authentic WWII locations in Europe. Walking through the crumbling ruins feels like stepping into the pages of history. You'll be surprised as to how many bunkers you can actually explore!

Lublin – Majdanek Concentration Camp

Just outside Lublin, Majdanek was one of the first concentration camps liberated by the Allies, in July 1944. Because the Germans fled so quickly, the camp remains exceptionally well-preserved.

You can walk through original barracks, gas chambers, crematoria, and see exhibits with victims’ belongings and powerful documentation. The enormous Mausoleum of Ashes, holding the remains of tens of thousands of victims, stands as one of the most sobering memorials in Europe.

Majdanek is less visited than Auschwitz, but for many, it feels even more immediate — a raw, unfiltered look at the realities of Nazi terror.

Treblinka – A Place of Silence

Treblinka was one of the deadliest extermination camps, where around 900,000 Jews were murdered in just over a year. Unlike Auschwitz, little remains — the Nazis destroyed the site to hide evidence — but the memorial stones marking the outlines of the camp are incredibly powerful.

The Treblinka Museum of Struggle and Martyrdom and the haunting memorial field create a chilling yet peaceful space for reflection. It’s one of those places where silence speaks louder than any monument.

Küstrin (Kostrzyn nad Odrą) – The Forgotten Front

Located on the Polish-German border, Küstrin (now Kostrzyn nad Odrą) was almost completely destroyed during the final battles of 1945. Today, the ruins of the old town remain untouched, offering a glimpse into what post-war Europe looked like before reconstruction began.

Walking among the crumbling walls and streets overtaken by grass and trees feels surreal — as if time stopped at the moment of the city’s destruction. It’s a forgotten yet fascinating WWII site that connects Poland’s final wartime battles to the collapse of Nazi Germany.

4. The Best World War II Sites in Czechia: Stories of Resistance and Remembrance

Czechia (the Czech Republic) holds some of the most powerful and personal WWII sites in Central Europe. The country’s history under Nazi occupation is one of courage, tragedy, and resilience — and you can still feel that history walking through its cities and memorials today. I’ve visited these places myself, and they remain some of the most haunting and meaningful stops on any WWII journey through Europe.

Prague – Shadows of Occupation and Resistance

Prague, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, hides a dark WWII past beneath its stunning architecture. When Nazi Germany occupied Czechoslovakia in 1939, Prague became the capital of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia. You can still visit buildings tied to that history, like the Petschek Palace, which served as the Gestapo headquarters and now houses a small but powerful memorial exhibition.

One of Prague’s most compelling WWII sites is the Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius, where members of the Czech resistance carried out Operation Anthropoid — the 1942 assassination of SS General Reinhard Heydrich, one of the key architects of the Holocaust. The crypt where the resistance fighters made their final stand is open to visitors and remains one of the most moving WWII memorials in Europe. You should absolutely message my colleage Jana for a private WW2 tour of Prague!

Lidice Memorial – A Village Erased

Few places capture the brutality of Nazi reprisals like Lidice, a small village northwest of Prague that was completely destroyed after the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich. On June 10, 1942, the SS executed all the men, deported the women and children to concentration camps, and leveled the entire village to the ground.

Today, the Lidice Memorial stands as a profoundly moving tribute. You can walk through the open fields where the village once stood, see the foundations of homes, and visit the powerful memorial sculpture of the 82 murdered children. The museum tells the story of Lidice’s destruction and the world’s reaction — the name “Lidice” became a global symbol of Nazi terror.

For me, Lidice is one of the most emotional WWII sites in all of Europe — quiet, simple, and deeply human.

Terezín (Theresienstadt) – The Ghetto of Deception

Just an hour north of Prague lies Terezín, known in German as Theresienstadt — a fortress town turned Jewish ghetto and transit camp during the Holocaust. The Nazis cynically presented it as a “model ghetto” to deceive the Red Cross, but in reality, tens of thousands died here from starvation, disease, and deportation to extermination camps.

Today, Terezín Memorial preserves both the Small Fortress, which served as a Gestapo prison, and the Ghetto Museum, with exhibits that include drawings, diaries, and secret artwork created by imprisoned children. Walking through the barracks and courtyards, you can feel the contrast between the town’s peaceful setting and the unimaginable suffering that took place there.

Terezín is a must-visit for anyone exploring WWII sites in Central Europe — it bridges the history of occupation, resistance, and remembrance in one deeply evocative place.

5. The Best World War II Sites in Hungary: Budapest’s Haunting Memories

Hungary’s World War II history is complex — marked by alliance with Nazi Germany, occupation, and the tragic fate of its Jewish population. Today, Budapest holds some of the most poignant and beautifully preserved WWII memorials in Europe. It’s a city where history is etched into the streets, bridges, and riverbanks.

Budapest – A City of Beauty and Tragedy

Budapest was occupied by Nazi Germany in 1944, and the final months of the war brought immense suffering. The Arrow Cross Party, Hungarian fascists aligned with the Nazis, carried out mass executions of Jews along the Danube River. Today, the most haunting memorial to those victims is the Shoes on the Danube Bank — a simple but deeply moving installation of cast-iron shoes representing the men, women, and children who were shot and fell into the river. Standing there at sunset, looking across the water to the Parliament, is one of the most powerful WWII experiences in Europe.

For a deeper understanding of Hungary’s wartime story, visit the House of Terror Museum on Andrássy Avenue. It’s housed in the former headquarters of both the Arrow Cross and later the Communist secret police. The exhibits are dark, immersive, and unflinching — tracing Hungary’s descent into dictatorship, war crimes, and post-war repression.

Budapest also offers smaller memorials and plaques throughout the city — traces of ghettos, hiding places, and synagogues that once formed part of one of Europe’s largest Jewish communities. The Dohány Street Synagogue, Europe’s largest, stands next to a memorial garden and cemetery where thousands of Holocaust victims are buried.

6. The Best World War II Sites in the Netherlands: Resistance, Liberation, and Memory

The Netherlands played a central role in World War II — occupied by Nazi Germany in 1940, it endured years of repression before becoming one of the key fronts of Allied liberation. Today, the country is home to some of the most moving and well-presented WWII museums and memorials in Europe.

Amsterdam – The Anne Frank House

No place in the Netherlands captures the human story of WWII like the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. Inside the secret annex where Anne, her family, and four others hid for over two years, time feels suspended. The rooms are preserved with remarkable care — empty yet full of presence — and Anne’s diary entries bring her world vividly to life.

The museum doesn’t just tell one family’s story; it captures the broader reality of persecution, fear, and hope that defined the Nazi occupation. It’s an emotional experience that connects millions of visitors to the personal cost of intolerance and war. Booking tickets in advance is essential, as it’s one of the most visited WWII sites in Europe.

Arnhem – “A Bridge Too Far”

The Battle of Arnhem, part of Operation Market Garden in September 1944, was one of the most dramatic and tragic Allied operations of the war. The aim was to capture bridges across the Rhine to push into Germany — but the plan failed at Arnhem, where British paratroopers held the John Frost Bridge heroically against overwhelming odds.

Today, the bridge stands as a powerful symbol of courage and sacrifice. The Airborne Museum Hartenstein, located in the former headquarters of the British forces, brings the battle to life with immersive exhibits, dioramas, and veterans’ accounts. Standing on the bridge or walking the surrounding streets, you can still feel the tension of those fateful days.

Overloon – The Oorlogsmuseum (War Museum Overloon)

Located in the south of the country, Oorlogsmuseum Overloon is one of the Netherlands’ largest and best WWII museums — and it sits on the site of one of the war’s fiercest battles fought on Dutch soil.

The museum features tanks, vehicles, weapons, and artifacts from both Allied and German forces, along with exhibits that humanize the soldiers and civilians caught in the fighting. What makes it truly special is its location — the battlefield itself, where liberation came at a heavy cost. Walking through the grounds, you’re literally standing on history.

Rotterdam – The Rebuilt City and Its Story

When you visit Rotterdam, it’s hard to imagine that most of the city was destroyed in just one day — the German bombing of May 14, 1940 leveled the city center and forced the Dutch surrender. Today, Rotterdam stands as a symbol of resilience, rebuilt into one of Europe’s most modern cities.

The Museum Rotterdam ’40–’45 NOW tells the story of that bombing through immersive, interactive exhibits that recreate the chaos of the attack and the spirit of survival that followed. It’s one of the most modern and engaging WWII museums in the country, combining sound, film, and storytelling in a way that makes history feel immediate and real.

Walking through Rotterdam today, you’ll notice markers in the pavement tracing the bombed city’s outline — subtle but powerful reminders of the past beneath the modern skyline.

7. The Best World War II Sites in Belgium: The Battle of the Bulge and Beyond

Belgium may be small, but it played a monumental role in some of World War II’s most dramatic moments — especially during the final months of the conflict. From the snow-covered forests of the Ardennes to the emotional memorials in Bastogne, this region still feels alive with echoes of the past.

The Ardennes – Where the Final Battle Turned the War

In December 1944, the quiet forests of the Ardennes became the stage for the Battle of the Bulge, Hitler’s last major push on the Western Front. The Germans aimed to split the Allied lines and capture Antwerp, but fierce resistance — especially from the American forces — turned the tide of the war.

Driving through the Ardennes today, it’s hard to imagine the chaos of that winter. Rolling hills and peaceful woods now stand where tanks once burned and villages were destroyed. Yet if you look closely, you’ll still find traces — memorials, foxholes, and rusted relics hidden in the trees.

For me, the atmosphere here is hauntingly quiet. It’s one of those places where you feel history underfoot — the stillness of a battlefield that saw unimaginable struggle.

Bastogne – The 101st Airborne and the Siege

The town of Bastogne became the heart of the Battle of the Bulge, where the 101st Airborne Division famously held out against overwhelming German forces in the freezing cold. Cut off, surrounded, and undersupplied, they refused to surrender — their commander’s one-word reply to the German demand was simply: “NUTS!”

Today, Bastogne honors that defiance with several remarkable sites. The Bastogne War Museum offers an outstanding, immersive look at the battle through sound, film, and real-life stories told from multiple perspectives — soldiers, civilians, and journalists alike.

Nearby, the 101st Airborne Museum, housed in a former officers’ mess, brings the human side of the siege to life with recreated scenes, personal artifacts, and the chilling sounds of bombardment echoing through the cellar. Standing there, you can almost feel what those young men endured.

Outside the town, the Mardasson Memorial rises as a massive star-shaped monument, engraved with the names of all U.S. states and dedicated to the American soldiers who fought and died here. It’s one of Europe’s most powerful WWII memorials — and the view over the Ardennes is breathtaking.

8. The Best World War II Sites in the UK: From Churchill’s Bunker to D-Day’s Shores

The United Kingdom stood at the heart of the Allied war effort — enduring the Blitz, decoding enemy messages, and launching the D-Day invasion that would liberate Europe. Across the country, you’ll find WWII sites that bring Britain’s wartime spirit to life: secret bunkers, bombed cities, and preserved warships that once patrolled the seas.

London – Churchill’s Bunker, Bullet Holes, and the Spirit of the Blitz

Few cities tell the story of wartime resilience like London. During the Blitz, nightly air raids rained destruction across the capital — yet life went on, and the spirit of defiance was born.

Start your journey at the Churchill War Rooms, part of the Imperial War Museum. Hidden beneath Westminster, this underground bunker served as the nerve center of Britain’s war effort. It’s been preserved exactly as it was in 1945 — maps still on the walls, telephones on desks, and a cot in Churchill’s private room where he worked, ate, and occasionally slept.

Nearby, walk along Whitehall and Trafalgar Square — if you look closely, you’ll still spot bullet and shrapnel scars on old buildings from the Blitz - also near the Natural History Museum. For a powerful experience on the Thames, board HMS Belfast, a real WWII Royal Navy cruiser that fought on D-Day and now serves as a floating museum. Walking its decks, you can almost hear the echoes of battle.

Portsmouth – The D-Day Story

On England’s southern coast, the port city of Portsmouth played a pivotal role in Operation Overlord — the D-Day invasion of Normandy. Today, the D-Day Story Museum brings that history vividly to life with original landing craft, soldiers’ personal letters, and immersive exhibits detailing how the largest amphibious assault in history was planned and executed.

Just outside the museum, the Overlord Embroidery — a 272-foot-long tapestry — chronicles the invasion in extraordinary detail. It’s Britain’s answer to the Bayeux Tapestry and one of the most moving artistic tributes to the war I’ve seen.

Bletchley Park – The Codebreakers’ Secret World

North of London, Bletchley Park is one of the most fascinating WWII sites in all of Europe. It was here that Alan Turing and his team cracked the German Enigma Code, shortening the war and saving countless lives.

Today, the site has been carefully restored — from the charming wartime huts to the iconic Mansion House — and filled with interactive exhibits showing how messages were decoded. You can see an original Enigma machine, learn about the incredible secrecy of the operation, and grasp just how pivotal this quiet English estate was to the Allied victory.

Coventry – Rebirth After the Blitz

The city of Coventry was devastated by German bombing raids in 1940, an attack that symbolized the horror of the Blitz. The ruins of Coventry Cathedral, left standing as a memorial, sit beside the new modern cathedral — a striking symbol of reconciliation and renewal.

Inside, the words “Father Forgive” are etched into the wall, a reminder of how peace and forgiveness can rise from destruction. Coventry’s wartime story remains one of the UK’s most powerful lessons in resilience and hope.

Maunsell Sea Forts – The Ghosts of the Thames Estuary

Rising eerily from the waves off the Thames Estuary, the Maunsell Sea Forts are among the most unique WWII relics in the UK. Built in 1942 to defend against German air and naval attacks, these steel and concrete towers once bristled with anti-aircraft guns protecting London’s eastern approach.

Today, they stand abandoned — haunting silhouettes on the horizon that seem almost post-apocalyptic. Visiting them by boat is an unforgettable experience; as you circle these rusting giants, it’s hard not to feel a chill at how close the war once came to British shores.

For photographers and WWII enthusiasts alike, the Maunsell Forts are breathtaking — surreal reminders of an era when Britain watched the skies for invasion.

9. The Best World War II Sites in Austria: Salzburg, Vienna & Braunau

Austria’s World War II history is complex — both as the birthplace of Adolf Hitler and as a nation that was annexed by Nazi Germany in 1938. Today, the country confronts its past through a mix of memorials, museums, and educational walking tours that blend its cultural beauty with honest remembrance.

Salzburg – Music, Memory, and the Shadows of the Anschluss

Famous for The Sound of Music, Salzburg may seem all charm and melody, but beneath its beauty lie traces of its darker wartime history. A walking tour through the Old Town reveals this duality perfectly — from the bright Mirabell Gardens, where scenes of joy were filmed, to the Residenzplatz, where Nazi flags once waved as Salzburg celebrated the Anschluss in 1938. The guide I joined connected personal stories to landmarks like Makartplatz and the Staatsbrücke, built partly by forced laborers.

For me, the experience felt like two cities layered atop one another — one singing about freedom, the other still whispering of oppression. It’s this contrast that makes Salzburg one of Austria’s most moving WWII destinations.

Vienna – Flak Towers, Memorials, and the City’s Reckoning with History

If you want to see how World War II reshaped a European capital, Vienna is unmissable. The city was the stage for Hitler’s triumphant 1938 speech from the Neue Burg balcony on Heldenplatz — an infamous moment marking Austria’s annexation. Today, that same square is home to memorials that confront the city’s role in the Nazi regime.

Scattered across Vienna are the massive Flak Towers, concrete anti-aircraft fortresses built by the Nazis to defend against Allied bombing raids. Impossible to dismantle, they still dominate the skyline — one even houses the Haus des Meeres aquarium, a creative reuse of wartime architecture.

Vienna’s strength lies in how it refuses to hide its scars. From Stephansdom’s “05” resistance symbol to the Academy of Fine Arts that once rejected a young Hitler, the city offers a profound journey through guilt, memory, and resilience.

Braunau am Inn – The Birthplace of Hitler and a Town Facing Its Past

Few places in Europe carry a more complex burden than Braunau am Inn, the small Austrian border town where Adolf Hitler was born in 1889. The unassuming yellow house at Salzburger Vorstadt 15 has long been a site of national debate — over how to remember without glorifying.

Today, a memorial stone outside the building reads simply: “For peace, freedom and democracy — never again fascism. Millions of dead remind us.” There’s nothing sensationalized here — just quiet reflection. It’s a sobering stop for WWII travelers tracing the origins of the war’s most infamous figure, and an example of how Austria continues to wrestle with its history.

10. The Best World War II Sites in Italy: From Battlefields to Dictatorship’s Shadows

Italy’s role in World War II was as complex as its landscape—shifting from Axis to Allied power, leaving behind a patchwork of ruins, memorials, and reminders of fascism’s rise and fall. For anyone exploring Europe’s WWII history, Italy offers both haunting and beautiful contrasts—ancient ruins standing beside modern war cemeteries, and fascist monuments now turned into lessons in democracy.

Monte Cassino

High above the Liri Valley, Monte Cassino Abbey dominates one of the most dramatic WWII battlefields in Europe. Here, four major assaults took place in 1944 as the Allies struggled to break through to Rome. The rebuilt abbey, once obliterated by bombing, stands today as a symbol of peace and resilience. Nearby lie the Polish War Cemetery and the German War Cemetery—solemn, immaculate resting places for thousands who fought and fell on opposite sides. The view from the top is breathtaking, but it’s the silence that stays with you.

Anzio and Nettuno

South of Rome, the beaches of Anzio and neighboring Nettuno were the site of the daring Allied amphibious landings in January 1944. Walk along the shoreline, and you can almost imagine the landing craft and the chaos of battle. The Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial in Nettuno is one of the most moving in Europe, with over 7,000 white marble crosses set in perfect rows amid manicured lawns. Nearby museums and small memorials along the coast bring the stories of Operation Shingle vividly to life.

Rome: Architecture, Resistance, and Atrocity

Rome bears visible scars from the fascist period and Nazi occupation. One of the most striking reminders of Mussolini’s ambitions is the EUR district, an enormous showcase of fascist architecture conceived as the “Third Rome.” Its stark white marble buildings—especially the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana (nicknamed the Square Colosseum)—embody the regime’s obsession with order, grandeur, and propaganda.But the city also honors the victims of tyranny. The Ardeatine Caves (Fosse Ardeatine), now a national memorial, mark the site where 335 Italians were massacred by Nazi forces in 1944. The quiet tunnels and engraved names remind visitors of the human cost behind the occupation. Rome’s Resistance Museum (Museo della Liberazione) offers further insight into the courage of ordinary Italians who risked everything to fight fascism.

Predappio: Mussolini’s Birthplace

Deep in Emilia-Romagna lies Predappio, the hometown and burial site of Benito Mussolini. Once a fascist pilgrimage spot, today the town wrestles with how to remember its most infamous son. The architecture and atmosphere here still echo the 1930s, making it an eerie but instructive stop for those studying the psychology of dictatorship and propaganda.

11. The Best World War II Sites in Spain: Shadows Before the Storm

Though Spain remained officially neutral during World War II, its civil war (1936–1939) served as both a grim prelude and a testing ground for the global conflict that followed. Many of the ideologies, tactics, and even weapons later seen in WWII were first unleashed here—making Spain’s war memorials and ruins deeply connected to the era’s broader history.

Valley of the Fallen (Valle de los Caídos)

Just outside Madrid, the Valley of the Fallen is one of Europe’s most controversial monuments. Built under Francisco Franco’s dictatorship, this colossal basilica—partly carved into a mountain—is topped by a towering 150-meter cross visible for miles. Franco intended it to glorify his regime, using forced labor from political prisoners during its construction. Today, it stands as a stark reminder of Spain’s painful 20th-century divisions, symbolizing both mourning and manipulation of memory. Recently, the site has been reframed as a memorial to all victims of the Civil War, though debates about its meaning continue to shape Spain’s reckoning with its past.

Guernica

Far to the north in the Basque Country lies Guernica, the small town whose 1937 bombing by Nazi Germany’s Luftwaffe—supporting Franco’s Nationalists—became one of the first large-scale attacks on civilians in modern warfare. The destruction shocked the world and inspired Pablo Picasso’s legendary painting Guernica, now displayed in Madrid’s Reina Sofía Museum. Walking through the rebuilt town today, you can visit the Peace Museum, memorials, and remnants that tell the story of that fateful day. It’s a haunting experience, bridging art, history, and humanity’s capacity for both horror and renewal.

12. The Best World War II Sites in Ukraine: Frontlines, Memory, and the Weight of History

Ukraine was one of the main battlegrounds of the Eastern Front, a land where entire cities were destroyed and millions perished under both Nazi and Soviet occupation. The country’s World War II heritage is vast and deeply emotional — every site feels layered with stories of survival, resistance, and unimaginable loss.

Kyiv – The National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War

Dominating the skyline of Kyiv, the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War is one of Europe’s most powerful memorial complexes. At its heart stands the towering “Mother Ukraine” statue, symbolizing the country’s strength and sacrifice. Beneath it, the museum’s vast exhibitions chronicle Ukraine’s wartime experience through photographs, uniforms, personal items, and artifacts from the front lines. Outside, the monumental sculptures and eternal flame convey the sheer scale of the tragedy — and the resilience of those who endured it. Visiting this site is both awe-inspiring and humbling; it’s not just about war, but about memory and identity.

Babi Yar – The Ravine of Remembrance

Just outside Kyiv lies Babi Yar, one of the most haunting places in Europe. In September 1941, Nazi forces and their collaborators massacred more than 33,000 Jews here over two days — one of the largest single massacres of the Holocaust. In the following years, thousands more victims, including Roma, Soviet prisoners, and Ukrainian nationalists, were murdered in the same ravine. Today, Babi Yar is a solemn memorial park dotted with monuments and sculptures. Standing there, surrounded by trees and silence, it’s impossible not to feel the weight of history — a place where the past still whispers through the air.

Yalta – The Conference That Shaped Postwar Europe

On the Crimean coast, the Yalta Conference of February 1945 brought together Churchill, Roosevelt, and Stalin to decide the fate of postwar Europe. Held in the Livadia Palace, this was where the world’s new order was drawn — dividing territories, setting borders, and shaping the Cold War that followed. Visiting today, you can tour the preserved conference room, photographs, and original furnishings that make the past come alive. The palace and its gardens, overlooking the Black Sea, stand in stark contrast to the heavy decisions once made inside.

13. The Best World War II Sites in Russia: The Eastern Front and the Memory of the Great Patriotic War

Russia’s World War II history — or as it’s known locally, The Great Patriotic War — is monumental in scale and emotion. Every city holds stories of immense sacrifice and staggering endurance. From Moscow’s proud war memorials to Volgograd’s blood-soaked battlefields and St. Petersburg’s haunting siege sites, the country’s WWII landmarks are both powerful and deeply personal reminders of the cost of victory.

Moscow – Power, Survival, and the Spirit of Resistance

In Moscow, history feels close at hand. Begin at the Museum of the Great Patriotic War, an enormous memorial complex dedicated to the 25 million Soviet lives lost. Its dioramas and sculptures vividly depict the defense of Moscow and the eventual triumph over Nazi Germany. The Central Armed Forces Museum complements it with remarkable relics — including the iron eagle from Hitler’s Reich Chancellery.

Volgograd (Stalingrad) – The Turning Point of the War

Few places on earth embody the brutality and heroism of WWII like Volgograd, formerly Stalingrad. Here, the Red Army turned back Hitler’s advance in one of the bloodiest battles in human history. The vast Mamayev Kurgan memorial dominates the skyline, crowned by the towering Motherland Calls statue — one of the world’s largest and most moving war monuments.

Across the city, remnants of battle remain embedded in daily life. Visit Pavlov’s House, the fortified apartment block defended against German forces for weeks, and the Stalingrad Battle Panoramic Museum, home to sniper Vasily Zaitsev’s rifle and haunting battlefield dioramas. Even today, walking through the fields outside the city — once the front lines — the silence feels almost sacred. It’s impossible not to be moved by the scale of loss and the resilience it represents.

St. Petersburg (Leningrad) – The City That Would Not Fall

St. Petersburg endured one of the darkest chapters of the war: the Siege of Leningrad, a 900-day blockade that starved the city but never broke it. The Siege of Leningrad Museum documents the unimaginable suffering and defiance of its citizens, displaying diaries, personal letters, and everyday objects that tell of endurance amid horror.

A short drive away lies Schlisselburg Fortress, where fierce fighting raged to reopen the “Road of Life” — the only supply route across frozen Lake Ladoga. Few places capture the human cost of war so viscerally. The nearby Nevski Pyatachok Memorial, where over 260,000 Soviet soldiers died, is one of Europe’s most sobering sites.