Berlins Darkest Years: The Third Reich and WW2
"Matti was such a wonderful guide… lots of information but not too much to be overwhelming… he was so enthusiastic… felt like he loved his job and the city!!! Perfect start to our stay in Berlin."
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Embark on a poignant journey through Berlin's history, delving into the chilling echoes of its darkest epochs—World War II and the Holocaust. This tour unveils the haunting remnants of that era, guiding you through the scars etched by these monumental events. Wander along the once-pivotal government street, Wilhelmstrasse and stand atop the site of Hitler's bunker, where one of the world's most infamous figures met his end.
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Moving through the old Jewish neighborhood, the tour embraces memorials that stand as poignant tributes to the countless lives lost during the Nazi Regime. Each memorial is a solemn reminder of the human cost of war and the horrors of persecution, preserving the memory of those who perished. The tour allows you to witness tangible remnants of the past—bullet holes marking facades, ruins that silently narrate tales of destruction, bunkers that sheltered in fear, and even the presence of tanks, all relics of a time of immense upheaval and struggle.
In the Third Reich, Berlin was a stage for pivotal events, such as the horror of Crystal Night, a turning point towards the Holocaust. As WWII raged, Berlin became a battleground, enduring devastating bombings. The Battle of Berlin, including the intense Battle of the Reichstag, symbolized Nazi Germany's fall. These events left enduring scars on the cityscape, recounting Berlin's tumultuous past.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Itiniary?
We will see and talk about: The Reichstag building and the final Battle of Berlin, Soviet Memorial Tiergarten with WW2 tanks, Tiergarten & Germania Plans, Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, Memorial to the Murdered Homosexuals & Memorial to the Murdered Sinti and Roma, Site of Hitler's Bunker, Site of Hitler's Chancellory, Georg Elser Memorial & Former Propaganda Ministry, Former Air Force Ministry, Former SS & Gestapo HQ & Topography of Terror, Original WW2 Bullet Holes, Anhalter Bahnhof WW2 ruins & Deportation Memorial, Anhalter WW2 Bunker, New Synagogue and the Story of "Kristallnacht", St Hedwig's Hospital & their efforts to save people, The Missing House (WW2 Memorial), Oldest Jewish Cemetery & Deportation Center Memorial, Otto Weidt's Workshop for Blind Jews. Optionally, we can also travel to the outskirts to include places like the Olympic Stadium of the 1936 Olympic Games & Jesse Owens Story, Platform 17 Deportation Memorial Grunewald, Soviet Memorial Treptower Park & Marble from Hitler's Chancellory, Tempelhof Airport & Nazi Architecture and the House of the Wannsee Conference.
How long is the Third Reich and WW2 Private Tour tour?
The Third Reich and WW2 private tour duration spans between 3 to 4 hours. Should your interest extend to exploring additional sites such as the Olympic Stadium, the tour can easily be extended to encompass these historically significant locations. However, it's essential to note that visiting peripheral sites might require additional transport, and the duration of the tour will be significantly influenced by each location visited. For a leisurely-paced tour focusing on the primary itinerary, a recommended duration of 3 to 4 hours includes necessary breaks for refreshments and restroom visits, complemented by a visit to the evocative Topography of Terror.
Is there still WW2 damage in Berlin?
Yes, traces of WWII damage can still be found in Berlin. While much of the city has been rebuilt, some areas retain remnants of the war's devastation, such as bullet holes in buildings, preserved ruins, and occasionally unearthed bomb sites. These reminders serve as poignant traces of Berlin's tumultuous history during World War II and I'm happy to show you these places.
How much would a private Berlin tour cost?
Private Berlin tour costs can vary widely, generally falling between 50 and 100 euros per hour. However, the final price can be influenced by various factors like duration, group size, inclusions, and customization. Additionally, the use of private cars or buses for transportation during the tour can increase the overall cost. For accurate pricing based on your preferences and transportation needs, it's best to directly inquire with me.