The Netherlands, with its rich history and culture, was deeply impacted by World War II. During the Nazi occupation, the country became a stage for courageous resistance and overwhelming tragedies. From north to south, cities and villages witnessed acts of bravery and suffering as the Dutch people fought to preserve their freedom and dignity against the oppressive regime. The Dutch resistance played a crucial role, with several cities serving as strongholds for those who opposed Nazi rule.
The Invasion and Surrender of the Netherlands
The Nazi invasion of the Netherlands began in the early hours of May 10, 1940, as part of Germany’s blitzkrieg offensive aimed at swiftly conquering Western Europe. The country, which had declared neutrality as it had in World War I, was taken by surprise by the brutality and speed of the attack. The highly organized and well-equipped German troops quickly overran Dutch defenses, and the devastating bombing of Rotterdam on May 14 was a critical blow to the nation’s morale. With the threat of further bombings, the Dutch government decided to surrender the following day, on May 15, 1940, marking the beginning of a grim five-year period of Nazi occupation.
The Royal Family During World War II
With the Nazi invasion, the Dutch royal family faced a critical situation. Queen Wilhelmina, known for her strong leadership, established a Dutch government in exile in London. From there, she continued to inspire resistance against the Nazis, broadcasting messages of hope and encouragement to the Dutch people through clandestine radio transmissions. Her daughter, Princess Juliana, found refuge in Canada with her children, where she remained until the end of the war. The royal family became a symbol of resistance and national unity, and Queen Wilhelmina returned triumphantly to the Netherlands after the liberation in 1945, welcomed as a hero.
Sapiens Travel's World War II Tour Highlights in Amsterdam
In Amsterdam, the vibrant cultural capital of the Netherlands, the scars left by the war are deep and indelible. Known for its charming canals and historic architecture, the city also harbors stories of persecution and resistance. Exploring Amsterdam from this perspective reveals a different side, where the legacy of World War II remains alive in its streets, monuments, and museums.
Amsterdam has a historic Jewish quarter known as Jodenbuurt, which was the center of the Jewish community before the war. In this neighborhood, you'll discover several attractions that reflect the rich Jewish heritage and the tragedies endured during the Nazi occupation.
World War II tours in Amsterdam can be organized for one or more days, with personalization and inclusion of the following attractions:
1. The Neighborhood Where Anne Frank Lived
Our journey begins in the Zuid (South) neighborhood, with a visit to the exterior of the house where Anne Frank and her family lived before going into hiding in the famous Secret Annex. Although the house is not open to the public as a museum, it is a significant place to reflect on the beginning of Anne's story. In the square opposite, there is a statue in her honor, commemorating the presence and ongoing impact of her story worldwide.
The house where Anne Frank lived now serves as a refuge for writers from countries with restrictions on freedom of expression. Each year, a young talent is selected to live in the house, with all expenses paid, as an incentive to produce their work. This place is not just a memorial but also a living center of creativity and resistance, where Anne Frank's legacy continues to inspire new generations to fight for freedom and human rights.
A curiosity: writer John Green stayed in the residence, at the invitation of the Anne Frank Foundation, to write "The Fault in Our Stars."
2. Anne Frank House Museum
We continue to the Jordaan neighborhood to visit the famous Anne Frank House, one of Amsterdam's most visited museums. In the renowned Secret Annex, where Anne wrote her diary while hiding from the Nazis, we explore the confined and dark spaces that provide a deeply immersive experience, bringing to life the story that has moved millions of readers around the world.
3. Jewish Historical Museum
Located in a former synagogue, the museum offers a comprehensive view of Jewish history and culture in the Netherlands. The exhibits highlight Jewish life before, during, and after World War II, with a section dedicated to the Holocaust. The collection includes works by renowned painters from the Dutch Golden Age.
4. Portuguese Synagogue of Amsterdam
One of the most impressive buildings in the Jewish quarter, the Portuguese Synagogue, built in the 17th century, is a testament to the former prosperity of the Jewish community and the freedom they experienced in Amsterdam. Although it survived the war, the synagogue represents the resilience and continuity of Jewish faith and culture in the city.
5. Botanical Garden (Hortus Botanicus)
One of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe, Hortus Botanicus also has a connection to World War II. During the occupation, the area was used to hide Jews and members of the resistance. Visiting this tranquil space offers a unique perspective on the city’s non-violent resistance.
6. Shadow Wall (De Schaduwkade)
An initiative by local residents, the Shadow Wall is a modest memorial in Amsterdam that honors the Jews deported during World War II. The names of all members of families who lived in houses along the Nieuwe Keizersgracht are engraved on plaques on the opposite bank of the canal. People of all ages, including newborns, were sent to concentration camps in Germany and Poland for labor and extermination. The Shadow Wall serves as a somber and powerful reminder of the devastation caused by the Holocaust.
7. Holocaust Names Monument (Holocaust Namenmonument)
One of the most recent additions to Amsterdam’s memorial landscape. Inaugurated in 2021, the monument, designed by Daniel Libeskind, the artist responsible for the Berlin Holocaust Memorial and the Tel Aviv Diaspora Memorial, is located on Weesperstraat, at the entrance to the Jewish Quarter. It displays the names of 102,000 victims of the Holocaust from Amsterdam, engraved on individual bricks. Walking through this monument is a deeply moving experience, reminding everyone of the lives lost during one of the darkest periods in history.
8. Nationaal Holocaust museum
Inaugurated in 2024, the Amsterdam Holocaust Museum is a memorial that honors the victims of the Holocaust and offers a detailed narrative of the persecution and suffering faced by Jews in the Netherlands during World War II. The museum combines interactive exhibits and historical artifacts with personal testimonies, creating an educational and emotionally impactful experience. It serves as a powerful reminder of past atrocities and as a tribute to resilience and collective memory.
9. South Church (ZuidKerk)
One of Amsterdam’s iconic Golden Age churches, it played a significant role during World War II. During the harsh winter of the last year of the war, known as the "Hunger Winter" (Hongerwinter), many Amsterdam residents did not survive the cold and hunger. Zuidkerk served as a storage place for bodies awaiting burial and also as a hiding place for Jews who sheltered among the corpses to avoid capture by the Nazis. This grim episode reflects the desperation and courage of those trying to survive during the darkest moments of the occupation.
10. Dutch Theatre (Hollandsche Schouwburg)
Once a famous theater in Amsterdam, during the Nazi occupation, it was transformed into a detention center for Jews before being deported to concentration camps. Today, the site is a moving memorial that honors the victims of the Holocaust. The theater houses a permanent exhibition on the persecution of Jews in the Netherlands, providing a powerful and reflective experience.
11. Resistance Museum (Verzetsmuseum)
No World War II visit to Amsterdam would be complete without a stop at the Resistance Museum. This museum details the actions of the Dutch resistance against the Nazi occupation, from small acts of civil disobedience to organized sabotage and the rescue of Jews. The exhibits include artifacts, photographs, and testimonies that capture the spirit of struggle and courage of those who opposed the regime.
12. National Monument and Dam Square
In the heart of Amsterdam, Dam Square is home to the National Monument, a memorial dedicated to all Dutch citizens who died during World War II and in the conflicts in which the Netherlands has been involved. Every year, on Remembrance Day (May 4), an official ceremony is held here, attended by the royal family and leaders of the kingdom’s territories. The square is a place of reflection and reverence, reminding everyone of the sacrifices made during one of the darkest periods in the country’s history.
Also located in the square is the "Place a Stone" memorial, a silent monument with plaques installed on the ground in honor of 32 victims of an attack that took place during celebrations in the square after the German surrender.
13. Auschwitz Never Again Memorial
Located in Oosterpark, the Auschwitz Never Again Memorial was created by Dutch artist Jan Wolkers. This memorial, which consists of broken mirrors on the ground, reflects the sky, symbolizing that the sky will never be whole again after the atrocities of Auschwitz. It is a quiet and introspective place, ideal for a reflective pause during your journey.
14. Amsterdam City Archives (Stadsarchief)
The Amsterdam City Archives is a treasure trove of historical documents that preserve the city’s memory, especially during critical periods such as World War II. Visitors can explore a vast collection of records, including official documents, letters, photographs, and maps that illustrate the Nazi occupation and Dutch resistance. The archive offers a deep and detailed insight into the war's impact on Amsterdam’s population, from mass deportations to survival strategies adopted by the residents.
World War II Beyond Amsterdam: Westerbork Concentration Camp and Zwolle
After exploring Amsterdam, we suggest a northern route, with a visit to the Westerbork Concentration Camp. This transit camp played a central role in the Holocaust in the Netherlands, serving as the departure point for thousands of Jews, including Anne Frank, to extermination camps. Visiting Westerbork is a profound and moving experience, essential for understanding the scale of Nazi persecution.
Continuing to Zwolle, you will discover one of the cities that bravely resisted the Nazi regime. Zwolle is known for its stories of resistance, where courageous citizens risked their lives to save Jews and sabotage Nazi operations. The tour includes visits to memorials, such as the Zwolle Resistance Monument, and a walk through the historic city center, where many of these heroic actions took place.
We recommend combining Zwolle with our Hanseatic Cities tour, which includes visits to Kampen, Deventer, and the Kröller-Müller Museum.
World War II Beyond Amsterdam: Overloon War Museum
The Overloon War Museum is the biggest WWII museum in The Netherland. Right here, the tank battle of Overloon unfolded in the autumn of 1944. The village of Overloon was totally devestated back then. In order to remember the casualties and victims of that episode the museum was founded in 1946, even before the village was rebuilt.The War Museum in Overloon in the largest museum about World War II in Western Europe, set in 14 hectares of woodland and is the largest of its kind in the Netherlands. It is located in the heart of the Brabant Region, only a 2-hour drive from Amsterdam.
The first exhibition is about the occupation of The Netherlands from 1940 till 1945. The second large exhibition, displayed on 10.000 m2, contains over 150 military vehicles and artillery, both from allied forces and German. In addition to these two main exhibitions there are several smaller presentations, of which the Battle at Overloon presentation is definitely worth a visit. A museum restaurant and a shop completes this museum, which can be found in the so called Liberty Park in Overloon.
Sapiens Travel: World War II in the Netherlands
Our World War II programs can combine some or all of the above attractions, creating itineraries that blend the culture, flavors, and lifestyle of the Netherlands with an in-depth exploration of World War II history.
Guided by an expert host, these visits to historical sites will provide an educational and emotionally engaging experience, leaving a lasting impact on your understanding of European history.
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