Cologne: EL-DE Haus And Old Town Private Guided Tour

Discover the poignant history of Cologne on a private guided tour that delves into its WWII past. Explore the EL-DE Haus, the former Gestapo headquarters, and uncover the harrowing stories of the city’s Jewish community. With a 5-star licensed guide, journey through the enchanting Old Town, visiting landmark sites like the iconic Cologne Cathedral. Choose between a 2-hour introduction or a more extensive 4-hour exploration, tailored to your interests. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a deeper understanding of this resilient city, this tour offers a captivating and flexible experience. The choice is yours to make.

Key Points

Private guided tour of Cologne’s EL-DE Haus and historic Old Town landmarks, with an emphasis on the city’s Jewish heritage and the impact of the Nazi regime.
Tour duration options ranging from 2 to 4 hours, led by multilingual 5-star licensed guides with in-depth expertise on the EL-DE Haus and Jewish history.
Flexible cancellation policy and ‘reserve now, pay later’ option available, ensuring a seamless booking experience.
Highlights include the EL-DE Haus (former Gestapo headquarters), Cologne Cathedral, Old Market Square, and the former Jewish Quarter.
Personalized recommendations for local restaurants, shops, and activities, along with the flexibility to adjust the tour pace and focus based on individual interests.

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Tour Overview and Pricing

This private guided tour in Cologne typically offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the EL-DE Haus and the city’s historic Old Town, with prices starting from £157.86 per person.

The tour duration ranges from 2 to 4 hours, and there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior for a full refund. Visitors can also opt for a ‘reserve now, pay later’ option.

The tour covers the EL-DE Haus, the former Gestapo headquarters during WWII, and the picturesque Old Town, including key landmarks like the Cologne Cathedral, the Old Market Square, and the Hohenzollern Bridge.

With a 5-star licensed guide, this tailored experience provides fascinating insights into Cologne’s rich history and Jewish heritage.

Historical Context and Significance

The EL-DE Haus, the former Gestapo headquarters during World War II, stands today as a poignant memorial and research center, bearing witness to the terrors of Nazi oppression in Cologne. This building, which miraculously survived the heavy bombings, now serves as a solemn reminder of the past:

The basements were used as prison cells and torture rooms, with over 1800 inscriptions from prisoners visible.

The focus is on Nazi terror and the tragic history of Cologne’s Jewish community.

Visitors can explore the former headquarters and learn about the horrors of the Nazi regime.

The EL-DE Haus provides a thought-provoking and immersive experience, shedding light on a dark chapter in German history.

This historic site stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of remembering the past.

EL-DE Haus: Nazi Documentation Center

EL-DE Haus serves as the official Nazi Documentation Center, occupying the former Gestapo headquarters in Cologne.

During World War II, this building’s basements were used as prison cells and torture chambers, with over 1,800 indelible inscriptions left by prisoners.

Today, the EL-DE Haus stands as a poignant memorial, shedding light on the atrocities of the Nazi regime and the tragic history of Cologne’s Jewish community.

Visitors can explore the exhibits, which explore the chilling details of the Gestapo’s operations and the devastating impact on the local population.

The EL-DE Haus is a crucial site for understanding the history of Nazism and its lasting effects on the city of Cologne.

Guided Tour Options and Durations

Visitors can choose between a basic 2-hour private tour option or an extended 4-hour tour that includes both the EL-DE Haus and a walk through Cologne’s historic Old Town.

The basic tour provides an introduction to WWII history and a private tour of the NS Documentation Centre.

The extended tour adds:

2-hour private walk through the Old Town
Visit to the Old Market Square and Historic Town Hall
Exploration of the former Jewish quarter
Tour of the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Panoramic views from the Hohenzollern Bridge and Great St. Martin Church

Both tours are led by 5-star licensed guides and include the EL-DE Haus admission ticket.

Old Town Highlights and Attractions

Captivating the essence of Cologne’s vibrant past, the private tour takes guests on a meandering journey through the city’s historic Old Town, showcasing its architectural gems and rich cultural tapestry. From the iconic Cologne Cathedral – a UNESCO World Heritage site – to the charming Old Market Square and the former Jewish quarter, each step unveils a new layer of the city’s captivating history. Visitors can admire the stunning Hohenzollern Bridge, offering panoramic views, and explore the impressive Great St. Martin Church. This curated experience provides a seamless blend of history, architecture, and local insights, leaving participants with a deep appreciation for Cologne’s enduring legacy.

Attraction	Significance
Cologne Cathedral	UNESCO World Heritage site, Gothic masterpiece
Old Market Square	Historic center, charming architecture
Former Jewish Quarter	Explore Cologne’s Jewish heritage
Hohenzollern Bridge	Panoramic views over the Rhine River
Great St. Martin Church	Impressive Romanesque church

Meeting Point and Inclusions

The tour’s meeting point is the main entrance of the EL-DE Haus, located at Appellhofpl. 23-25, 50667 Köln, Germany. Participants will receive important information via email the day before the scheduled tour.

The tour includes:

Private guided tour of the EL-DE Haus and Old Town highlights
Entrance ticket to the EL-DE Haus
A tailored experience with fascinating facts and stories
Services of a 5-Star licensed guide in multiple languages
The choice of a 2-hour basic or 4-hour extended tour option

With these inclusions, visitors can enjoy Cologne’s WWII history and explore the city’s captivating Old Town attractions.

Cancellation Policy and Payment Options

With a flexible cancellation policy, travelers can cancel their tour up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Plus, there’s a convenient reserve now and pay later option available, allowing customers to secure their spot without an immediate payment. This gives visitors the flexibility to plan their trip with confidence, knowing they can easily adjust their arrangements if needed.

The payment options provide added convenience, enabling travelers to book the tour and pay later, rather than having to commit funds upfront.

These customer-centric policies ensure a seamless booking experience and allow visitors to focus on anticipating their immersive exploration of Cologne’s rich history and vibrant old town.

Tailored Experience With Licensed Guides

Experienced, multilingual guides lead private tours, providing a tailored experience as they introduce visitors to Cologne’s rich history and landmarks.

These knowledgeable professionals are licensed and fluent in English, German, French, Russian, Spanish, and Italian, ensuring seamless communication.

Guests can expect:

In-depth expertise on the EL-DE House’s dark past as the Gestapo headquarters
Captivating stories and historical context about the city’s Jewish heritage
Guided exploration of Cologne’s picturesque Old Town, including the iconic Cathedral
Flexibility to adjust the tour pace and focus based on individual interests
Personalized recommendations for the best local restaurants, shops, and activities.

This customized approach allows visitors to truly enjoy Cologne’s compelling past and vibrant present.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, participants cannot bring their own food and drinks on the private guided tour. The tour focuses on the historical sites, and the guide will provide all necessary information and support throughout the experience.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children or Families?

The tour is generally suited for families and children, but the content on Nazi history could be disturbing for younger kids. It’s best to check with the tour operator about any age recommendations or child-friendly options.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no formal dress code for the tour. Visitors should wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking. Layering is recommended as the tour visits both indoor and outdoor sites.

Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?

Yes, you can take photographs during the tour. The tour guide generally allows visitors to take photos, but they may ask you to refrain from taking pictures in certain sensitive areas out of respect for the historical significance.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, there is an extended 4-hour tour option that includes a 2-hour private walk through Cologne’s historic Old Town in addition to the introduction and tour of the EL-DE Haus Nazi Documentation Center.

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