Cologne: WWII History & EL-DE Haus Private Guided Tour

4.6 (10 reviews) 2–4 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

10 reviews

4.6

Cologne: WWII History & EL-DE Haus Private Guided Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Cologne: WWII History & EL-DE Haus Private Guided Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

What was life like in Nazi-era Cologne? Uncover personal stories, tragic fates and dark history of World War II on a private tour. Optional: visit the NS Documentation Centre (EL-DE Haus) and explore the secrets of Gestapo with an Expert Guide.

Choose any of these fantastic options tailored to your choice or preference:

2-hour: WWII Traces Guided Tour

Uncover WWII history in Cologne's Old Town. See the iconic Cathedral, learn about the Trail of Remembrance, Stumbling Stones, and Kolumba.

4-hour: WWII Traces & EL-DE Haus Guided Tour

Uncover WWII history in-depth in Cologne's Old Town and the NS Documentation Center (EL-DE Haus). See the iconic Cathedral, learn about the Trail of Remembrance and more.

Uncover the dark history of Cologne’s WWII past on a private walking tour designed by Rosotravel, where a Licensed Guide will share powerful stories of destruction, survival, and remembrance. Follow traces of war that still shape the city today.

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At a glance

Duration: 2–4 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: German, Russian, English, Italian, French, Spanish
Operated by: Rosotravel - Munich

Ages: Adults (0–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: 5-Star Licensed Guide who is fluent in your chosen language
Included: (number of attractions depends on the selected option)
Included: See the Cologne Cathedral from outside
Included: Private walking tour in Cologne Old Town discovering WWII traces
Included: Fascinating facts and stories in a tempo adjusted to your preferences and interests
Included: Entry ticket to EL-DE Haus - NS Documentation Center (in the 4-hour option)

Not included

Not included: Entry to the Cologne Cathedral

Itinerary

Stop 1

10 min

Meet your guide Kreuzblume monument in front of the entrance to Cologne Cathedral
Cologne Cathedral

50 min

Begin at the iconic Cologne Cathedral (viewed from outside only), a stunning Gothic masterpiece that miraculously survived heavy bombings and still bears bullet holes. Continue your journey along Cologne’s quiet cobblestone streets and uncover the poignant Trail of Remembrance.
Stolpersteine Cologne

30 min

Learn about the small brass Stolpersteine (Stumbling Stones) that mark the last known homes of Jewish victims, and hear their stories of loss and courage.
Cologne Central Station

30 min

See key WWII sites such as the Central Station, Hohenzollern Bridge, and the former exhibition grounds—once linked to the Auschwitz-Buchenwald subcamp—and learn about their roles during wartime. With your Private Guide, you’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace, ask questions, and focus on the aspects of history that move you most.
NS Documentation Centre of the City of Cologne

2 hours Admission included

Visit to the NS Documentation Center, known as the EL-DE Haus. This former Gestapo headquarters is now a chilling memorial, preserving prison cells and over 1,800 inscriptions carved by prisoners. Walk through rooms where forced laborers, political enemies, and resistance members were held and tortured, and hear how Nazi terror unfolded in Cologne. With a Licensed Guide at your side, you’ll gain a deeper, personal understanding of these harrowing events.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meet your guide Kreuzblume monument in front of the entrance to Cologne Cathedral

End point

Meet your guide Kreuzblume monument in front of the entrance to Cologne Cathedral

Using your ticket

Information for the customer (Know before you go)

Please check your email the day before the tour for important information from Rosotravel, your tour operator.
The number of attractions visited depends on the selected option.
Please note Entry to the Cologne Cathedral is not included
This is a walking tour, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes and dressing appropriately for the weather, as the tour runs rain or shine!
Have a special request or need accessibility support? Let us know in advance—we’re happy to help!

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please check your email the day before the tour for important information from Rosotravel, your tour operator.
The number of attractions visited depends on the selected option.
Please note Entry to the Cologne Cathedral is not included
This is a walking tour, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes and dressing appropriately for the weather, as the tour runs rain or shine!
Have a special request or need accessibility support? Let us know in advance—we’re happy to help!

Options

4H:WWII Traces&EL-DE HausGuide

Duration: 4 hours: Uncover WWII history in-depth in Cologne's Old Town and the NS Documentation Center (EL-DE Haus). See the iconic Cathedral,

,: learn about the Trail of Remembrance and more.

Expert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language - DECO009.
2-hour:WWII Traces Guided Tour

Duration: 2 hours: Uncover WWII history in Cologne's Old Town. See the iconic Cathedral, learn about the Trail of Remembrance, Stumbling Stones,

,: and Kolumba.

Expert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language - DECO009.