WWII History: Germany

Join a licensed guide to explore Berlin’s most iconic sites. Visit the Brandenburg Gate, once trapped in Cold War “no man’s land” and now a symbol of unity, and step into its Room of Silence to reflect on Germany’s past. Follow the route of the Berlin Wall, marked with crosses and wreaths honoring those who lost their lives. At Checkpoint Charlie, see the museum’s powerful exhibits on daring escape attempts, then continue to Potsdamer Platz, a modern hub rebuilt from the once-divided city center.

The Topography of Terror in Berlin is a museum and historical site that documents the crimes of the Nazi regime, particularly those committed by the Gestapo, SS, and Reich Security Main Office. It features exhibitions, educational programs, and preserved remnants like a section of the Berlin Wall to provide a deeper understanding of this period.

The interactive DDR Museum gives you a chance to experience what life was like in Communist-controlled East Berlin. Focusing on the material history of how objects inflected an East Berliner’s daily life, the museum houses many of the most commonly-used objects. Explore a typical residential apartment, a standard-issue East Berlin automobile, and a hidden ‘bugging’ station that gives visitors a sense of what it must have been like for so many common citizens ‘under surveillance’.

Step into the lives of those impacted by the Berlin Wall through a group activity that brings history to life. Recite personal accounts, reflect on their experiences, and discuss the lasting repercussions to gain a deeper, more personal understanding of Germany’s past.

Augustus Square, Old Town Hall, St. Thomas Church

Take a guided sightseeing tour of Dresden, a city largely destroyed during Allied air raids in 1945. Visit the Frauenkirche, a Lutheran church rebuilt from the ruins and now a symbol of reconciliation. Walk along Brühlsche Terrasse, known as the “Balcony of Europe,” and see the Fürstenzug, a 19th-century mural made of porcelain tiles.

Alstadt, Handwerkerhof, Marktplatz, Schöner Brunnen

Post-World War II, Nazi leaders were forced to answer for their crimes before the International Military Tribunal in Courthouse 600. Sit in the courtroom where history was rewritten at the Palace of Justice, then learn more about the Nuremburg Trials and how they influenced international criminal law. *Courtroom 600 is still an active courtroom and can only be viewed on days when court is not in session.

Unearth the causes, connections and consequences of Nazi Germany amidst the remains of the rally grounds where more than a million people gathered to support the National Socialists between 1933 and 1938. The museum’s sobering Fascination and Terror exhibition takes a deeper look at Nazi dictatorship and the history of party rallies during the Nazi regime.

Dachau, the first of Nazi Germany’s concentration camps, became the model for thousands that followed. Now a memorial and museum, it honors the 206,000 prisoners held here from 1933 to 1945 and traces the rise of the Nazi party, pre-1930s anti-Semitism, and the lives of those imprisoned.

Enjoy Bavarian- or Berlin-style sausage with traditional sides. Bavarian sausage is made from veal and pork back bacon, while the Berlin style features fried pork.

Join a licensed guide for a whirlwind look at Munich, from its medieval heart to modern landmarks. Stroll through Marienplatz to see the Neues Rathaus and its famous Glockenspiel, framed by the twin towers of the Frauenkirche. Visit the Residenz, then explore Olympiapark, built for the 1972 Games, and step into BMW Welt to experience innovation and sleek design.