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Post by NFLqueen on Apr 11, 2003 7:35:40 GMT -5
I'm really interested in historical WWII sites. Any suggestions what are really good tours, cities, or areas to visit ...........
Thanks
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Post by Kim on Apr 11, 2003 10:17:03 GMT -5
Are you interested in WWI as well? We did a FANTASTIC tour, the best tour of our 7 months, out of Brugges, Belgium. I wasn't totally convinced I wanted to go but my boyfriend was persistant and man, I was glad I did. The guide was so knowledgable-we were in old trenches, bunkers, nursing stations.. I can't praise it enough. Anyway, here is their website: www.quasimodo.be/It's called the Flanders Fields tour and they have an under 26 rate as well. (They didn't check me for ID.. let's put it that way..) Kim |
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Post by LHR02 on Apr 11, 2003 12:52:02 GMT -5
What countries will you be visiting? And all of the war, or specific country's locations....ie American, Canadian, German, et al...... Battlefields, cemetaries, 'historic' houses/buildings? I think I can claim to be your source for this info!!  ging |
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Post by Kim on Apr 11, 2003 15:39:14 GMT -5
I knew you'd be all over this one, Ging! ;D
She's right, NFLqueen, she can tell you anything you need to know on this subject!
Kim
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Post by NFLqueen on Apr 11, 2003 16:35:00 GMT -5
OK - this is great  No real preference as to specific country locations (american/canadian) as .... well they're all just as important to me. I'm definitely interested in historic sites/ buildings/ battlefields etc. And no, not really a preference over which war although my grandparents fought in WWII and the stories of hiding jewish families in floor boards and walls throughout their homes in Amsterdam, being sent to prison for it and many more tales have heightened my avid interest in the era. Anyways....... where was I........ I had read about the Quasimodo tour and thanks for you input because I definitely won't miss that one now. Which one is more thorough, the bus or bike trip - bus trip I would assume. I will likely book this really soon, I'm excited. In Germany - I don't even know where to begin but I would actually plan my itinerary around these sites, as it's my main interest. I can't decide where I should go from Bruges - to Paris then back to Germany, or Germany, Austria, (maybe Switzerland) , then Paris but I guess that's another issue. I would like to spend 4 or 5 days in Germany and would love your suggestions on great places to see..... not only in Germany obviously but I would love to hear about your favorites. I hope it doesn't seem "morbid" by any means but I would like to see concentration camps as well - my friend went on a tour once and didn't know much about the war - she was really disturbed over it....... although I guess it's how you value the historic lesson. Thanks again guys - looking forward to your responses. Kelly |
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Post by LHR02 on Apr 11, 2003 17:07:56 GMT -5
Kelly,
Give me a day or two (or are you leaving in a real hurry?) and I will get some things together for you. There are some fabulous 'un-touristy' sorts of places in BeNeLux, Germany of course, and France. Really haven't done much Switz, although they were neutral so not too much there anyway.
As for CC's.....couple I can send you off to in Germany, Dachau being the most 'famous' tourist spot but quite sanitized....just outside Berlin is Sachsenhausen....under East German control for years and well worth the visit....of course the biggie is Auschwitz....but you didn't mention Poland.....although from Germany can be done in 2 rushed days....one place I found almost more 'horrid' than any CC was Wansee House...just outside (SW) Berlin....where the Wansee Conference was held and the 'final solution' decided upon. A FABULOUS AND AMAZING FIND INDEED! If that part of the war interests you this is a top must-see imo.
Anyway, if you read my 'from the road' reports here on this site you will find some info....I did a lot of WWII stuff....which is why Kim was razzing me. ;D
Busy tonight so it will have to wait till tomorrow or Sunday but I will indeed gather some info for you and send it back! You are talking 'my passion' and like you, I came by it from my grandparents.
ging
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Post by nitsansh on Apr 11, 2003 18:24:41 GMT -5
Other camps which you can visit:
Terezin in Czech Republic (an hour away from Prague)
Mauthausen in Austria (near Linz)
There are numerous camps in Germany and Poland, of course...
Perhaps you'll be interested in visiting Hitler's holiday home in Brechtesgaden in the Bavarian Alps (near Salzburg).
If you go to London, I would suggest to visit the cabinet war rooms - an underground bunker where Churchill had his headquarters. It's near Downing st. 10.
Anna Frank hiding place in Amsterdam is a must.
If you're into WW1... one of the biggest battles of the war was at Soca valley in nowadays Slovenia. A museum in Kobarid is dedicated to that bloodshed, which is featured in Ernest Hemingway's novel "farewell to arms".
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Post by Eagle on Apr 11, 2003 19:06:44 GMT -5
I'm also very interested in WWII battle sites, although I haven't visited any yet (I will work these into my trip when I visit the different areas). A few more suggestions for you (some mentioned in other posts):
> D-Day Beaches (France) - probably one of the best known battle sites - in addition to the beach, I've heard a visit to the Allied & German cemeteries is quite moving. (not a good idea to go in 2004, as it's an "anniversary year" - it will be crowded!)
> The Ardennes (Belgium?) - site of "A Bridge Too Far", "The Battle of the Bulge" and the Battle of Hurtgen Forest - some of the most important battles of the war.
> Zagan, Silesia (Poland?) - site of "The Great Escape" - not much left there, but some foundations of the buildings and a memorial cairn. Good web sites available for research before you go.
> Conc. Camps - Dachau, Matthausen, Auschwitz/Birkenau are the most common. Of all, I've heard that Auschwitz is the most moving and disturbing, with Matthausen very similar. Dachau is likely the easiest one to visit (just outside Munich).
> Hitler Bunker (Berlin) - not much left, although I think there's a walking tour (with guide) that covers the history and location of that.
> War Cabinet Rooms (London) - these were shut down the day after the armistice was signed, and pretty much left "as is". I've heard that it's a good tour.
> Museums (England) - There are supposedly some good museums (Tank Museum - Bovington, etc.) in various places in England, as well as some old airfields. Probably something to visit if you had lots of time.
> Maginot Line (France) - not sure how much is left for touring?
> Berchestsgaden (hope the spelling is correct?) - might be worth a visit if you have time. Rick Steves mentions it in his books.
> Dieppe - very important battle site. Not sure if they have any museums or anything to commemorate the battle?
> Anzio (Italy) - I've heard there are some private museums in the area that are quite good. Also, Monte Cassino might be worth checking out?
> Finally, check the Rick Steves web site, Graffiti wall section as they have a WWII link there, with comments from other travellers regarding good sites to visit.
I'm sure there are lots of other interesting sites, but didn't want to make this post too long.
Hope this helps in planning your trip. Cheers!!!
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Post by LHR02 on Apr 11, 2003 19:19:51 GMT -5
> Hitler Bunker (Berlin) - not much left, although I think there's a walking tour (with guide) that covers the history and location of that.<
Absolutely nothing left! And a new high rise built over the site......used to be a fairly good tour of the area before the wall came down.....now it is all re-built and the tour is not worth the money.....nothing to see.
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Post by Eagle on Apr 11, 2003 19:26:46 GMT -5
Thanks for the update on the Hitler Bunker. The information I had on that must have been "dated". Hopefully, NFLQueen will find something useful in the other sites I suggested.
Thanks again, Cheers!!!
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Post by NFLqueen on Apr 11, 2003 20:57:48 GMT -5
Thanks so much for your posts everyone, this is great info! I'm in no rush because I don't leave until May 23rd so feel free to leave long winded posts - they're much appreciated  I've got to get into gear here and start reading up on a lot of these things........ been so darn busy with work and school - but this site has already given me a great head start! Have a great weekend, Kel |
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Post by Kim on Apr 11, 2003 22:06:25 GMT -5
Ging,
You must not have done the Brewsters Best of Berlin walking tour cause man, that was one fantastic walking tour. Leaves from some of the main hostels, including the Circus and the Clubhouse.
It's done by Terry Brewster who worked for the British Embassy during the times of East and West Berlin. He is fascinating-it says the tour is 4 hrs. but ours ended up being 8 hours. It's cheap too!
Kim
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