Prague WWII and Communism Walking Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore Prague's WWII history
- Visit key communist-era sites
- Learn about Prague's 20th-century past
- See landmarks from the 1940s and 1950s
- Discover hidden historical gems
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Expert local guide
- Visit to key historical sites
- Insight into Prague's 20th-century history
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Meet your guide in the heart of the Old Town – on a threshold of the Old Town Bridge Tower and sett of on a fascinating journey to the past. After you enjoy a panoramic view of the Prague Castle – the proud seat of Czech rulers and presidents - you learn that not far from it once stood the largest statue of Joseph Stalin in the world! Step by step your guide will cover all the major events.
Learn about what led the Czech nation from the grip of the Austrian monarchy to an independent Czechoslovak democratic state – one of the strongest economies of its time and also the last functioning democracy in Eastern and Central Europe after 1933. Find out about the suffering during the 2nd World War under the Nazi “Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia“ and about the Operation Anthropoid which was the only successful assassination of a senior Nazi leader during World War II. Reveal the methods and strategies of the communist regime, and the enduring influence of the USSR, as it seized power and transformed the formerly democratic state into a tough dictatorship where human life meant less than nothing.
Imagine the euphoria of Prague Spring followed by Soviet tanks invading Prague in 1968, shooting at the building of National Museum on Wenceslas Square. On the very same square we honour the memory of young students who burnt themselves alive in order to unite the nation against the common enemy in 1969. As the history rushed towards the 70’s and 80’s you can see its reflection in the streets you pass. Your guide will reveal the long and thorny past that led to the Velvet Revolution of 1989 – the ultimate victory of democracy after more than 40 years of communism. Hear the stories about Václav Havel, courageous students, brutal police forces and the clashes at Narodní třída. Your tour would not be complete without some humorous and obscure stories from the times of newly gained freedom.
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates rain or shine
- Photography is allowed at most sites
- Group size may vary
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Dress appropriately for the weather
- Bring a bottle of water
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Traveler reviews
Fantastic tour
Tomas was a fantastic and engaging guide, 2 hours flew by and I learnt lots of interesting things that I suspect most visitors to Prague can easily miss. A must do and highly recommended, thanks Tomas!
Guided tour Martin recommended
We have had a highly recommended tour from guide Martin. At home we had seen the film Anthropoid about the 2nd World War which takes place in Prague. That story will recur in the tour. Martin spoke good English and there were two of us so we could ask all the questions.
Best tour ever
We did this tour with Tomas last week. It was just the two of us on the tour and we got to spend about 2 1/2 hrs with Tomas. It was the best tour we have ever been on. Tomas is a very interesting, intelligent and articulate person. Tomas began by giving us a brief history of Czechia up to 1930's and WW2. While walking around Prague (and very quickly getting away from the very large tourist gatherings) Tomas delivered a really interesting history from WW2 to date, covering the end of the war, arrival of the Soviets, crushing of democracy and imposition of communism, prague spring in '68, brezhnez docterine of the 70s and the gradual unravelling communism and on to the present day. The tour was a fascinating blend of politics, history, his personal family backround and a real insight into life in Prague in the 70's onwards. Tomas was really engaging, a very nice bloke and we even found time to go for coffee, and later a beer (delicious!). I would highly recommend this tour. It was a definite highlight of our trip. Iain, Ireland.
Highlight of our Visit to Prague
Unique experience. Our guide had been a student demonstrator during the Velvet Revolution so we had a gripping, first-hand account of the events of 1989.
Great
Wonderful! Exactly what I wanted. Guide was very knowledgeable and covered all of the important places and events. Thanks