Gedenkstatte Deutscher Widerstand (German Resistance Memorial Center), Berlin
Located in Berlin's Mitte district, the German Resistance Memorial Center serves as a poignant reminder of the daring coup attempt that unfolded on July 20, 1944, against the oppressive National Socialist regime. This pivotal event, known as the "20 July Plot" or "Operation Valkyrie", was led by a group of German officers and civilians during World War II, whose primary objective was to assassinate Adolf Hitler and overthrow the tyrannical Nazi regime ruling Germany, in the hopes of creating an opportunity to establish a new government that would end the war and prevent further devastation caused by regime.
Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg played a central role in this audacious plot. His deep disillusionment with Hitler's ideology and the heinous actions committed by the Nazis fueled his determination to take action. On July 20, 1944, von Stauffenberg, alongside other high-ranking officers, attended a military conference at the Wolf's Lair, Hitler's headquarters in East Prussia. Concealing a bomb inside a briefcase, he placed it under a table near Hitler during the meeting. Despite causing casualties and chaos, the explosion only resulted in minor injuries to the dictator, and he survived the assassination attempt; however, the plot's subsequent exposure triggered a swift and brutal crackdown on the conspirators. Many were arrested, subjected to interrogations, and executed in the ensuing days and weeks.
Today, visitors to the Memorial Center can explore the historic rooms and courtyards where key members of the German resistance operated and where the plot was organized. By showcasing the bravery and determination of these individuals, the institution encourages reflection, education, and a deeper understanding of the intricate history of resistance against totalitarian regimes.
Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg played a central role in this audacious plot. His deep disillusionment with Hitler's ideology and the heinous actions committed by the Nazis fueled his determination to take action. On July 20, 1944, von Stauffenberg, alongside other high-ranking officers, attended a military conference at the Wolf's Lair, Hitler's headquarters in East Prussia. Concealing a bomb inside a briefcase, he placed it under a table near Hitler during the meeting. Despite causing casualties and chaos, the explosion only resulted in minor injuries to the dictator, and he survived the assassination attempt; however, the plot's subsequent exposure triggered a swift and brutal crackdown on the conspirators. Many were arrested, subjected to interrogations, and executed in the ensuing days and weeks.
Today, visitors to the Memorial Center can explore the historic rooms and courtyards where key members of the German resistance operated and where the plot was organized. By showcasing the bravery and determination of these individuals, the institution encourages reflection, education, and a deeper understanding of the intricate history of resistance against totalitarian regimes.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Berlin. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Gedenkstatte Deutscher Widerstand (German Resistance Memorial Center) on Map
Sight Name: Gedenkstatte Deutscher Widerstand (German Resistance Memorial Center)
Sight Location: Berlin, Germany (See walking tours in Berlin)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Berlin, Germany (See walking tours in Berlin)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Berlin, Germany
Create Your Own Walk in Berlin
Creating your own self-guided walk in Berlin is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Museum Island Walking Tour
One of Berlin’s most visited attractions, the Museum Island ("Museumsinsel") complex was established by order of King Frederick William IV of Prussia in 1841 and houses several world-famous museums kept in close vicinity of each other. The island itself is spectacular for a walk, with wonderful architecture, statues, gardens and trees, so enjoy the atmosphere and make at least a day... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Tiergarten Walking Tour
Known for the huge park of the same name, which once was a royal hunting ground, the central district of Tiergarten (German for “Animal Garden”) is home to the Berlin Zoo, the Victory Column with its winged statue and the lively, lakeside Café am Neuen See.
Begin your exploration at Postdamer Platz, the historic central square of Berlin, once regarded in the same way as Piccadilly Circus... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Begin your exploration at Postdamer Platz, the historic central square of Berlin, once regarded in the same way as Piccadilly Circus... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Berlin Introduction Walking Tour
The German capital, Berlin, is known for its turbulent past. Today, this sprawling metropolis is filled with a mix of historical resonance and modernity manifested in creative industries, popular media, and diverse cultural tourism.
The first written records of settlements in the present-day Berlin area date back to the late 12th century. In 1157, the region came under German rule as part of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
The first written records of settlements in the present-day Berlin area date back to the late 12th century. In 1157, the region came under German rule as part of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Third Reich Walking Tour
The “Third Reich” and “Nazi Germany” are the common English names for Germany between 1933 and 1945, when it was a totalitarian state led by Adolf Hitler and the National Socialist German Workers’ Party. For any visitor to Berlin, the Nazi surrender that ended World War II is still a point of interest, but matching locations to those moments of history can be a challenge. On this special... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Alexanderplatz Walking Tour
One of Berlin’s cosmopolitan hearts, Alexanderplatz (or Alexander Square) is a true hive of activity. There is always something going on here: Christmas markets, Easter fairs, buskers, performances, Oktoberfest, and the list is countless. Easily accessible, with lots of transport connections and all manner of drink and food outlets, it’s a great place to hang around, take photos, and enjoy... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Berlin Food Walking Tour
While Berlin may not be considered a typical foodie destination yet, recent years saw a growing number of decent places to eat, serving both German and international cuisine. At some point, the city has even earned itself the title of a vegetarian capital of the world, contrary to what one may have expected. Amid all this renaissance in creativity and culture, coupled with the influx of the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
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