Prague Communism and World War II Walking Tour
Description
This tour provides a fascinating insight into the major events of the 20th century in our country. Travel back through time and discover the most important sites that witnessed our turbulent modern past. Listen to the stories about struggle for independence and freedom, great suffering and sacrifice, courage and pain, hope and crushed dreams. Learn how the life was under the yoke of communist dictatorship and how thorny was the path towards democracy. Visit Národní třída and Wenceslas Square, the main places of the Velvet Revolution of 1989 and many, many more - all this with a knowledgeable local guide!
Tour Options
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.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Reviews(33)
Forgive me for forgetting the guides name, but he was amazing. He was a student at the time of the velvet revolution, and took part in the demonstrations. The stories he told of hiding from the police and joining the resistance against the communist regime were so compelling and inspiring. If you’re able to walk 2 miles or so, this tour is amazing. If there’s a way for the guide to message me or respond to this, I would love to include your name if you happen to see this.
Martin was so knowledgeable and the entire tour was fascinating and insightful. He offered personal insights into life in Prague which were much appreciated and helped our understanding of life in Prague through the 20th century. Martin is much better than he thinks he is. We have done lots of walking tours and his was right up there at the top.
A lot of really interesting information about politics, history and culture sure to fascinate those interested in modern times. The walk is continuous but Anna kept the conversation pace to match. We saw places of significance and commemorative installations. Highly recommended
Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so happy to hear you enjoyed learning about Prague’s politics, history, and culture with Anna. It’s great that the tour felt engaging and well paced throughout. We truly appreciate your recommendation! Fun in Prague team
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!
Thank you for your feedback, we’re glad you enjoyed the tour and that Tomas made it so engaging and informative. Fun in Prague team
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.
It’s wonderful to hear you had such a great experience with Martin! Watching the film Anthropoid beforehand was a brilliant move—it really makes the history feel alive when you’re standing right where it happened. We’re so glad Martin was able to dive deep into those stories with you and that the small group size gave you plenty of space for all your questions. We’ll be sure to pass your praise along to him! Fun in Prague team
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.
Thank you, Iain! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the tour with Tomas and appreciated the history, stories, and local vibes. It was a pleasure having you in Prague! Fun in Prague team
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.
Thank you for sharing this! We’re thrilled you enjoyed such a powerful, first-hand perspective on the Velvet Revolution. Fun in Prague team
Wonderful! Exactly what I wanted. Guide was very knowledgeable and covered all of the important places and events. Thanks
Thank you for your feedback, we hope to see you again. Fun in Prague Team
Such an educational experience that really added an extra dimension to our tour of Prague! Highly recommend!!!
Thank you for a nice feedback, I will let your guide(Tomas) know. Fun in Prague Team
It was an informative tour. The guide is knowledgeable. He answers questions. The two hours passed very quickly.
Thank you for your nice review. We are glad that you enjoyed this tour. We will be happy to see you again sometime. Fun in Prague Team
