WWII buffs?? Where to go in Europe?

Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary

04/25/2014 10:38:53 PM · #1

Going on a tour of Germany, Italy, France, and Switzerland.

Our youngest son (18) is my touring partner (for his high school graduation). He's a World War II buff.

If you've been places or heard of folks going places that intrigued them, would you be sweet enough to share where we should go?

Probably more high-end knowledge tours or locations are best for him (I need entry-level... but am willing to forego...) He corrected a text book when he was in 5th grade. I know nothing... *sigh*

THANKS!!

MichaelC

Sony Alpha a7R III

04/26/2014 03:26:32 AM · #2

Deb and I have just finished touring Normandy and the American military cemetery/memorial at Omaha beach is definitely worth a visit. June 6 will be the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings and many events have been planned during this time throughout the entire Normandy area.

bjoern

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

04/26/2014 07:12:18 AM · #3

Not sure what a "WWII buff" is after, but if there is interest in that topic in Germany I would suggest to visit Bergen-Belsen or Dachau. The atrocities are hard to face, though.
If you come near Munich, let me know, I can show you around a bit if time permits.

Kroburg

Nikon Z6II

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S

04/26/2014 07:43:23 AM · #4

I don't know your exact itinerary, but there's a lot of interesting places to visit. Is he most interested in places where the Americans fought?
Here's a short list:

France (as

MichaelC already pointed out): the Normandy beaches are probably the most interesting places.
Belgium (if part of your journey): Bastogne, where the 101st Airborne Division gained eternal fame in the Battle of the Bulge.
Germany: many places of interest, of course the camps

bjoern already mentioned, Peenemunde, where German rockets were developed, the Siegfried Line
In Italy there's Monte Casino and the Gustav Line

I hope this is what you're looking for. Success with the planning!

Message edited by author 2014-04-26 07:46:00.

Alex_Petrini

Sony Alpha a7R III

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM

04/26/2014 08:00:00 AM · #5

When are you going to be here Lydia (here, I mean, in Italy)?

I can ask for interesting places about WWII and let you know. Of course the place mentioned by Kroburg, Monte Cassino, respresents one of the most importand (and sad) moments of WWII in Italy.

RayEthier

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

04/26/2014 11:34:04 AM · #6

Originally posted by bjoern:

Not sure what a "WWII buff" is after, but if there is interest in that topic in Germany I would suggest to visit Bergen-Belsen or Dachau. The atrocities are hard to face, though.
If you come near Munich, let me know, I can show you around a bit if time permits.

A definite must if you happen to visit the area. It is a wonderful learning experience and true testimony to the cruelty mankind can inflict on those they consider different.

I didn't find it all that hard to face, but that could be attributable to my background.

Another item of interest is a Holocasut Memorial in Berlin dedicated to the Jews that perished during WWII, and the Kaiser Wilhem Memorial Church that was partially destroyed by bombs, the Reichstad and countless other points of interest.

There are tons of places I would love to visit again... maybe someday.

As an aside, and this has nothing to do with WWII, but if you do happen to visit the Munchen area, do take the time to visit the Neuschwanstein Castle... it truly is something to behold.

Here is a photo of what it looks like from the outside... Unfortunately they do not allow photography on the inside.

Enjoy your trip.

Ray

04/26/2014 01:52:45 PM · #7

Thanks, all!

I've been to Dachau and to Neuschwanstein castle. Thanks for reminding me of those. I'm sure they'll be of interest to my travel buddies. :D

We have the Normandy area on our list. Good suggestion.

I'm going to research the other suggestions. Thanks bunches, all!

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

04/26/2014 01:53:30 PM · #8

Originally posted by Kroburg:

I don't know your exact itinerary, but there's a lot of interesting places to visit. Is he most interested in places where the Americans fought?

Yes, he is. Thanks for the good stuff!

Spork99

OM System OM-1

04/26/2014 10:31:07 PM · #9

In Italy, it might be interesting to follow along the Po River and tour the towns where the battles of Operation Grapeshot aka the Spring Offensive of 1945 were fought.

cowboy221977

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

04/27/2014 12:03:42 AM · #10

I loved eagles nest. (hitlers private resort) Very interesting.