Did Amsterdam Get Bombed in WWII?

Amsterdam, with its iconic canals and golden-age architecture, is one of Europe's most visited and visually stunning cities. But visitors often wonder: did Amsterdam get bombed in WWII? With much of the old city intact, it’s a logical question. While cities like Rotterdam were heavily destroyed, Amsterdam tells a more nuanced wartime story—marked by occupation, resistance, and limited bombings.

The Short Answer: Yes, But Not Heavily

Unlike many European cities, Amsterdam was not heavily bombed during World War II. The city was spared from widespread destruction for several reasons, primarily because the Nazis occupied the Netherlands relatively quickly, avoiding the need for intense fighting or strategic bombing campaigns in the capital. However, this doesn’t mean the city was untouched—some bombing incidents did occur, both accidental and intentional.

The German Invasion and Occupation

On May 10, 1940, Nazi Germany invaded the Netherlands. The Dutch military fought for five days before surrendering after the devastating bombing of Rotterdam, which killed nearly 900 civilians and flattened much of the city. To avoid similar destruction in other cities, including Amsterdam, the Dutch capitulated. This early surrender largely preserved Amsterdam's infrastructure.

From 1940 to 1945, Amsterdam was under German occupation. While the city wasn’t a target for heavy air raids, it suffered greatly under Nazi control, especially its Jewish population. Anne Frank’s story is perhaps the most well-known symbol of the city’s wartime experience.

Bombings in Amsterdam During WWII

Though not targeted like Rotterdam, Amsterdam did experience several bombings:

• Accidental Allied Bombings: The Allies mistakenly bombed parts of Amsterdam during their raids on German positions. One such incident occurred on July 17, 1943, when American bombers dropped bombs on residential areas in the eastern part of the city, killing dozens of civilians.
• Targeted Strikes on Infrastructure: Allied forces also targeted specific infrastructure used by the Germans. These included industrial sites, rail yards, and military installations around Amsterdam. Bombings were relatively limited in scope compared to other Dutch cities.
• V-2 Rocket Launch Sites: Late in the war, areas around Amsterdam became strategic points for V-2 rocket operations. Some nearby Allied bombing raids aimed to dismantle these operations, occasionally causing collateral damage.

The Human Cost and Jewish Deportations

While the physical destruction in Amsterdam was limited, the human toll was staggering. Around 75% of the city's Jewish population—more than 60,000 people—were deported and murdered in concentration camps. Many Amsterdammers resisted the Nazis through underground networks, risking their lives to hide Jews, sabotage infrastructure, or publish illegal newspapers.

Visitors can learn about this tragic chapter at the Anne Frank House and the Jewish Historical Museum , both located in central Amsterdam.

Post-War Preservation and What You Can See Today

Because Amsterdam escaped the level of destruction seen in cities like Warsaw or Berlin, much of its historic core remained intact. Today, travelers can admire 17th-century townhouses, walk cobblestone alleys, and cross bridges over canals that look much like they did before WWII.

To dive into the city’s wartime past, visit:

• Anne Frank House: A powerful museum inside the secret annex where Anne and her family hid for over two years.
• Hollandsche Schouwburg: Once a theater, now a memorial and museum dedicated to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust.
• Resistance Museum (Verzetsmuseum): Offers detailed exhibits about Dutch resistance fighters and everyday life under occupation.
• National Holocaust Memorial of Names: A newer monument honoring Dutch Holocaust victims by name.

Local Tips for WWII History Enthusiasts

• Book museum tickets in advance: The Anne Frank House is especially popular and often sells out days in advance.
• Take a WWII walking tour: Guided tours offer stories about hidden resistance activities and key wartime locations around the Jordaan and Plantage neighborhoods.
• Visit nearby cities: Rotterdam offers a contrasting experience, showing what happens when a city is fully destroyed and rebuilt. It makes an excellent day trip from Amsterdam.
• Look for Stolpersteine: These are brass ‘stumbling stones’ in the pavement outside homes, commemorating residents deported during the Holocaust.

Summary: A City Scarred More by Occupation Than Bombs

So, did Amsterdam get bombed in WWII? Technically, yes—there were bombings, mostly limited and sometimes accidental—but it was not flattened like other European cities. Instead, the scars of WWII in Amsterdam are more emotional and cultural, stemming from occupation, oppression, and loss. Today, the city stands as a testament to resilience, remembrance, and the enduring power of its people and stories.

FAQ

• Was Amsterdam heavily bombed in WWII?
  No, the city was largely spared heavy bombing, though it did experience some smaller, mostly accidental bombings.
• Why wasn't Amsterdam destroyed like Rotterdam?
  The Dutch surrendered quickly after the bombing of Rotterdam, so major cities like Amsterdam were spared to avoid further destruction.
• What can I visit to learn more about WWII in Amsterdam?
  Anne Frank House, Jewish Historical Museum, Resistance Museum, and various memorials around the city.
• Are there still visible bomb damage areas in Amsterdam?
  Not many. Most of the damaged areas were repaired after the war. However, some plaques and memorials indicate where bombs fell or where people were deported.