EL-DE Haus — Attraction in Cologne

This was a stop I was really looking forward to. I did enjoy my visit. It was less than €5 for an adult to enter and kids were free. The audio guide was €2. I didn’t get the audio guide until more than halfway into my visit because not only was it not offered to me, but when I figured out they had it and I went to ask for it I was told that it wouldn’t be in English upstairs. I was so confused, but eventually we were able to figure out that I would be able to listen to the Guide in English. The basement has both English and German displays. Between the basement, the bunker, and the upper levels that explain about the Nazi party, there is so much to see and you can be there for a few hours. The upstairs is entirely in German so without the audio guide you’ll be lost because Google translate doesn’t always do a perfect job in translating what is written. Also, hard to hear the audio when lots of people are walking around talking loudly. For kids, it was honestly pretty boring once you finish in the jail cells. They couldn’t keep up with all of the reading. The downside is that the non permanent exhibits are extremely left leaning and give no space or voice to anyone who doesn’t agree with them. I find it pretty ironic that a museum demonizing the Nazis (rightly so)who believed that their way was the only way would basically be doing the same thing. I hope whoever is in charge can take the time to realize that even if you don’t agree with someone, you don’t have to diminish their opinion and make them...

If you are visiting Cathedrals & Museums-go off the tourist path and VISIT THIS. I wasn’t sure what to expect-it just felt like a place that required a visit. Upon arrival the staff (so polite) helped us get started-yep, everything’s not in English. Bring a dictionary-the exhibits are rather self explanatory. And, Survive. They didn’t.

For those giving 1-2 star reviews because: it’s boring not in English doesnt have enough staff “we know the ending” too expensive too stuffy AND TOO TIGHT?!?!?!? Where did you go?

Before bringing kids, do some research re what you will see (a lot about this building’s use by the Secret Police in Cologne during WWII, a prison in the basement-carefully preserved so all can easily see & remember a lot horrific...), I usually had to decide if we’d visited too many X-and needed to stop. My husband & I spent approx 3+ hours here-longer than expected-keep in mind you may visit longer than expected. We (especially Parents) know you’ll make the best decision.

Please note: this isn’t on the mainstream tourist list, it isn’t right next to the Cathedral. They do have financial supporters, but fixing all (well not the too tight carefully preserved prison) of the “problems found by 1-2 star reviewers” takes more. If you’re so moved, give a...

Spent a year living in Cologne and this was without a doubt my favourite museum in the city. Despite being fairly small, you can find yourself spending hours in there. It's incredibly informative and, given the nature of the subject matter, a rather emotional experience. It's not the best known museum in Cologne but I would certainly advise to visit it over any other museum in the area. It's not an enjoyable experience as such - the basement has been left as it was with the cells used to contain political prisoners and the writing they left on the wall and in letters still intact - but it comprises an incredibly effective education regarding the Nazi history of Cologne and Germany.

As another reviewer has written, all text is in German so unfortunately without a fairly decent grasp of the German language you may find yourself lost.

As a side note - every time I've been the staff at the front desk have been incredibly helpful and personable. Most of the museum space itself is unstaffed, but if you need any assistance then simply head to the front desk and I'm confident they'll be more than...