Bariloche: German Footprint Walking Tour & Nazi History

Summary

Bariloche’s layered past on foot—German roots to WWII echoes

You’ll walk Bariloche’s streets with a certified guide, noticing hidden traces of German influence and hearing honest stories about WWII-era arrivals—including some that might surprise you. Expect close-up looks at historic homes and neighborhoods, moments for tough questions, and space to reflect on how history lingers in everyday places.

What’s the experience like?

We started in Bariloche’s Centro Cívico, where the stone buildings almost felt out of place against the wild blue sky. Our guide, Martín, waved us over and right away he was pointing out little details I’d never noticed — the sharp roof angles, the woodwork that looked more Bavaria than Patagonia. I could smell coffee from a nearby café mixing with the cold mountain air. It’s funny, I’d walked these streets before but never really saw them until someone explained why they look this way.

As we moved toward Cascada de los Cántaros (we didn’t go all the way to the falls, just lingered near a historic house), Martín shared stories about early German-speaking immigrants. He even showed us an old photo on his phone — black-and-white faces in heavy coats. There was this moment when a local woman passed by walking her dog; she nodded at Martín like she knew him (maybe everyone does). The conversation shifted then — quietly — to the Nazi presence in Bariloche after WWII. Erik Priebke’s name came up, and honestly, it felt strange hearing it here, in a place that smells of pine and pastry.

I didn’t expect how much the tour would make me question what I thought I knew about Argentina. We stopped outside another house — pale yellow paint peeling off — and Martín lowered his voice as he pointed out which windows had seen history unfold. There was a weird silence for a second, broken only by birds or maybe just wind. Someone asked about the rumors of Hitler hiding here; Martín half-smiled and shrugged (“People love their legends,” he said). The group kind of laughed but you could tell everyone was thinking about it.

By the end we were standing in what used to be the heart of Bariloche’s German neighborhood. The houses looked so ordinary if you weren’t paying attention. I kept glancing back at one door in particular — chipped wood, faded numbers — wondering who had walked through it decades ago. Even now, days later, I still picture those streets whenever I hear German being spoken around town.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore German immigration and Nazi history

• Learn town foundation by German immigrants
• Discover historic area and German immigration
• Explore key German influence breakthrough
• Visit German neighborhood and Nazi sites

Top questions

What days is the Bariloche German Footprint tour offered?

The tour runs in English on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays; Spanish tours are on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Is this walking tour suitable for kids or strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your guide at the starting point in Bariloche’s Centro Cívico.

How long does the walking tour last?

The exact duration isn’t listed but expect a standard city walking pace with several stops for stories and questions.

Will we enter any houses or museums during this tour?

No, all visits are outside—your guide shares stories at each location without entering buildings.

Who leads this Bariloche Nazi history walking tour?

A certified expert guide leads each group live (not recorded audio).

Is public transport available near the meeting point?

Yes, there are public transportation options nearby Centro Cívico where the tour begins.

What’s included

Your day includes live storytelling from a certified expert guide as you explore Bariloche’s Centro Cívico and stroll through historic neighborhoods linked to both early German-speaking immigrants and WWII-era arrivals—no tickets or pickups needed; just bring your curiosity for what lingers behind closed doors.