Ep 4. Germany's Fascist Story

In the fourth episode of the eleventh season of Rick Steves' Europe, viewers are taken on a journey to explore Germany's Fascist story. The episode focuses on the rise and fall of the Nazi Party, which had a profound impact on Germany and the rest of the world.

Rick begins his exploration in Munich, where he visits the notorious Hofbräuhaus beer hall, which was once a gathering place for the Nazi Party. He then visits the Dachau concentration camp, which was the first concentration camp established by the Nazis. Rick provides a somber and thoughtful account of the atrocities that took place in such camps, paying tribute to the victims of the regime.

Moving on from Munich, Rick travels to Nuremberg, which was an important city to the Nazi Party, as it was where some infamous rallies were held. Rick takes a stroll around the historic city, visiting sites such as the Palace of Justice, where the Nuremberg Trials were held. The trials sought justice for the war crimes committed by the regime, and Rick gives viewers a glimpse of the courtroom where leaders of the Nazi Party were held accountable for their actions.

Rick also ventures to Berchtesgaden, a breathtaking mountain town that was a favorite of Adolf Hitler's. Here, he visits the Eagles Nest, a mountain retreat that was gifted to Hitler on his 50th birthday. Though the building itself is nondescript, the views from the top of the mountain are breathtaking, and Rick delves into the history of Hitler's use of the place as a propaganda tool.

Finally, Rick concludes his journey by visiting lesser-known sites such as the Topography of Terror Museum in Berlin. Here, viewers can see a vast collection of photographs and exhibits that document the rise of fascism in Germany and what life was like under the Nazi regime.

Throughout the episode, Rick provides meaningful commentary on the impact of the Nazi Party on Germany and the world. He doesn't shy away from acknowledging the horrors of the regime but provides insight into the events that allowed it to come to power. His measured and sensitive approach to the subject matter makes this episode a unique and essential watch for those interested in learning about the rise and fall of fascism in Germany.

Overall, Germany's Fascist Story is an informative, thought-provoking, and poignant episode that provides an in-depth look into one of the most challenging periods of German history. Through Rick's expert narration, viewers can gain a greater understanding of how the Nazi Party was able to seize power and what the consequences were for Germany and the world.