Victory in Europe: The End of the War on the Elbe
On April 12, 1945, Generals Eisenhower, Bradley, and Patton inspected a recently liberated concentration camp. The scene was shocking; Eisenhower, realizing the significance of this discovery, forced himself to examine every corner of the camp. Anticipating that future generations might doubt such an atrocity could have happened, he decided that it must be documented and ordered every nearby unit that was not on the front lines to tour any similar camp in the American sector, saying: “We are told the American soldier does not know what he is fighting for. Now, at least, he will know what he is fighting against.”
The war in Europe would come to an end about a month later, on May 8, 1945. As we approach the 80th anniversary of V-E Day, The National WWII Museum has created a rich and impactful Elbe River cruise itinerary to honor General Eisenhower’s sentiment to never forget what happened during World War II. The Elbe River, one of the most storied waterways in military history, presents the perfect backdrop for exploring the famous linkup of Soviet and American troops—an important step toward ending the war in Europe and one that offers key insights into the beginnings of the Cold War.
Victory in Europe: The End of the War on the Elbe is a voyage aboard Viking Beyla that delves into some fascinating aspects of the war that are seldom explored by Americans. After years of hard-won battles against the Wehrmacht, the Soviets—advancing from the east—and the Americans—advancing from the west—met in the middle near the German town of Torgau on the Elbe River. With Germany effectively divided in half, the Allied forces of the East and the West celebrated and posed for several photos, shaking hands as comrades-in-arms against the Nazis.
Guests can craft their unique adventure with a selection of pre- and post-tour options coupled with custom-curated stops along the river and first-class, expertly guided tours. Each daily excursion examines the legacies of victory and the fight for freedom that hold lasting impacts even today. To provide additional historical context during this one-of-a-kind journey, we have handselected a two of the world’s leading scholars to join the cruises, I invite you to join Victory in Europe: The End of the War on the Elbe for what is sure to be a memorable experience commemorating the 80th anniversary of V-E Day.
