Nicole S.Malta
Jan was a fantastic and engaging guide. All the family enjoyed his tour. We were family aged between 20-60 and all of us were captivated by his recounting of the early 20th century history of vienna and Austria.
Choose a currency
Private tour in Vienna Jan K
The Fall of an Empire: Vienna, 1900–1945
5.0
(4) reviews
-
3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Jan K.
5.0
Guide rating
125
Reviews
Tours delivered
13 hrs
Avg. response time
Like many before me, I'm an adopted Viennese — drawn to this city by its artistic brilliance and historical grandeur. As an art historian, Vienna felt like a natural calling: a place where history and creativity converge. But beyond its cultural allure, what truly captivated me was Vienna's cosmopolitan spirit and its people's quiet dedication to a balanced, high-quality life. I was born in Oslo in 1988 and raised in some of Norway's most international communities, surrounded by Norwegian, French, English, and Polish. After completing my degree in Art History, I set off to explore the world beyond Norway, chasing inspiration across continents. Over the past decade, I've worked as a professional storyteller, sharing history, art, and culture in major cities across Europe, the U.S., and Canada. Since 2017, Vienna has been my home and base of operations, where I guide and organize tours that give visitors an authentic glimpse into the region's rich history and vibrant culture. In 2025, I also founded Kepinski Studio, a family-run creative salon, studio, and gallery for art, photography, and podcasts. When I'm not sharing Vienna's stories on the streets, you'll find me painting in oils, building a community of creatives at the studio, producing travel content, or heading out of the city for a long, challenging hike through Austria's landscapes. At home, I share my life with two lively caique parrots, Napoleon and Sisi. With a worldly perspective and a passion for teaching through humor and storytelling, I craft tour experiences that bring history, art, and culture to life — leaving a lasting impression on everyone who joins me.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Jan K.
The Making of a young Hitler: Vienna's Darkest Chapter
Overview of your Vienna tour
Immerse yourself in the last decades of Vienna as an Imperial capital through a walking tour on the Ringstrasse Boulevard and the imperial Hofburg Palace. Learn what troubled the falling empire and how Vienna shaped the mind of young Adolf Hitler. Witness new sides to Vienna and discover the forgotten stories behind the biggest and most defining historical events in modern history. This tour is a highly informative experience of 19th-20th century history through the perspective of Vienna. Although rich and in-depth, the information is presented in a balanced way, making this tour accessible to both newcomers and veteran fans of history. This tour explores the geopolitical, social-political, and racial-political issues plaguing Vienna's last decades as an Imperial capital. Gain insight into the mind of the adolescent Adolf Hitler and learn how it is being shaped by his experiences in Vienna.
Recent Reviews
David P.United States
Jan was terrific. He knew so much and was full of information and suggested some great books to read.
Gary L.United States
Jan is a fantastic tour guide. He gave our family of 3 his Rise of young Hitler tour - over 2 hours , thorough , informative and entertaining. We learned so much and talked about it for hours afterward. Jan's knowledge of Vienna and European history is amazing , he answered all of our questions. He makes learning history fun. If we ever come back to Vienna we would definitely take another tour from him.
Mitchell P.United States
Jan was excellent! He provided wonderful insight into the city of Vienna, it's historical past, the rise of Hitler, and the context that the city played throughout WWI, WWII, and through the 21st century post-war. Jan was kind, easy to talk to, informative, and fun! We were a family of 6 from the U.S. and the tour was an excellent way to fill our morning with some history. We highly recommend Jan.
Your Vienna tour itinerary
The tour begins either at your hotel — if you're staying in the Old Town — or at Helmut-Zilk-Platz, beside the Monument Against War and Fascism. Hofburg Imperial Palace — seat of the ailing monarchy Burggarten — the private garden of a solitary emperor Heldenplatz (Heroes' Square) — the grand square forever marked by an infamous balcony speech in 1938 The Ringstrasse Boulevard — a showcase of monumental architecture celebrating Vienna's long history as an imperial capital The Academy of Fine Arts — a house of culture and imagination for most, a house of failure and rejection for one particular applicant The Monument Against War and Fascism — a place to pause and reflect ...and more. The itinerary is flexible — let me know if you'd like any changes.
Want to customize this tour?
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Transport details
Type: Walking
Walking tour
What's included
Other: State-licensed Austria guide
Access to archives with photos and videos
Recommendations
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location
Helmut-Zilk-Platz, Albertinaplatz, Vienna, Austria
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: Monument against War and Fascism Helmut Zilk Platz Vienna Austria
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
Architecture
Tour reference number
1138442
Languages
English
Norwegian
French
German
PolishActivity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Wheelchair Accessible
Traveller reviews
5.0
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Vienna best suited for?
This private tour in Vienna is perfect for history enthusiasts interested in the late Imperial period and the early 20th century. It's ideal for those who want to explore the geopolitical and social issues of the time and gain insights into the formative years of Adolf Hitler. The tour is also suitable for travellers who want to connect with a local guide for deeper insights.
What should I bring or wear?
Can this private tour in Vienna be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?
How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?
Where does the tour start and end?
Is transportation included?
How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?
Is this private tour in Vienna suitable for cruise ship passengers as a shore excursion?
What happens if a site is closed, crowded, or the weather changes?
What languages is this tour offered in?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
-
3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
More tours in Vienna by Jan K.
Explore more of Vienna
Private tour of Imperial ViennaFull Day Vienna Tour with Schoenbrunn Palace VisitVienna at a GlanceYour 3 hour "Vienna at first sight" private old town walking tour Grand Tour of Schönbrunn Imperial Palace & GardensVienna in a DayExplore Highlights of ViennaDay trip from Vienna to Bratislava with Private TransfersVienna to Salzburg: the UNESCO Wachau Region with tour ending in SalzburgPrivate Jewish Vienna - Heart of a Stranger: A Dialogue Between The Past and The PresentSchoenbrunn palace private tourGrand Sightseeing Tour of Vienna3 hours - Private guided highlights of Viennas City CentreFull day tour of Vienna's historical district and Schonbrunn palace.Half day: Vienna History and Secrets TourKunsthistorisches Museum - Led by Art HistorianThe Highlights of The Imperial Vienna, Schoenbrunn, Hofburg and The St Stephen's Cathedral (6,5 hours incl. lunch break)Vienna Unveiled: Iconic Sights & Hidden GemsHalf Day Private Walking City Tour ViennaVienna Impressions Three Hours Walking TourFull day tour Wachau and Melk - Out to the countrysideFirst Impressions of ViennaHighlights of Vienna city center - 3 hour private walking tourThe Wachau Valley tour from ViennaHalf Day Classic Vienna walking tourVienna's Highlighted Sights, Private Sightseeing Tour By Car and By Walking (4,5 hours, without snack break)Hidden Gems of Vienna - Express Walking TourVienna Food TourCritical Tour of Must-see Masterpieces of the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Art History) in Vienna | Tickets IncludedOrientational Vienna Highlights TourJewish traces in Vienna Belvedere Palace: Art and History Tour with Art Historian Guide. Skip-the-Line Tickets Included6h-Vienna Woods ExcursionJewish Tour Vienna - Half DayVienna Private Highlights By Car TourHighlights of the Old TownPrivate Imperial Summer Palace Schoenbrunn TourClassic Wachau Valley and Melk Abbey: Day Trip with Private Vehicle from ViennaVienna City tour & Kunsthistorisches MuseumFull day through the fascinating history of Vienna
Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- The remaining balance will automatically be charged to your credit card 30 days before your tour date.