“We will not be silent.”
With these words, Hans and Sophie Scholl—young, brave, and determined—wrote themselves into the history books and into the hearts of generations. Their resistance against Hitler’s regime through the White Rose movement is one of the most powerful stories of moral courage in all of Germany.
Who Were the Geschwister Scholl?
Hans and Sophie Scholl were siblings and students at the University of Munich. Raised in a Christian and intellectually open-minded household, they initially supported the Nazi youth organizations—like many of their peers—but soon saw through the lies, the oppression, and the cruelty of the regime.
In 1942–1943, they and their friends began distributing anti-Nazi leaflets under the name Die Weiße Rose (The White Rose). These flyers called for freedom, justice, and the end of Hitler’s dictatorship. It was a peaceful resistance, but incredibly dangerous. On February 18, 1943, Hans and Sophie were caught while spreading leaflets inside the university. Just four days later, they were executed by guillotine—Hans was 24, Sophie only 21.
Their legacy lives on as a beacon of conscience and integrity.
Where to Learn More in Munich
If you’re moved by this story—and you will be—Munich offers several deeply meaningful places where you can walk in their footsteps:
- Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) – This is where it all happened. In the university’s Atrium, you can still see the memorial to the White Rose: copies of the leaflets set into the cobblestones. Inside, the White Rose Memorial Room provides an emotional and informative experience, including original documents, photos, and video interviews.
- Sophie Scholl Platz – Right in front of the university, this square honors her name and her spirit. It’s a spot for reflection, where students still sit and talk about politics, literature, and freedom.
- Weiße Rose Stiftung e.V. (White Rose Foundation) – Located near the university, this organization is dedicated to preserving the Scholls’ memory and educating about civil courage and resistance.
- Kunstareal District – While not directly tied to the Scholls, this museum-rich area (including the NS-Dokumentationszentrum, Munich’s Nazi Documentation Center) offers broader context about life during the Third Reich and the opposition to it.
Sepp’s Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit: Weekdays during the semester, when the university is alive with students. There’s something haunting and beautiful about seeing young people gathered where Hans and Sophie once stood.
Listen Before You Go: Try the podcast “History Extra – The White Rose Resistance” or watch the moving film “Sophie Scholl: The Final Days” for context and emotional depth.
What to Read: “At the Heart of the White Rose: Letters and Diaries of Hans and Sophie Scholl” – It’s raw, intimate, and unforgettable.
What to Bring: A journal. Trust Sepp—after visiting, you’ll want to write something down.
Coffee with a Cause: Grab a fair-trade espresso at Café Luitpold afterward, a favorite local spot for thinkers and writers, just a short walk away.
Why This Matters
Visiting the places connected to the Geschwister Scholl isn’t just a history lesson—it’s a soul-check. In today’s world, where truth is often blurred and standing up takes guts, their example is more relevant than ever.
As Sepp always says: “You don’t need to be loud to be brave. You just need to act.”
