Europe Trip Leader

Robert Sommer

Languages Spoken: English, German & Italian

Robert Sommer holds a PhD from Humboldt University and is an expert on World War II history and the Holocaust. He has worked as an independent historian and exhibition curator for various museums, memorials, and documentaries, including for the BBC. His book on forced prostitution in Nazi concentration camps will be published in the US through Fordham University Press in fall 2024. “I try to make trip members see the magic of a country and its uniqueness, whether it's a visual image, an artifact, or even a local dish–- something that stays with you, gives you fond memories, and contributes to your life back home.” Currently he teaches Social Science at the IBA University in Berlin. When not working, he enjoys hiking, biking, and cooking. He's also a DJ for a New York radio station and has his own show called From Berlin with Love. Robert lives in Berlin and is fluent in English, German, and Italian.

Our Team

Upcoming Trips with Robert

Hiking the Heart of Switzerland

Jun 17 - 24, 2025

Sep 18 - 25, 2025

View Trip

Hiking the Moselle: Germany, France, and Luxembourg

Jul 13 - 21, 2025

View Trip

Hiking Bergamo to Innsbruck

Jul 29 - Aug 9, 2025

Sep 2 - 13, 2025

View Trip

Client Testimonials

Robert is a very thoughtful, considerate, and highly competent leader who has the added bonus of being a very warm and engaging person.

Barry S.

Belmont, CA
Heart of Switzerland

Robert was extremely high-energy, friendly, knowledgeable, fun, and wanted to ensure everyone had a good time.

Brady and Suzanne M.

Friendswood, TX
Heart of Switzerland

Robert is a gem. I couldn't imagine a better trip with this awesome gentleman—educated, organized, so personable, and really ensured all of us had the very best experience.

Claire R.

Doylestown, PA

Robert has a high-level of energy and enthusiasm. His love for his work is obvious and his knowledge of history is amazing. We enjoyed traveling with him!

David A.

Evanston, IL
Heart of Switzerland

Robert's knowledge of so much of Europe is amazing. He added so much personality and that ‘little something special' to the trip.

Dawn Myers

Playa del Rey, CA
Tuscan Hilltowns

Robert was great...so knowledgeable and organized—and so much fun!

Dorothy D.

Denver, CO
Heart of Switzerland

Don't know how we could have had a better guide than Robert. He was relaxed, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, efficient, kind, and considerate. Just a great guy to spend time on the trail, trains, and boats with!

Edward D.

Alameda, CA
Heart of Switzerland

Robert led the group with professionalism and a great sense of humor. His knowledge of the area and his ability to adjust the itinerary to meet our needs were a plus.

Fletcher F.

Portland, OR
Heart of Switzerland

Robert was a terrific trip leader. He clearly communicated what each day would bring, and kept everyone laughing.

Greg G.

Acton, MA
Heart of Switzerland

Robert was so energetic and so full of life and interesting stories. Most of all, I loved his sense of humor. He went out of his way to make every hike and every meal so special for us. He was such a joy and made this trip fantastic for us!

Helen C.

Newtown, PA
Heart of Switzerland

Robert ignited my interest in Switzerland. His depth of knowledge on Swiss history, delivered in an engaging way, together with his enthusiastic interaction with all of us in the group made the trip so much fun! He slipped facts relating to the Swiss mentality and way of life into our daily fare with such ease as we encompassed each day's program.

Helen O.

Salt Spr Isl V8K 1E5, BC
Heart of Switzerland

Robert's enthusiasm, knowledge, leadership, and passion for The Heart of Switzerland trip is an asset to WT and the trip participants. His attributes made the very successful.

Jody S.

Ellensburg, WA
Heart of Switzerland

This was our second trip with Robert as leader. He makes the trips a delight—impeccably well prepared, very knowledgeable about the area, always with interesting stories and good conversation, always concerned for everyone's welfare and enjoyment.

John E.

Fort Worth, TX
Heart of Switzerland

Robert was an excellent leader. He was always amusing and energetic. He prepared the picnics with a flair and brought a unique cultural perspective to the trip.

Julie Hibben

Lincoln, MA
Tuscan Trails

Robert is an exceptional guide. The trip involved many means of transportation and with Robert's leadership, it was seamless. He was always cheerful, energetic, and flexible—accomodating changes in weather and the varying needs/requests of his clients with apparent ease.

Kathy L.

O'fallon, IL
Heart of Switzerland

Robert is a fantastic trip leader. He is well rounded, very knowledgeable about European history, and easy to relate to in groups and one-on-one. He has a knack for knowing when to interact with us. He's also a character—very fun and entertaining!

Kym R.

Venice, FL
Heart of Switzerland

Robert went out of his way to make the trip enjoyable. He has a good sense of humor, was fun, informative and helpful.

Linda Miller

Sacramento, CA
Tuscan Trails

Robert is very personable and charming, and has so much knowledge and conveys it extremely well. He was great! His language skills are terrific.

Linda P.

Playa Del Rey, CA
Heart of Switzerland

Charming, organized, thoughtful, and interesting. Robert is very interesting and encouraging. A thoroughly delightful human being to share the trail with...or anywhere really.

Marcia Z.

Clio, CA
Heart of Switzerland

Robert is a wonderful guide. He is very experienced and conscientious, engaging and personable—he was very helpful to me throughout the trip. Truly, a professional.

Margaret H.

Washington, DC
Hiking the Tyrolean Alps
Hiking the Tyrolean Alps

Robert is a fantastically knowledgeable tour guide. He is well prepared, organized, flexible, genuine, and fun to be with. Made the trip highly enjoyable.

Mary R.

Bainbridge Island, WA
Bavaria to Berlin

Robert was outstanding—we assumed he'd be quite good, but he really exceeded our expectations.

Miriam S.

Stillwater, MN
Bavaria to Berlin

Robert made the trip feel like a moment by moment experience—it never felt like a tour. He has an open, ‘let's enjoy life’ personality that shone outward to include all.

Page D.

Eugene, OR
Heart of Switzerland

Robert is beyond fabulous in all categories. His command of trip logistics was complete and precise. His wealth of knowledge and warm, enthusiastic interaction with everyone made this trip truly special.<br />

Suzi & Brian S.

Ross, CA
Heart of Switzerland

Robert made the trip a lifetime memorable and unforgettable experience and was absolutely awesome to be with. I haven't had this much fun in many, many years.

Tony C.

Doylestown, PA
Heart of Switzerland

Book Your Trip Today

Our Area Specialists know every detail about our adventures around the world. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

{"Guide":[{"GuideID":850509,"First_Name":"Robert","Last_Name":"Sommer","Guide_Profile":"Robert Sommer holds a PhD from Humboldt University and is an expert on World War II history and the Holocaust. He has worked as an independent historian and exhibition curator for various museums, memorials, and documentaries, including for the BBC. His book on forced prostitution in Nazi concentration camps will be published in the US through Fordham University Press in fall 2024. &ldquo;I try to make trip members see the magic of a country and its uniqueness, whether it's a visual image, an artifact, or even a local dish\u2013- something that stays with you, gives you fond memories, and contributes to your life back home.&rdquo; Currently he teaches Social Science at the IBA University in Berlin. When not working, he enjoys hiking, biking, and cooking. He&apos;s also a DJ for a New York radio station and has his own show called From Berlin with Love. Robert lives in Berlin and is fluent in English, German, and Italian.","Image_Name":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/guides\/robert-sommer.jpg","DisplayOnWeb":true,"GuideShortProfile":"Robert Sommer holds a PhD from Humboldt University and is an expert on World War II history and the Holocaust. He has worked as an independent historian and exhibition curator for various museums, memorials, and documentaries, including for the BBC. His book on forced prostitution in Nazi concentration camps will be published in the US through Fordham University Press in fall 2024. &ldquo;I try to make trip members see the magic of a country and its uniqueness, whether it's a visual image, an artifact, or even a local dish\u2013- something that stays with you, gives you fond memories, and contributes to your life back home.&rdquo; Currently he teaches Social Science at the IBA University in Berlin. When not working, he enjoys hiking, biking, and cooking. He&apos;s also a DJ for a New York radio station and has his own show called From Berlin with Love. Robert lives in Berlin and is fluent in English, German, and Italian."}],"CustomFields":{"Custom_Leader_Region":"Europe","Custom_Leader_Languages":"English, German & Italian","Custom_Leader_Since":"","Custom_Leader_Slug":"robert-sommer"},"activities":[{}],"destinations":[{}],"reviews":[{"GuestNames":"Barry S.","GuestLocation":"Belmont, CA<br \/>Heart of Switzerland","GuestReview":"Robert is a very thoughtful, considerate, and highly competent leader who has the added bonus of being a very warm and engaging person.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Brady and Suzanne M.","GuestLocation":"Friendswood, TX<br \/>Heart of Switzerland","GuestReview":"Robert was extremely high-energy, friendly, knowledgeable, fun, and wanted to ensure everyone had a good time.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Claire R.","GuestLocation":"Doylestown, PA ","GuestReview":"Robert is a gem. I couldn't imagine a better trip with this awesome gentleman&mdash;educated, organized, so personable, and really ensured all of us had the very best experience.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"David A.","GuestLocation":"Evanston, IL<br \/>Heart of Switzerland","GuestReview":"Robert has a high-level of energy and enthusiasm. His love for his work is obvious and his knowledge of history is amazing. We enjoyed traveling with him!","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Dawn Myers","GuestLocation":"Playa del Rey, CA<br \/>Tuscan Hilltowns","GuestReview":"Robert's knowledge of so much of Europe is amazing. He added so much personality and that \u2018little something special' to the trip.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Dorothy D.","GuestLocation":"Denver, CO<br \/>Heart of Switzerland","GuestReview":"Robert was great...so knowledgeable and organized&#8212;and so much fun!","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Edward D.","GuestLocation":"Alameda, CA<br \/>Heart of Switzerland","GuestReview":"Don't know how we could have had a better guide than Robert. He was relaxed, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, efficient, kind, and considerate. Just a great guy to spend time on the trail, trains, and boats with!","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Fletcher F.","GuestLocation":"Portland, OR<br \/>Heart of Switzerland","GuestReview":"Robert led the group with professionalism and a great sense of humor. His knowledge of the area and his ability to adjust the itinerary to meet our needs were a plus.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Greg G.","GuestLocation":"Acton, MA<br \/>Heart of Switzerland","GuestReview":"Robert was a terrific trip leader. He clearly communicated what each day would bring, and kept everyone laughing.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Helen C.","GuestLocation":"Newtown, PA<br \/>Heart of Switzerland","GuestReview":"Robert was so energetic and so full of life and interesting stories. Most of all, I loved his sense of humor. He went out of his way to make every hike and every meal so special for us. He was such a joy and made this trip fantastic for us!","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Helen O.","GuestLocation":"Salt Spr Isl V8K 1E5, BC<br \/>Heart of Switzerland","GuestReview":"Robert ignited my interest in Switzerland. His depth of knowledge on Swiss history, delivered in an engaging way, together with his enthusiastic interaction with all of us in the group made the trip so much fun! He slipped facts relating to the Swiss mentality and way of life into our daily fare with such ease as we encompassed each day's program.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Jody S.","GuestLocation":"Ellensburg, WA<br \/>Heart of Switzerland","GuestReview":"Robert's enthusiasm, knowledge, leadership, and passion for The Heart of Switzerland trip is an asset to WT and the trip participants. His attributes made the very successful.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"John E.","GuestLocation":"Fort Worth, TX<br \/>Heart of Switzerland","GuestReview":"This was our second trip with Robert as leader. He makes the trips a delight&#8212;impeccably well prepared, very knowledgeable about the area, always with interesting stories and good conversation, always concerned for everyone's welfare and enjoyment.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Julie Hibben","GuestLocation":"Lincoln, MA<br \/>Tuscan Trails","GuestReview":"Robert was an excellent leader. He was always amusing and energetic. He prepared the picnics with a flair and brought a unique cultural perspective to the trip.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Kathy L.","GuestLocation":"O'fallon, IL<br \/>Heart of Switzerland","GuestReview":"Robert is an exceptional guide. The trip involved many means of transportation and with Robert's leadership, it was seamless. He was always cheerful, energetic, and flexible&#8212;accomodating changes in weather and the varying needs\/requests of his clients with apparent ease.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Kym R.","GuestLocation":"Venice, FL<br \/>Heart of Switzerland","GuestReview":"Robert is a fantastic trip leader. He is well rounded, very knowledgeable about European history, and easy to relate to in groups and one-on-one. He has a knack for knowing when to interact with us. He's also a character&#8212;very fun and entertaining!","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Linda Miller","GuestLocation":"Sacramento, CA<br \/>Tuscan Trails","GuestReview":"Robert went out of his way to make the trip enjoyable. He has a good sense of humor, was fun, informative and helpful.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Linda P.","GuestLocation":"Playa Del Rey, CA<br \/>Heart of Switzerland","GuestReview":"Robert is very personable and charming, and has so much knowledge and conveys it extremely well. He was great! His language skills are terrific.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Marcia Z.","GuestLocation":"Clio, CA<br \/>Heart of Switzerland","GuestReview":"Charming, organized, thoughtful, and interesting. Robert is very interesting and encouraging. A thoroughly delightful human being to share the trail with...or anywhere really.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Margaret H.","GuestLocation":"Washington, DC<br \/>Hiking the Tyrolean Alps<br \/>Hiking the Tyrolean Alps","GuestReview":"Robert is a wonderful guide. He is very experienced and conscientious, engaging and personable&#8212;he was very helpful to me throughout the trip. Truly, a professional.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Mary R.","GuestLocation":"Bainbridge Island, WA<br \/>Bavaria to Berlin","GuestReview":"Robert is a fantastically knowledgeable tour guide. He is well prepared, organized, flexible, genuine, and fun to be with. Made the trip highly enjoyable.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Miriam S.","GuestLocation":"Stillwater, MN<br \/>Bavaria to Berlin","GuestReview":"Robert was outstanding&#8212;we assumed he'd be quite good, but he really exceeded our expectations.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Page D.","GuestLocation":"Eugene, OR<br \/>Heart of Switzerland","GuestReview":"Robert made the trip feel like a moment by moment experience&#8212;it never felt like a tour. He has an open, &#8216;let's enjoy life&#8217; personality that shone outward to include all.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Suzi & Brian S.","GuestLocation":"Ross, CA<br \/>Heart of Switzerland","GuestReview":"Robert is beyond fabulous in all categories. His command of trip logistics was complete and precise. His wealth of knowledge and warm, enthusiastic interaction with everyone made this trip truly special.<br \/>","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Tony C.","GuestLocation":"Doylestown, PA<br \/>Heart of Switzerland","GuestReview":"Robert made the trip a lifetime memorable and unforgettable experience and was absolutely awesome to be with. I haven't had this much fun in many, many years.","TripName":""}]}