If you are wondering what can you expect from a visit to Sachsenhausen, this guide will answer all your questions. Sachsenhausen concentration camp is a powerful and emotional place. Visiting here helps you understand history and pay respects to the victims. This post will tell you everything from history to practical tips. You will know what to see, how to behave, and how to make your visit meaningful.
History of Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp (1936–1945)
Sachsenhausen was one of the concentration camps where Hitler began to put his idea into practice in 1936. Originally, the camp was conceived as a prison for political inmates. Later, the Nazis expanded it to house other persecuted groups, including Jews, homosexuals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and others.
The camp was laid with a view to creating an example of other concentration camps, and it was supposed to be a training ground for the SS. Concentration camp, Sachsenhausen, prisoners experienced forced labor, inhuman treatment, as well as, experimentation.
When World War II began, Sachsenhausen began to assert its deadly prowess and by the end of the War, the prison had killed thousands of prisoners. Historians believe that more than 200,000 individuals were imprisoned in Sachsenhausen for the course of the camp’s operation.
Things you should not expect during your visit
Arrival and orientation
Originally, the small gate, but currently, visitors get in through the main gate, which is marked with the infamous Arbeit Macht Frei inscription. This particular gate means “arbeit macht frei” – work sets you free, and something as simple as this has a very negative association with the camp.
It is suggested to visit the visitor center before heading to the site. Here you will see the information boards, the exhibits and watch the short film which gives a brief idea about the camp. That is why you should begin your visit with the visitor center to get a better understanding of what is waiting for you.
Exploring the memorial site
It is actually very important that Sachsenhausen has been preserved as a memorial and as an educational site. About the camp: One can wander around the camp and see various buildings that were part of the prison, including barracks, watchtowers, and other structures. These give you an idea of the life of the inmates.
Among them is the museum located within the former administrative building, another significant area that needs to be visited. Here you can learn more about the history of the camp. You can explore documentary films, photo stories, and the first-hand accounts of the prisoners. These resources provide a deeper understanding of their experiences.
Certain rules should be followed when visiting the memorial: It is necessary to be quiet and serious. Almost all areas of the camp, including the execution trench and the crematorium, have commemorative plaques honoring the victims. Take a moment to reflect on the horrors that occurred behind these bars.
Guided tours and audio guides
It would be advisable to enrol in a certain tour or to rent certain audio guides during the visits. Unlike the other resources, such resources offer a detailed description of the camp and expose the prisoners to a deeper level.
Professional guides and audio tours are available to help you get around the camp. They provide historical information, share individual stories, and answer any questions visitors may have. They can also assist the users in their movement within the extensive site.
Tips for visiting Sachsenhausen
Here are some useful tips to enhance your experience during your visit to Sachsenhausen:
- Plan your visit: Check the memorial site’s official website for opening hours, guided tour schedules, and any special events or exhibitions.
- Dress appropriately: As Sachsenhausen is an outdoor site, wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. You may be walking long distances.
- Allow enough time: The site is extensive, so allocate several hours to fully explore and absorb the history.
- Bring water and snacks: There are limited facilities within the memorial site, so it’s a good idea to bring water and snacks for your visit.
- Photography guidelines: Sachsenhausen allows photography for personal use. But it’s important to be respectful. Avoid taking selfies or insensitive poses within the camp.
Visiting Sachsenhausen provides an opportunity to connect with history, pay respects to the victims, and reflect on the atrocities committed during the Holocaust. It is a somber but important experience that reinforces the importance of remembering and learning from the past.
Remember, your visit to Sachsenhausen is not just about the physical site itself but the education and understanding you acquire during your time there. Take the opportunity to honor and remember the victims, ensuring that their stories are never forgotten.
