The Closest Concentration Camp to Berlin, Germany

Berlin, Germany, is home to some of the most notorious concentration camps ever constructed. The city and its surrounding areas were the site of several infamous camps, including Auschwitz, Sachsenhausen, and Ravensbrück. But what is the closest concentration camp to Berlin?

The answer is Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp. Located about 35 km north of Berlin in Brandenburg, Sachsenhausen was one of the first and largest concentration camps in Nazi Germany. Established in 1936, it was used to detain political prisoners, Jews, and other “undesirables” deemed by the Nazi regime as enemies of the state.

History of Sachsenhausen

Sachsenhausen was initially run by the SS (the Nazi paramilitary wing) and housed mainly political prisoners and dissidents. However, over time, it also became a center for mass extermination and medical experimentation. By the end of World War II, an estimated 200,000 inmates had died at Sachsenhausen, many of them Jews.

The camp was liberated by Soviet troops in 1945 and turned into a memorial site in 1961. Today, it serves as a reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust and a powerful testament to the millions of lives lost during World War II.

What Can You See at Sachsenhausen?

Visitors to Sachsenhausen will be able to explore the original camp buildings, such as the former SS barracks, guard towers, and guard houses. There is also a museum onsite that documents the history of the camp and its victims.

The memorial site is also home to a “Wall of Remembrance” which honors those who were imprisoned at Sachsenhausen. Visitors can also view a memorial plaque at the entrance of the camp which reads “Never Again” in several languages.

Planning a Visit to Sachsenhausen

Visitors to Sachsenhausen must be prepared for a somber experience. To avoid overcrowding, it is recommended that you make reservations in advance. It is also important to note that Sachsenhausen is closed on Sundays and some holidays such as Christmas and New Year’s Day.

The memorial site is free to enter, but there is a small fee for guided tours which can be booked online or at the entrance of the camp. Guided tours are available in several languages, including English, Spanish, French, German and Russian.

Conclusion

The concentration camp at Sachsenhausen was one of the largest and most notorious in Nazi Germany. Today, it serves as a somber reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust and a powerful testament to the millions of lives lost during World War II. It is located about 35 km north of Berlin, making it the closest concentration camp to the city. Visitors should plan accordingly and make reservations in advance in order to avoid overcrowding.