Concentration Camps In Germany To Visit Near Berlin

Germany has a dark history of the concentration camps during the Nazi era. These camps were used to incarcerate, torture and execute Jews, Roma, and other minority groups during the Holocaust. Today, many of these camps have been turned into memorials, monuments, or museums in order to commemorate the millions of victims who suffered and died in these concentration camps.

For those looking to pay their respects to the victims of the Holocaust, there are several concentration camps in Germany that are within easy reach of Berlin. In this blog post, we will be exploring some of the top concentration camps in Germany that are near Berlin, their history, and the best way to visit them.

What Were Concentration Camps?

Before we dive into the concentration camps in Germany near Berlin, it is important to understand what concentration camps were. Concentration camps were initially created by the Spanish in Cuba in 1896 as a way to detain political prisoners. However, it was not until World War II that these camps were widely used by Nazi Germany as a way to detain and kill Jews, Roma, and other minority groups.

The concentration camps were divided into three categories: labor camps, transit camps, and extermination camps. Labor camps were used to house Jewish people and other minority groups who were forced to work under brutal conditions. Transit camps were used to keep people prisoner while they waited to be transported to an extermination camp. Lastly, extermination camps were used to kill people in gas chambers and crematoriums.

Top Concentration Camps Near Berlin

Now that we understand what concentration camps were and how they were used to persecute Jews and other minority groups during the Holocaust, let’s take a look at some of the top concentration camps near Berlin that are worth visiting.

1. Bergen-Belsen

Bergen-Belsen was one of the most notorious concentration camps during the Nazi era. Located about 80 kilometers from Berlin, it was initially created as a prisoner-of-war camp in 1940. However, by 1944 it had been transformed into a concentration camp and was used to house Jewish people and other minority groups who were sent there from other countries.

Bergen-Belsen is now one of the most visited concentration camps in Germany due to its close proximity to Berlin. Today, visitors can take a guided tour of the camp or visit the memorial site which contains over 6,000 graves of those who died in the camp. Additionally, there is a museum onsite which contains personal items and documents from those who were sent to Bergen-Belsen during the war.

2. Sachsenhausen

Sachsenhausen was another major concentration camp during the Nazi era. Located just 30 kilometers from Berlin, this camp was originally established in 1936 as a political prison for enemies of the Nazi regime. However, it was later transformed into a concentration camp for Jews and other minority groups who were sent there from other countries.

Sachsenhausen is now one of the most popular concentration camps in Germany for visitors due to its close proximity to Berlin. Today, visitors can take a guided tour of the camp or visit the memorial site which contains over 10,000 graves of those who died in the camp. Additionally, there is a museum onsite which contains artifacts from those who were sent to Sachsenhausen during the war.

3. Ravensbrück

Ravensbrück was another major concentration camp during the Nazi era. Located just 90 kilometers from Berlin, this camp was originally established in 1939 as a camp for women and children who were deemed enemies of the Nazi regime. However, it was later transformed into a concentration camp for Jews and other minority groups who were sent there from other countries.

Ravensbrück is now one of the most visited concentration camps in Germany due to its close proximity to Berlin. Today, visitors can take a guided tour of the camp or visit the memorial site which contains over 11,000 graves of those who died in the camp. Additionally, there is a museum onsite which contains artifacts from those who were sent to Ravensbrück during the war.

How To Visit Concentration Camps Near Berlin

Visiting concentration camps near Berlin can be an emotionally intense experience due to their dark history and tragic past. It is important to take time to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally before you visit so that you can best appreciate and respect the importance of these sites.

The best way to visit concentration camps near Berlin is by taking a guided tour or visiting the memorial sites and museums that are located onsite. There are several companies that offer tours of these sites in both English and German. It is important to remember that these sites are held sacred by many so respect for those who suffered and died here should be observed at all times.

Additionally, it is important to understand that many of these sites may be difficult to access due to their age and condition so it may be beneficial to prepare for any hiking or walking that may be involved in your visit.

Conclusion

The concentration camps near Berlin are an important reminder of the horrific events that occurred during World War II and honor those who suffered and died in them. Visiting these sites can be an emotionally intense experience so it is important to take time to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally before you visit.

By taking a guided tour or visiting memorial sites or museums onsite, you can best appreciate and respect the importance of these sites while learning more about their history and those who experienced them first-hand.