If you’re planning a trip to Germany, you may be interested in visiting Sachsenhausen, a former concentration camp located just outside Berlin. Sachsenhausen is now a memorial and museum, providing insight into the atrocities committed during World War II. In this blog post, we will guide you on how to get to Sachsenhausen from Berlin and provide some important information to help you plan your visit.
Where Is Sachsenhausen Located?
Sachsenhausen is in Oranienburg, a town north of Berlin. The distance from central Berlin is about 35 kilometers (22 miles). Because it is so close, many visitors go there on a half-day or full-day trip.
The full name of the site is Sachsenhausen Memorial and Museum. It stands just outside the town center of Oranienburg. From Berlin, the journey is short and simple.
How Far Is Sachsenhausen from Berlin?
Sachsenhausen is not far from Berlin. Travel time depends on how you go.
- By train: about 30 to 40 minutes to Oranienburg
- By car: about 45 minutes to 1 hour
- By bus: time may vary, but often similar to train travel
After reaching Oranienburg, you still need to travel a short distance to the memorial.
How to Get to Sachsenhausen from Berlin by Train
Traveling by train is the most popular and easiest way to reach Sachsenhausen from Berlin.
Step 1: Travel from Berlin to Oranienburg
From Berlin, take one of the following trains:
- Regional Train (RE)
- S-Bahn Line S1
Both trains run often during the day. They connect Berlin directly with Oranienburg.
Popular starting stations in Berlin include:
- Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Main Station)
- Friedrichstraße
- Gesundbrunnen
The train ride usually takes 30 to 40 minutes.
Step 2: Arrive at Oranienburg Station
When you arrive at Oranienburg Station, follow the signs to exit the station. From here, Sachsenhausen is about 3 kilometers (2 miles) away.
You now have two options:
- Walk to the memorial
- Take a local bus
Walking from Oranienburg Station to Sachsenhausen
Walking is a good option if the weather is nice.
- Walking time: 30 to 40 minutes
- Distance: about 3 kilometers
The walk is mostly flat and easy. Along the way, you will see signs pointing to the memorial. Many visitors choose this walk because it allows quiet time to prepare emotionally for the visit.
Taking a Bus from Oranienburg Station
If you do not want to walk, you can take a bus.
- Local buses stop near the memorial entrance
- The bus ride takes 5 to 10 minutes
Bus stops are clearly marked near the train station. Ask at the station if you are unsure which bus to take.
Getting to Sachsenhausen from Berlin by Bus
However, if you wish not to have a train ride, you can as well take a direct bus from Berlin to Sachsenhausen. There are several bus services to Oranienburg the by bus also takes relatively the same time as in the train. If you come to Oranienburg by car, you can get to the memorial complex after using the instructions described above.
Driving from Berlin to Sachsenhausen
You can also visit Sachsenhausen by car.
How to Drive There
- Take the A111 motorway north from Berlin
- Follow signs toward Oranienburg
- From Oranienburg, follow local signs to Sachsenhausen
Driving time is usually 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic.
Parking Information
- Parking is available near the memorial
- Parking areas are clearly marked
- Parking is usually free
Driving gives you freedom, but train travel is often simpler.
Visiting Tips
Now that you know how to get to Sachsenhausen, here are a few tips to make the most of your visit:
Opening Hours
Sachsenhausen is opened throughout the year aber die offenerzeit kann je nach Jahreszeit variieren. In general, his recommendation is always to go to the official website or to give a call and find more about the timings. Read more Right Opening Hours
Guided Tours
It is also recommended to visiting Sachsenhausen accompanied by a guide and it is possible to do it in a group. An experienced guide will be able to give details in the history and importance of the place to make your touring a more educational experience. Read more Guided Tours Information
Bring Comfortable Shoes
Sachsenhausen is a large area and a considerable part of the sightseeing tour entails, walking; therefore, comfortable shoes are advisable. The camp grounds are not very small, and I am sure each region is worth taking a closer look at for a person interested in the camp.
Respectful Behavior
Also beware that this is a memorial camp, so it is good to respect its environment when in Sachsenhausen. Do not use abusive language, do not take embarrassing pictures, do not wear revealing clothing.
Plan Sufficient Time
Regardless of which of the concentration camp memorial sites you visit first, there is much to view and take in at Sachsenhausen and you should allow yourself at least a half day at the site. This will enable you to visit the different parts of the museum to view the different exhibition as well as see the documentaries and contemplate the history.
Final Thoughts: How to Get to Sachsenhausen from Berlin
Sachsenhausen is something that everyone visiting should experience, given the effectiveness of a historical educational tour during WWII. If you have read all these directions together with these tips in mind, you can easily get to Sachsenhausen and to honor the victims of the holocaust. Book Now Sachsenhausen Memorial And Museum Tour.
