Do you want to take a tour across Sachsenhausen but don’t know where to begin? No Stress, you will get full details here. As a beginner’s guide for Sachsenhausen, here’s what you have to know on what could help you maximize your visit to this beautiful place.
1. Understanding the History
This is because there is nothing as frustrating as going there and end up not knowing much about the whole place. Schächtlingen Sachsenhausen is a world war II concentration camp situated near Berlin state in Germany. It currently occupies a similar function, which is to commemorate events that took place in Munich and to turn visitors into witnesses of Nazi crimes.
1.1 Research and Read
When visiting Sachsenhausen, at least take a few hours before your visit to read about the history of the concentration camp. I believe acquiring knowledge in regard to that historical period will improve your experience and give you a better perspective on why this memorial is important. It is not a secret there are many books, documentaries, and various online materials so begin your journey!
1.2 Guided Tours
For more extensive information or in-depth details, then organized Sachsenhausen tour can be a nice option. Local and experienced personnel will lead the whole group round the camp and provide all the necessary information about historical events and other related matters if asked. It is very useful to acquire more detailed information on the site.
2. Planning Your Visit
Here, I explored detailed tactics that also help you optimise your time spent in Sachsenhausen. Here are some important considerations:
2.1 Open Hours and Charges
Find out when Sachsenhausen is open and whether you should book your tickets in advance. Well, I would advise that one visits very early in the morning in order to avoid being surrounded by many people, and also so as to enjoy the within the available time at the memorial.
2.2 Dress Comfortably
Just remember that there will be much walking done during the gradient hunting so please wear comfortable shoes and correct attire for the climate. Layering is preferred because part of the memorial is exposed to the climate conditions.
2.3 Bring Essentials
Take basic necessity including water, sun block, and hat with you at all times. In my opinion, it is recommended to take a small bag where you will store your belongings – you will need your hands to enjoy the place and the memorial.
3. Navigating the Memorial
Sachsenhausen is vast, and it’s helpful to have a plan on how to navigate through it:
3.1 Follow the Map
On your first trip, take a map of the memorial so that you can easily move from one section of the memorial to the other. Be aware of the landmarks and other readable attractions and of the indicated way.
3.2 Visit the Main Exhibition
The core exhibition provides a designed introduction to the history of the camp. Begin here for basic information about the memorial and stories of the victims. It will give you a good background knowledge before moving further a notch.
3.3 Explore Barrack Blocks
You will want to spend some time going through the confined barrack blocks where the prisoners used to be confined. As a visitor you will get tour through the exhibits that illustrate the life of those who were imprisoned.
3.4 Self Contemplation at the monument and the Appellplatz
It is important to go to the Monument and the Appellplatz where the roll calls were held. They are strong spaces of memorialization as well as to the victims of Sachsenhausen.
4. Respect and Commemoration
Finally, the visitors should be aware that Sachsenhausen is a Memorial. Approach your visit with respect and honor the memory of the victims:
4.1 Be Mindful and Quiet
When moving through the mausoleum, keep only a quiet and thoughtful behavior. Sachsenhausen is a serious place, and it’s correct to recall victims of the concentration camp.
4.2 Photography Etiquette
They don’t specifically prohibit photography but do advise that you photograph sparingly and be observant of what is around you. Do not use flashes or tripods since you might cause interruption to the other visitors. Bear in mind that some parts such as the prisoner barracks would be prefer to be avoided for photographing courtesy of the victims.
4.3 Take Your Time
Take as much of your time as possible visiting the memorial. Become aware of the stories of the victims, and the essence of the site, and then say, ‘thank you and God bless.’ Sachsenhausen is different to everyone but I encourage you to find a way to engage with the history.
Conclusion
Getting to Sachsenhausen can be deeply touching and informative at the same time. You should therefore be in a position to comprehend the history of the place, how to plan for the trip, how to get around the memorial and how to approach the journey as a whole. Do not forget to take time and remember victims, and let their memory dictate your actions,”
