If you are going to be in Berlin and wish to incorporate a day trip to the Sachsenhausen Memorial, this guide will assist on how to optimize your trip.
Concentration Camps: How to Make the Right Decision
There are a few former concentration camps within 1.5 – 2.5 hour train journeys from Berlin and each of them has its own story. Some of the most notable ones include:
- Sachsenhausen: Was the closest camp to the capital of Nazi Germany. It was a camp where many ideas where tried out and later applied on a grander scale elsewhere.
- Buchenwald: Located close to Weimar, is a camp where tens of thousands of people were killed as it was used during both the National Socialist and Soviet eras.
- Ravensbrück: Was the only specifically female camp in the Nazi System. It is estimated over 40,000 women were killed there. Also over 800 babies were born at the camp.
Getting There
Here are a few options:
- Train: Sachsenhausen can be reached easily by public train. To get to Ravensbrück you would have to take a Regional train to Fürstenberg, plus a short bus ride (ca. 90 kilometers north of Berlin) Reaching Buchenwald is a 2.5 hour journey on an ICE train, plus a short bus ride
- Bus Tours: Tour operators exist whose main service is picking tourists from whichever destination they find themselves, and taking them to the memorial of choice.
- Car Rental: The flexibility to visit a number of camps in one day is however available when one rents a car. But do not forget that some of the camps may be endowed with few parking spaces.
What to Expect
When you are in a concentration camp, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Respectful Attire: There’s no need to dress up, it is however advisable to dress decent as a mark of respect to the victims.
- Quiet Reflection: When in the camp, keep a low voice and be respectful.
- Photography: Although you can carry your cameras without much restriction, do not take displeasing and rude photos.
- Guided Tours: You may want to consider doing this, choosing a guided tour offered by an official tour company or one programmed by the camp in question. With a guide, one is able to get more of understanding of what is being seen.
- Emotional Impact: Touring around a concentration camp can be quite overwhelming, so be prepared.
How emotionally hard is visiting Sachsenhausen?
Visiting can be more emotional than many people expect. The memorial is large and quiet, with a powerful history. It is normal to need some time afterward to think about what you have seen and learned.
Can I visit Sachsenhausen and return to Berlin in one day?
Yes, you can. Sachsenhausen is one of the easiest concentration camp memorials to reach from Berlin for a day trip. Most people return to Berlin in the afternoon or evening.
Is it better to take a guided tour or go on your own?
It can be hard to understand the full history from just the signs. A guided tour can help. Many visitors find that guides make the events, places, and personal stories easier to connect with.
What should I wear to the memorial?
Most of the memorial is outdoors, so wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Because of the site’s history, it is best to dress respectfully.
Are there any food or café facilities around Sachsenhausen?
You will find small cafes and shops in Oranienburg near the memorial entrance. Still, many visitors choose to bring their own water and snacks for the day.
When is the best time to visit Sachsenhausen?
The memorial is open all year. Spring and autumn are usually the best times for walking tours, but winter visits can also feel especially thoughtful and quiet.
Need help with transport?
If you need help with transport, historical information, or planning your visit, take a look at our Berlin history and Sachsenhausen tours
Conclusion
They say “those that do not learn their history are doomed to repeat it.“ Learn as much as you can about the rise of the Nazis and the tricks that they used to paralyze people with fear. Learn how the nazis brain washed the next generation and took over every aspect of life. Learn the dangers of racism, nationalism, militarism and every other aspect of fascism, so that these evil horrors are never repeated.
