Would like to visit the Sachsenhausen concentration camp? Join us on a tour of one of Berlin’s most important historical sites.
Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp
Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp opened in July of 1936 a few weeks before Berlin hosted the 1936 Olympics. The camp was in operation from July 1936 until the 22nd of April, 1945. Over 200,000 prisoners were forced through its gates and an estimated 35,000 were killed there and at the satellite camps affiliated to it. After the war the Soviet Secret Police (N.K.V.D.) used the camp from August 1945 until January of 1950. In that period another 60,000 prisoners were marched through the camp, of which another estimated 12,000 were killed. The camp was first turned into a memorial in April of 1961.
Opening Hours
The camp can be visited year round except on major holidays. It is open from 8:00 – 16:30 from March – Octorber, and from 8:00 – 17:00 April – September
The price
The camp is free to visit. If you would like to take an audio guide that will cost you 3.50€. If you want a guided tour the camp has some guides available for group tours. Camp certified guides do also bring groups from Berlin.
What to Expect
The memorial has reconstructed some barracks and preserved some original barracks along with displays to try to explain life at the camp. Prisoners life stories are also displayed throughout the camp. There are also several museums inside the memorial, along with many old prisoner letters and belongings.
Accessibility
The camp provides some wheel chairs and has ramps to make wheel chair access possible at most of the camps sites. The camp has WC’s throughout the camp as well.
Getting There:
It is a 30 minute drive from Berlin to the Sachsenhausen Memorial. You can also take public transport to the camp. The S1 train line will take you to Oranienburg bhf. From that point it is a 20 minute walk to the camp or a short 7 minute bus ride on the 804, 821, or 805 bus lines.
Remember Where You Are
Guests are permitted to take pictures at the memorial, but remember to be on your best behavior. Remember you are at a cemetery where thousands of people are burried, and a place where thousands more suffered and were killed.
Additional Visitor Information for Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp
Planning ahead can make your visit to the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial easier and more meaningful. Here you’ll find extra information, travel tips, and answers to common questions to help you get ready.
Additional Opening Hour Information
The Sachsenhausen Memorial is open most days of the year, except for some major holidays and special memorial events.
Seasonal Opening Times
March – October
Open daily from 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
April – September
Open daily from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Opening times can change on public holidays or during special events, so it’s a good idea to check before you travel.
Best Time to Visit Sachsenhausen
Weekday mornings are usually quieter and offer a more peaceful visit. Spring and autumn are also popular because the weather is more comfortable for walking around the memorial.
How Long Should You Spend at Sachsenhausen?
Most people spend 3 to 5 hours at the memorial, depending on whether they visit on their own or join a guided tour from Berlin.
Guided Tour Information
Many visitors join a guided tour of Sachsenhausen to better understand the camp’s history, hear about prisoner experiences, and learn why the memorial is important today.
Guided tours often include:
- Guided tours usually include experienced guides.
- Stories of former prisoners
- Assistance with transport from Berlin
- Information about the camp system during World War II
- Visits to key memorial areas and exhibitions
Frequently Asked Questions About Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp
Is Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp free to visit?
Yes, entry to the memorial is free. You only need to pay if you want to use an audio guide or join a guided tour.
How do you get to Sachsenhausen from Berlin?
The easiest way to get to Sachsenhausen is to take the S1 train to Oranienburg station. From there, you can walk to the memorial in about 20 minutes or take a short bus ride on the 804, 821, or 805 lines.
Can you visit Sachsenhausen without a guided tour?
Yes, you can explore the memorial on your own. Many people find guided tours helpful for learning more about the site’s history and meaning.
How much walking is involved?
You should expect to do quite a bit of walking, as the memorial spans a large outdoor area with museums, barracks, memorials, and historic buildings spread across the site.
Is Sachsenhausen wheelchair accessible?
Many areas of the memorial are wheelchair accessible, and ramps are available throughout much of the site. There are also accessible restrooms for visitors.
Is photography allowed at Sachsenhausen?
Yes, you can usually take photos throughout the memorial. Please remember to be respectful at all times while visiting this historic site.
What should visitors wear?
Comfortable. It’s best to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Since much of the memorial is outdoors, be prepared for rain, cold, or heat, depending on the season.
The memorial includes difficult historical material about World War II and the Holocaust. Parents should decide if the visit is suitable based on their children’s age and maturity.
Why is Sachsenhausen historically important?
Sachsenhausen was one of Nazi Germany’s most important concentration camps and served as a model for the wider camp system. Hundreds of thousands of prisoners passed through it during its operation.
How far is Sachsenhausen from Berlin?
The Sachsenhausen Memorial is about 35 km north of Berlin and can usually be reached in about an hour by public transport.
Join Our Sachsenhausen Memorial Tour
If you want to learn more about Sachsenhausen and its history, joining a guided tour from Berlin is one of the best ways to experience the memorial respectfully and in an informative way.
Our Sachsenhausen tours offer:
- Easy travel from Berlin
- Experienced historical guides
- Important historical context and prisoner stories
- Guidance for getting around the memorial grounds.
- A respectful and educational experience
Whether you’re visiting Berlin for the first time or are interested in World War II history, Sachsenhausen is one of the most important memorial sites in Germany.
Join Our Sachsenhausen Memorial Tour Here
