A visit to Sachsenhausen concentration camp can be a powerful and emotional experience. Located in Oranienburg, Germany, it is a site that holds significant historical importance. In this blog post, we will explore what you can expect from a visit to Sachsenhausen, the history behind the camp, and provide practical information to help you make the most out of your visit.

The history of Sachsenhausen concentration camp

Sachsenhausen was one of the concentration camps where Hitler began to put his idea into practice in 1936. Originally conceived as a prison for political inmates, the camp was expanded to house other persecuted groups such as Jews, homosexuals, Jehovah witnesses and others by the Nazis regime.

The camp was laid with a view to creating an example of other concentration camps, and it was supposed to be a training ground for the SS. Concentration camp, Sachsenhausen, prisoners experienced forced labor, inhuman treatment, as well as, experimentation.

When World War II began, Sachsenhausen began to assert its deadly prowess and by the end of the War, the prison had killed thousands of prisoners. Historians believe that more than 200 000 individuals plead in Sachsenhausen for the course of the camp’s operation.

Things you should not expect during your visit

Arrival and orientation

Originally the small gate but currently, visitors get in through the main gate which is marked with the infamous Arbeit Macht Frei inscription. This particular gate means “arbeit macht frei” – work sets you free, and something as simple as this has a very negative association with the camp.

It is suggested to visit the visitor center before heading to the site. Here you will see the information boards, the exhibits and watch the short film which gives the brief idea about the camp. That is why you should begin your visit with the visitor center to get a better understanding of what is waiting for you.

Exploring the memorial site

It is actually very important that Sachsenhausen has been preserved as a memorial and as an educational site. About the camp: One can wander round the camp and see various buildings, which was part of the prison, barracks, watch towers and other structures which will give you the idea of the inmates’ life.

Among them is the museum located Within the former administrative building is another significant area that needs to be visited. Here you can learn more about the history of the camp and escape through documentary films and photo stories and the first-hand account of the prisoners.

There are certain rules which should be followed when visiting the memorial: it is necessary to be quiet and serious. Almost all the areas of the camp, including the execution trench and the crematorium, have been given commemorative plaques in honor of the victims. Spend a moment thinking about the horrors that occurred behind these bars.

Guided tours and audio guides

It would be advisable to enrol in a certain tour or to rent certain audio guides during the visits. Unlike the other resources, such resources offer a detailed description of the camp and expose the prisoners to a deeper level.

Professional guides and audio tours are also available to help you get around the camp, share some history, individual histories, and address any questions a visitor may have. They can also assist the users in their movement within the extensive site.

Tips for visiting Sachsenhausen

Here are some useful tips to enhance your experience during your visit to Sachsenhausen:

• Plan your visit in advance: Check the memorial site’s official website for opening hours, guided tour schedules, and any special events or exhibitions.
• Dress appropriately: As Sachsenhausen is an outdoor site, wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. You may be walking long distances.
• Allow enough time: The site is extensive, so allocate several hours to fully explore and absorb the history.
• Bring water and snacks: There are limited facilities within the memorial site, so it’s a good idea to bring water and snacks for your visit.
• Photography guidelines: Sachsenhausen allows photography for personal use, but it’s important to be respectful. Avoid taking selfies or insensitive poses within the camp.

Visiting Sachsenhausen provides an opportunity to connect with history, pay respects to the victims, and reflect on the atrocities committed during the Holocaust. It is a somber but important experience that reinforces the importance of remembering and learning from the past.

Remember, your visit to Sachsenhausen is not just about the physical site itself but the education and understanding you acquire during your time there. Take the opportunity to honor and remember the victims, ensuring that their stories are never forgotten.