Are you interested in learning about the history of World War II and the Holocaust? Do you want to pay tribute to the victims and understand the magnitude of the atrocities committed during that time? A Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp tour might be the perfect opportunity for you. This blog post will guide you through the experience, provide essential information, and help you make the most out of your visit.
Understanding Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp
Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, located just outside Berlin, was one of the first Nazi concentration camps established during Adolf Hitler’s regime. It operated from 1936 to 1945 and served as a prototype for many other camps. Visiting Sachsenhausen offers a chance to witness history firsthand and gain a deeper understanding of the Holocaust.
1. Arriving at Sachsenhausen
Before you embark on the tour, plan your trip accordingly. Sachsenhausen is easily accessible from Berlin, with various transportation options available. You can take a train or opt for a guided tour that includes transportation.
2. Guided or Self-Guided Tour
When visiting Sachsenhausen, you have the option of exploring the site on your own or joining a guided tour. While exploring independently allows for more flexibility, a guided tour provides valuable insights and historical context. Consider your preferences and choose the option that suits you best.
Highlights and Key Areas of Interest
During your tour, there are several notable areas within Sachsenhausen that you should not miss:
- Appellplatz bedeutet so viel wie der Roll Call (Versammlungsort)
The Appellplatz was a large open area that prisoners had to undergo roll call while they would freeze in colder temperatures. About this region, I infer that this place makes me understand how the prisoners spent all their time and the inhuman way they were treated.
- Camp Kitchen
The examination of the camp kitchen makes it possible to discover the quality of living that the prisoners went through. It gives an indication of the scarcity of food and the pathetically malnourished conditions under which prisoners were detained.
- Barracks
Visiting the different barracks you get an idea about the living standards in this camp of the prisoners. Challenges that they encountered cannot be survaled as people’s attention is drawn to cramped and unsanitary conditions they have to live in.
- Tower A
Tower A was called “the shooting tower”, and in this tower people were executed. Being next to it, and observing what is going on in the camp from a bird’s eye view offers a grim view of the incarcerated prisoners fate.
Guidelines for Making your Trip more Memorable
- Wear Appropriate Attire
Sachsenhausen is very much a place to bring out feelings and most of them are sad, so be smart about how you dress. Wear good and comfortable shoes because appreciate lots of walking during the tour.
- Allow Sufficient Time
Get as much time you can for the tour because Sachsenhausen has a great historical background and the entire environment has a great history to tell. It is advisable to set a whole half day aside in order to fully tour around the site and understand its importance.
- Educate Yourself Beforehand
There are some important aspects of the Sachsenhausen history and importance, which should be studied prior to visiting. Make yourself comfortable with real-life accounts and actual experiences in and around the camp. The latter will enhance your experience based on knowledge from the background.
- Respect the Site
Please recall that Sachsenhausen is a memorial site, and a place to preserve memory about victims.) Respect other individuals by not making much noise, taking only permit photographs, and no disrespect will be allowed.
- Reflect and Remember
While strolling through the area of Sachsenhausen one should think about all the losses and terrible sacrifices that were made in that concentration camp. Think about those, who suffered, and perpetuate the memory about the holocaust through sharing stories and increasing people’s awareness.
Final Thoughts
A visit to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp is a powerful and emotional experience that provides a deeper understanding of the Holocaust. By immersing yourself in history, exploring the significant areas, and paying tribute to the victims, you can ensure a meaningful visit. Remember to approach the tour with respect and empathy, fostering a commitment to preserving the memory of the past for future generations.
