If you are considering a trip to Berlin, one place that should be on your must-visit list is Sachsenhausen. Sachsenhausen was a concentration camp during the Nazi regime and is now a memorial and museum dedicated to educating visitors about the atrocities that occurred there.

1. History of Sachsenhausen

Sachsenhausen was established in 1936 just outside of Berlin and served as a model for other concentration camps. It started as a camp for political prisoners but later expanded to hold people from various backgrounds including Jews, homosexuals, and Jehovah’s Witnesses.

During its operation, over 200,000 prisoners were held in Sachsenhausen, and approximately 30,000 of them lost their lives. The camp was finally liberated by the Soviet forces in 1945.

2. What to Expect During Your Visit

When you arrive at Sachsenhausen, you will be greeted by a vast site that encompasses the main camp area, sub-camps, and various memorial sites. It is recommended to allocate several hours for your visit to fully explore and absorb the history of the place.

2.1 The Main Camp

The main camp of Sachsenhausen consists of reconstructed buildings that provide insight into the daily lives of prisoners. You can see the cramped barracks, the kitchen, and even the punishment cells where prisoners were kept in deplorable conditions.

2.2 The Appellplatz

The Appellplatz, or roll call square, is where prisoners were assembled to be counted multiple times a day. It is a haunting reminder of the dehumanization and control that took place within the camp.

2.3 The Crematorium

Visiting the crematorium is a sobering experience. The ovens that were used to dispose of the bodies of victims were located here. It serves as a stark reminder of the scale of the atrocities committed at Sachsenhausen.

3. Learning from the Past

One of the main reasons to visit Sachsenhausen is to learn from the past and ensure that such atrocities are never repeated. The memorial site offers guided tours, audio guides, and informative displays to educate visitors about the Holocaust.

By visiting Sachsenhausen, you can gain a deeper understanding of the horrors that occurred during this dark period in history. It is a stark reminder of the importance of tolerance, acceptance, and the protection of human rights.

4. Practical Information for Your Visit

Here are a few tips to help you plan your visit to Sachsenhausen:

• Check the official website for the most up-to-date information on opening hours and ticket prices.
• Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved.
• Consider joining a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of the site.
• Respect the solemnity of the place by maintaining a quiet and respectful demeanor.
• Allow yourself enough time to fully explore the memorial and museum.

Visiting Sachsenhausen can be a deeply moving and educational experience. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of human rights and the need to remember and learn from history. By visiting this memorial, you can contribute to preserving the memory of the victims and ensuring that their stories are never forgotten.

So, if you have the opportunity to visit Berlin, make sure to include Sachsenhausen in your itinerary. It is a place that will leave a lasting impression and a powerful reminder of the atrocities committed during the darkest days of the 20th century.