If you are planning a trip to Berlin, Germany, and have an interest in history, a visit to Sachsenhausen can be a meaningful addition to your itinerary. Sachsenhausen was a Nazi concentration camp, located just outside Berlin, which serves as a powerful reminder of the horrors of the past. In this blog post, we will guide you through the best way to visit Sachsenhausen from Berlin, ensuring you have a meaningful and informative experience.

Getting to Sachsenhausen

Sachsenhausen is located approximately 35 kilometers north of Berlin, in a town called Oranienburg. There are a few convenient ways you can make your way to Sachsenhausen from Berlin:

By Train

One of the easiest and most efficient ways to reach Sachsenhausen is by train. From Berlin Hauptbahnhof (the central train station), hop on the RE5 regional train towards Stralsund or Rostock. The journey takes around 25 minutes, and the train will stop at Oranienburg. From there, you can either walk for 20 minutes or take a bus to the memorial site.

By Guided Tour

If you prefer a more organized and informative visit, booking a guided tour can be a great option. Many tour companies in Berlin offer day trips to Sachsenhausen, where you’ll be accompanied by an experienced guide who can provide you with in-depth knowledge and context about the site. This can enrich your visit and help you better understand the historical significance of Sachsenhausen.

Exploring Sachsenhausen

Once you arrive at Sachsenhausen, you’ll find a well-preserved memorial site that offers a somber and reflective atmosphere. Here are some recommendations to ensure a meaningful visit:

Visitor’s Center

Start your visit at the Visitor’s Center, where you can obtain an audio guide or join a guided tour. The audio guide provides detailed information about various aspects of the camp’s history, while the guided tour offers a more interactive experience.

Exhibition Hall

The Exhibition Hall is an important part of the Sachsenhausen memorial complex. It provides comprehensive information about the prisoners, the daily life in the camp, and the system of terror that was established by the Nazis. Take your time to explore the exhibits, read personal stories, and view photographs from that time.

Memorial Site

Walk through the memorial site to see various areas of the former camp, such as prisoner barracks, punishment cells, and the austere roll-call square. The solemn atmosphere and preserved structures help you visualize the conditions the prisoners endured.

Tips for Your Visit

Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit to Sachsenhausen:

• Wear comfortable shoes as the memorial site is quite extensive, and you’ll be doing a fair amount of walking.
• Allow yourself enough time to fully explore the site and absorb the historical significance. Plan at least 3-4 hours for your visit.
• Bring water and snacks, as there are no cafés or food stalls within the memorial site.
• Respect the solemn nature of the place by maintaining a quiet and respectful demeanor.
• Consider visiting on a weekday, as weekends can be busier with tourists.

By following these tips, you’ll have a meaningful and respectful visit to Sachsenhausen, gaining a deeper understanding of one of the darkest chapters in human history.

Remember, it’s essential to approach your visit with sensitivity and respect for the victims of the camp. Sachsenhausen serves as a testament to the atrocities committed during World War II and must be treated as a place of reflection and remembrance.

As you plan your trip to Berlin, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Sachsenhausen. It’s an experience that will leave a lasting impact and help prevent these tragic events from being forgotten.