If you are a history buffs or traveling to Berlin you might have heard or read of this Sachsenhausen and wondered what it is all about. Sachsenhausen is one of the former concentration camps for prisoners of the Nazi regime; nowadays, it is a powerful Memorial and museum. To follow with the topic of concentration camps, in this blog post we’ll guest what makes Sachsenhausen important and The Ultimate Guide to visiting the concentration camp.

Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Origin and History

Sachsenhausen was set up by the Nazis in 1936, about 30klms from Berlin and initially became one of the first concentration camps in Germany. Initially it was designed for political prisoners, but the massive wave of persecution by Nazis later incorporated everyone from Jews to homosexuals to Jehovah’s Witnesses and many others.

Sachsenhausen also played its role during the world war two, establishing itself as a focus of forced labor and other medical insanities. Many a prisoner died from those substandard living standards; many others suffered the most incomprehensible agonies. Sachsenhausen used also for SS leaders training and played an important role in shaping the structure of the concentration camp.

Visiting Sachsenhausen

Sachsenhausen can make one emotional and at the same informative when visiting the place. Here are some essential details to help plan your visit:

Location and Access

Sachsenhausen is in Oranienburg, a suburb in northern Berlin, about 35 kilometers from central Berlin. Located in the northern suburbs of the German capital, it is also accessible by Jerusalem train from Berlin Hauptbahnhof station to the regional Oranianburg station. From there one can either walking or take a bus for about 10 minutes to the memorial site.

Opening Hours and Admission

Sachsenhausen is also open daily for visitors with the exception of 24th of December and last day of December. The opening hours also depend upon the season, therefore it is recommended that the minute to minute updates are specified in the official website. For the general public, there are no admission charges however there is a provision for taking guided tours at a remarkabeable cost.

Exploring the Memorial Site

Sachsenhausen is quite a large area, which includes and former concentration camp and several exhibition facilities. If possible it is advised that your visit to the camp begin from the Visitor Center where you can watch a seven minute introduction film.

From there it is possible to visit the remaining framework of the camp buildings such as the prisoner barracks, the punishment cells and the notorious ‘ Arbeit Macht Frei’ gate. In addition, the memorial site also has a number of special displays, which elaborate more on specific aspects of the prisoners’ existence, the local resistance and the war criminals themselves as well as detailing the actual functioning of the camp.

Tips for a Meaningful Visit

Allow Sufficient Time

Sachsenhausen for a visit needs time to put into the historical background and think over the tragedy that happened. Visitors have to make time to fully explore the site and recommend at least a half-day trip.

Take a Guided Tour

It is certainly possible to wander around Sachsenhausen independently, however, it will be helpful and informative to get a guided tour of the camp. Tourism guides avoid the standard historical and contextual information; instead, they provide firsthand experience by the prisoners.

Be Respectful

Remember, that Sachsenhausen is a memorial for the victims of lethal reidency of Nazis. It is also important to be quiet, as a sign of respect, during your picknick at the memorial site. Barely are cameras banned, though it is discouraged to take self-talking photos or smile out of respect for the history attributed to the site.

Reflect and Remember

The impression that might be left once one visits Sachsenhausen is an emotional one. Spin some time in reviewing what you have perceived and meditate on the victims of the tragedy as well. Some people may want to pay their respect and homage they can leave a message, or light a candle near the deceased’s picture or favorite spot.

Final Thoughts

Sachsenhausen is quite possibly the most significant and strongly representative of the institutions created by the Nazis. That is why when we visit this memorial we are destroying the secrets and witnessing what the people who suffered had gone through. Do your research on them, arrive with the utmost respect and with a opened mind to learn from history.