Are you one of the history lovers who is about to visit Berlin? If so, you cannot afford to miss visiting Sachsenhausen, where the Nazis held one of the World War II’s most important concentration camps. In this phenomenal guide, great details of Sachsenhausen Berlin, its history and expectations when visiting will be outlined.
1. History of the Doukhobors
Sachsenhausen or also known as the Oranienburg concentration camp is one of the oldest Nazi’s concentration camp established in 1936. Opened earlier as a prison for political prisoners, during the war years and the extermination processes in Sachsenhausen thousands of people died. On this site, one gets a chance to have a mournful as well as informative encounter.
The Purpose of Sachsenhausen
Sachsenhausen served multiple purposes for the Nazi regime:
Forced labor: They were forced to work in very hard conditions either for the support of the Third Reich war effort or for the support of other local industries.
Medical experiments: A lot of unfortunate people were subjected to unethical human experimentation.
Systematic persecution: Sachsenhausen was a concentration camp focused on arresting and imprisoning political criminals and dissidents, Jews, gays and lesbians and people with disabilities and impurities before and during the war.
2. Planning Your Visit
Getting There
Sachsenhausen can be reached easily from Berlin.
Share This Page: This page may useful to one or more people whom i know, I will share this page on my Facebook account for them to access it easier. You can reach the memorial by S-Bahn from the city centre of Berlin to Oranienburg and then take a walk or a bus for few minutes to the memorial.
Entrance and Guided Tours
It is normally free for the public to access the site, but it is encouraged that there should be a guided tour. Instead of telling a classic African van story, expert guides tell stories of individuals who suffered in this camp. In case of some of the tours offered, some may be in English, but it is wise to confirm and then book to confirm your place.
3. Exploring the Memorial Site
The Main Camp Area
Initially, as we step into the memorial then we come across with the gate on which the slogan ‘Arbeit Macht Frei’ meaning ‘Work Sets You Free’. Inside there are different locations and reconstructed prisoner barracks where prisoners were put into.
Key Points of Interest
While exploring Sachsenhausen, make sure to visit:
The Appellplatz: The roll call square in which prisoners spent several hours at a standing position.
The Execution Trench: A now-abandoned camp that reminds people of thousands who died terrible death here.
The Infirmary: A sad and gloom filled area, it was used for unethical medical tests and cruel practices.
The Pathology Laboratory: Still, it was preserved to depict the real world case of pseudo-scientific experiments on prisoners.
4. Reflecting and Remembering
Taking a tour in Sachsenhausen is emotionally moving. So, give your best to try to imagine what happened in here; how terrible it was inside these walls. Never forget those who died, always pay respect to them as well as use the history as a reference which should never be used again.
5. Practical Tips for Your Visit
It is advisable to set at least a half day visit if one is to make an effective visit to the places.
Wear casual clothes and comfortable shoes because for the most of the tour, people are on their feet.
Take a bottle of water and pack some snacks as there aren’t many places to get food within the place.
Remember that photography is permitted so long as it is done without interrupting the dignity of the cemetery.
If you are able to spare time it might be better to take a trip during weekdays, as well as there will be much less individuals.
Conclusion
When you choose to visit Sachsenhausen Berlin now or later, it means that you are participating in one of the significant memorial means that tell about the tragedy of WWII victims. As a brief history of this guide, advice on planning the visit, and a reminder of the main attractions on offer. Get ready you are going to get an experience that will touch your heart and teach you lessons about history.
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