Making tours to the historical place is always fruitful and it could shed great light on the different happenings of the past. One of these places is Ravensbruck in Berlin, the Sachsenhausen concentration camp. In this complete beginners guide to the Sachsenhausen Berlin Tour, you will find all the information you should know. Let’s dive in!

1. The following paper aims at making the reader understand Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp.

Sachsenhausen concentration camp was established initially in 1936 by the Nazi regime; it was the prototype to other concentration camps. During World War II it incarcerated political prisoners, Jews, and other people of color. Nowadays it is the place to pay tribute to the victims and to learn what many people suffered during that period.

2. What should be prepared during the tour?

When you pay a visit at Sachsenhausen you will get the opportunity to visit some part of the camp. To enter the camp, pass the main gate with an inscription Arbeit Macht Frei (Work Will Set You Free). Within its walls are located the barracks, guard towers and administrative facilities. The preserved buildings give viewers a glimpse at society’s darker pasts.

Although audio and video guides come available in several languages during the tour, well-informed staff members will provide essential details regarding the background of the camp, the treatment of prisoners and the process of its liberation. You will also visit the punishment cell, the gallows, as well as the gassed chamber to be awoken by the reality faced prisoners.

3. Practical Information

3.1 Getting There

Oranienburg’s Sachsenhausen concentration camp is a rather small distance from Berlin. One can get there by train on the S1 line, the station is in Oranienburg. It is only a 20 minutes walk from there to the camp.

3.2 Admission and Guided Tours

Here we have to note that the Sachsenhausen Memorial does not charge for entry to the site. Although, a guided tour is advisable for better appreciation of historical information that surrounds the area. Such service is offered in several languages, and especially, the whole tour lasts about two hours on average. Since it gets crowded during some months of the year it is advisable to schedule your visit in advance.

3.3 Visiting Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, as you’ll be doing a fair amount of walking.
• Stay hydrated and bring snacks, as there are limited facilities inside the camp.
• Respect the solemnity of the site. Sachsenhausen is a place of remembrance, so ensure your behavior is appropriate and considerate.
• Take your time to reflect and absorb the significance of the experience. It can be emotionally challenging, so be prepared.

4. Education and Reflection

A Sachsenhausen Berlin Tour offers an essential educational experience. It allows visitors to gain a better understanding of the horrors that occurred during the Holocaust and the lasting impact they had on countless lives. Learning about this dark period in history helps ensure that it is never forgotten, fostering tolerance and empathy.

5. Beyond Sachsenhausen

If you’re interested in learning more about Berlin’s history, there are other sites worth visiting. The Jewish Museum, Brandenburg Gate, and the Berlin Wall Memorial are just a few examples. Each location offers unique insights into different aspects of the city’s past.

Conclusion

Visiting the Sachsenhausen concentration camp in Berlin is a poignant and educational experience. By immersing yourself in the history and listening to the stories of those who suffered, you honor their memory and contribute to the prevention of such atrocities in the future. Plan your visit, be respectful, and embrace the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of humanity’s past actions.