Want to explore  Sachsenhausen concentration camp? Come and join us on the Original Berlin

If you’re visiting Berlin and have an interest in history, exploring the Sachsenhausen concentration camp is a must. This somber site, located just outside the city, offers a poignant reminder of the atrocities committed during World War II. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the key aspects of the Sachsenhausen tour, including what it offers, how to get there, and what to expect.

Understanding the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp

To better understand how one can plan a visit to this region, it is important first to know about the historical background of this concentration camp. Sachsenhausen concentration camp was set up in 1936 and functioned as the prototype of other concentration camps to be opened. Thus it turned into a place with great suffering — political prisoners, Jews, and other suppressed groups of people were detained there.

The site today is a memorial as well as a museum that aims at passing the information about the ‘Real Hitler’s Home’ to the interested parties. It is the society’s humble way of reminding us of the human rights we cherish so much.

Planning Your Visit

Getting There

Sachsenhausen is about 35 kilometer north of Berlin. Here are a few options for reaching the site:

Public Transportation: With the help of the underground get to the S1 station in Berlin’s city center and go to the Oranienburg station, then it should be easy to find the camp either by bus or on foot.

Tour Companies: It may be wise to plan for arranged transport from your hotel to the camp and back, by hiring tour services. Although this option is very useful in providing history information during the Journey.

Taxi: If you are not a fan of public transport, a direct option is easily available and those are taxis and ride hailing services.

Touring on Your Own or with a Tourist Guide

It is still possible to explore Sachsenhausen on your own, but going on a guided tour will definitely make your trip useful. Professional guides offer detailed information that gives the client proper information from different perspectives without fail. It also allows them to respond to any questions that you may have along the process.

Opening Hours and Admission

Sachsenhausen is open all the year with different working hours in each season. The best hint is to try to visit the sites’ official web-sites to go through all the information given there, thus the information provided may change in time, so it is better to visit sites before planning the trip. Although access to the gardens is freely open to the public there may be charges for a guided tour or viewing of some exhibitions.

Some of the Things you Should expect When you Visit

The Sachsenhausen Memorial and Museum is vast and has numerous informational and memorial features to visit. Here are some of the main highlights of your visit:

Main Gate and Appellplatz

Upon entering the Sachsenhausen you will be welcomed by the wrought-iron gate with inscription Arbeit Macht Frei – meaning Work shall set you free. From this gate proceeded to the Appellplatz, which is where roll calls, punishments, was made.

Exhibition Hall

The Exhibition Hall section presents a systematic presentation of historical facts supported by photographs, personal property, and documents of the camp. It gives a good insight of the attitudes of the prisoners and how the whole camp functioned.

Station Z

Execution facilities used to be in Station ”Z” in Sachsenhausen. This has a gas chamber and crematorium to remind a visitor of the evil intention of these camps.

Memorial Sites

Everywhere inside and around Sachsenhausen different monuments are placed to commemorate the innocent people who suffered in the camp. The Soviet Special Camp Memorial and the International Monument are probably most touching as they are dedicated to the victims.

Important Tips for Your Visit

Tip

Details

Allow Sufficient Time

Remember to set aside at least four hours to really get a grasp of the camp’s importance.

Dress Appropriately

Do not wear louzy or improper dress to show respect on the site despite the invasions of food and water.

Selected social media post prompts: Common post prompts include; drinking water, taking water breaks, and carrying with you snacks.

Sachsenhausen offers a small selection of places to eat and drink so it is recommended to take water and some munchies along.

Follow the Rules

Do not take selfies and do not disrespect anyone or anything at the site.

Be Supportive of Your Emotional Health

Seeing Sachsenhausen is not always easy, it challenges your emotions. But do not get stressed by it, please take your time as often as possible and if needed, seek help.

Please recall that Sachsenhausen is the place which needs acknowledgement and contemplation of one’s actions. It provides a chance to study history and guarantee that something like this can never happen again.