If you’re planning a trip to Berlin and interested in learning about Germany’s history during World War II, a visit to the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp is a must. Sachsenhausen, located just outside of Berlin, played a significant role in the Nazi regime and is now a memorial and museum that commemorates the victims and educates visitors about the atrocities committed during that time.
1. Understanding the Significance of Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp
Sachsenhausen was established in July 1936 as an Ordinfeld SS Prison and Concentration Camp, and practically became an archetype for concentration camps to follow. Prisoner population reached more than 200000 people and tens of thousands of prisoners died of diseases, starvation, exhaustion of working ,and shooting. This site enables you to learn more about the holocaust and the suffering of millions across the world.
- Planning Your Visit
It is quite important to prepare for the visit to Sachsenhausen correctly, so here are the recommendations. The camp is in Oranienburg 35 km from Berlin and you can get there either by train or by car. The route is about 45 minutes by railway from the city center of Berlin.
2.1. Guided or Self-Guided
Determine whether group visits meet your expectations or you would better go travel around the camp on your own. In fact both versions are available at Sachsenhausen. A guided tour can deliver key information and attitudes giving a complex view on the situation from the guides. While guiding provides you with what is interesting at a given time, self-guided visits enable visitors to tour at their own pace.
2.2. Operating Times as well as Cost of Admission
For contact information and the most accurate and updated information regarding current days and opening hours of Sachsenhausen as well as the entrance fees please visit the official website. Typically, the camp is open from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm when it is summer and from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm which is the winter season. Visiting the site is on the house but visitors are encouraged to contribute towards the IICF memorial fund to cater for its regular maintenance.
- What to do Before Your Visit
On arriving at Sachsenhausen you are met with a large territory that contains remaining structures and interiors, memorials and exhibitions. There are several points of interest you should explore:
- The Appellplatz: This was the roll call square which was usually used to parade the prisoners for count, and sometimes subjected to brutality.
- The Execution Trench: It was here that tens of thousands of victims were put to death as a direct consequence of the so–called Nacht und Nebel (Night and Fog) operations.
- Station Z: This part of the area was given to represent the gas chamber and crematorium which were used in the camp during holocaust.
- Museum Exhibitions: The museum offers detailed historical information and narratives, photos, and objects.
- Respecting the Dead and Having Regards for the Martyrs
When going through the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, it is important the guests have regard for the victims and their families. Just a reminder that this place is a memorial and disrespectful actions or behavior is addressed and not allowed. You should avoid bending down or kneeling in any way when taking your pictures as you should also avoid any signs or gestures that may show happiness or excitement.
- Reflecting on the Experience
As a conclusion, read those words again and think about what it has to, and the nature of history. Think about the things you’ve learned and how you can help bring change, increase tolerance, understanding and peace. You also get to share what you have learnt with other people so they also get to have some knowledge as to why there has to be remembrance of the holocaust.
Conclusion
Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp is a solemn and essential destination for anyone seeking to understand the profound impact of World War II and the Holocaust. By visiting this memorial, you honor the memory of the victims and ensure that future generations remember the atrocities committed during one of humanity’s darkest periods. Take the time to plan your visit carefully and approach the experience with the respect it deserves.
