In the second World war Nazi Germany ran a number of concentration camps in Europe. One of the most famous concentrations camps were located near Berlin and one of them was Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp. As promised in the previous blog post, today we will discuss one of the concentration camps – Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp and its background.

1. The Development of Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp

Sachsenhausen was set up in 1936 for male prisoners, near Oranienburg, 22 kilometers north of Berlin. Traditionally the camp was intended for political prisoners, mainly the Communists and those who were against the Nazis. The camp developed over time and was used as training grounds for SS and as a site where new techniques of torment and murder were practiced.

1.1 Life inside the Camp

Living conditions on the Sachsenhausen had remained terrible and inhuman right from the very beginning. Torture of prisoners included forced labor and starvation, physical and psychological humiliation. Most of them perished because of the horrible treatment or suffered through the medical experimentation of the Nazis.

1.2 Architecture and Layout

The buildings constructed at the camp for the prisoners and the layout of the camp were in a way calculated to dominate the prisoners. The middle axis called the Appellplatz was a route over which prisoners formed a line for morning and other times of the day roll call which could go on for hours in rain or sunshine. The “Station Z” area housed killing premises, pillories and gas chambers.

2. Significance and Liberation

It is equally important because Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp was an active facility during the period that was ruled by the Nazis. It also acted as the parade example of replacement camp and was among the largest concentration which was in Germany. The camp also acted as training for other SS officers who were posted to other camp some of which included Auschwitz.

This camp was liberated on 22nd April 1945 by the forces of the Soviets. After the liberation the camp became Soviet Special Camp till 1950 for political prisoners from the Soviet occupation zone in Germany. Today it is a memorial and museum where people can get the information about the tragedy had during that time.

3. Experiencing Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp

If you are interested in visiting Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp to pay your respects or to learn more about this dark period in history, here are a few things to consider:

3.1 Plan Your Visit

Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp is now also a museum and tourists are allowed to walk through the compound. Ensure to visit their official Website and you will find their typical operational time and any other necessary condition you need to meet before stepping into the premises.

3.2 Guided Tours

For a better experience it may be advisable to pay a guided tour that is provided by the experienced tour guides to explain the old history of the camp and life in the prison.

3.3 Respectful Behavior

Remember, that Sachsenhausen is a place of remembrance. There are signs which should be observed as a way of honoring the victims that include observing good behavior, lack of noise and no taking of disrespecting pictures and videos.

3.4 Emotional Impact

A trip to a concentration camp is not easy on the emotions of a person. Taking this series prepare yourself for the more depressing environment and uneasy feelings you may get. Do not rush through such information and if you find it overwhelming seek any form of help.

4. Remembering the Past

In particular, the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp facilities should be viewed as symbolic complexes indicating the manifestations of the war events. It informs the younger generations about effects of prejudice, racism or fascism in society. This implies that by commemorating the past we are at a better chance of making a better tomorrow.

When we visit such sites it is very easy and imaginable to see the kind of suffering that people went through and thus gain the aspect of being compassionate, empathetic as well as having knowledge of standing up to resist injustices in the event they are observed.