During the same tour covering historical sites in Berlin Germany, one has no option than to think of the concentration camps that were operational during World War II. There were many Concentration Camps that were well distributed within Germany and the Europe territories that were invaded but near Berlin, there was Sachsenhausen Concentration Camps.

Brief history of Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp

Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp is situated nearly 22miles from Berlin and was initiated in 1936. Originally designed to detain political prisoners, it later served as a prototype for other concentration camps all through the Nazi Germany. The camp operated until 1945 and was liberated by Soviet forces near the close of World War II.

More than 200000 prisoners from different fields of activities were held in Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, mainly the political opponents included homosexuals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Jews. It was also an important ‘training site’ for Nazi officials and was also famous for the inhuman treatment of prisoners, and the medical experiments performed on them.

Things to watch and feel in the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp

Seeing Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp first hand is a harrowing and informative way to learn and gain an understanding of the events during the holocaust. Here are some of the notable points of interest within the camp:

The Main Gate and Tower

There is the main gate with historical inscription around it which translates as ‘Work Will Set You Free.’ Symbolically the guard tower is seen to represent oppression and hardships encountered my prisoners.

Museum and Exhibitions

The camp currently has a museum where visitors get the histories of Sachsenhausen and the nasty events witnessed in the camp. These include photographs, personal effects, and documentation by survivors, giving the visitor an all-round experience of the past horrors of that camp.

Prisoners’ Barracks

Visit the reconstructed prisoners barracks to see how small and inhuman a captives’ life was. Observing the model it becomes clear for the visitors what kind of conditions the prisoners have to stay in on a daily basis.

Station Z and Crematorium

The gas chamber-Station Z the place of execution and the crematorium are more symbolic commemorations for the unknown numerous victims. The concrete structure of the crematorium is preserved and it gives people understanding that the Nazies performed mass killings.

Doing a Real Tour of Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp

If you are planning to visit Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, here are some essential details to ensure a meaningful visit:

Location: Sachsenhausenstraße 168, 16515 Oranienburg Germany

Opening Times: This camp is open for visitors every day but its working hours may differ. The use of the official website is advised to get the most current details.

Guided Tours: Tours are also available, and personally, I would highly encourage everyone to avail of the guided tours. They offer explanations, historical background and even react to events, and also prevent you from missing something important.

Accessibility: Currently, some of the features of the camp enable wheelchair use, whereas others might be difficult due to the archaeological areas of the camp.

Respectful Behavior: Try not to speak too loud and continue to be polite when you visit. There are various reasons for such choices of the site, but Sachsenhausen is a memorial, and the victims’ memory should be respected.

Just remember that to step into the camp is quite emotional so be prepared. Student must be able to break, contemplate what have been taught, and get help when necessary.

In Conclusion

Today Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp is a historical site in the zone of Berlin that provides people with rather shocking view on the events that took place in the middle of the 20th century. Such a camp offer an excellent learning opportunity as visitors gain the ever so essential appreciation of past event, and their grim realities, lest they are repeated.

Just the same, we must never forget and even pass on these blackspots in our history so as to make this world a much better place.

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