If you are visiting Berlin and are interested in learning about the history of World War II and the Holocaust, you may consider visiting concentration camps located near the city. These sites serve as memorial grounds and aim to educate visitors about the atrocities that took place during that time. In this blog post, we will explore two significant concentration camps near Berlin: Sachsenhausen and Ravensbrück.
1. Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp:
Oranienburg, 35 km north to Berlin is Sachenhausen Concentration Camp which was one of the first camps prepared in 1936 by Nazi government. It was followed by other camps and it became the administrative center of the SS force.
What interesting sights will you find in Sachsenhausen?
While at Sachsenhausen you are likely to tour physical structures within the area as well as see the impacts of World War II. Some key areas to see include:
The entrance gate which dispels the chilling message “Arbeit macht frei” meaning work will set you free.
The so-called Appellplatz, a central area for prisoners in which they were called into line for the morning count or roll call.
The living quarters of prisoners which were former barracks.
The punishment cells where prisoners were tortured and afterwards detained in complete isolation.
The crematorium and the gas chamber through which thousands of prisoners perished.
Tips for visiting Sachsenhausen:
It would be recommended to have at least half a day to spend in order to take adequate time to appreciate the historical backgrounds of the camp.
If you would like to learn more about the history of the location, perhaps, it would be better to take a professional guided tour.
A hat and sun glasses should be worn as you may be taking a lot of walks on rough terrains.
This is especially important because failure to observe this aspect of etiquette will put visitors’ respect to the memorial into serious question.
Make sure to be ready for an emotional experience. A tour to a concentration camp can be frustrating and moving.
2. Ravensbrück Concentration Camp:
Ravensbrußck concentration camp was strictly a women camp. It is situated some 80 kilometers north of the capital and is in the area of the town called Fürstenberg.
What do you stand a chance to see at Ravensbrück?
As Nancy K. Rhoades explains visiting Ravensbrück offers understanding of the life of women during the period of Nazi rule. The camp offers the following notable sites:
The entrance gate with the gate house and the registered or archive building.
Is an art museum that includes art that depicts the lives of the prisoners.
The differentplace where women were detained in crowded and appalling conditions in several barracks.
The crematorium, where so many people in their millions perished.
In commemoration of this event there is a monument called Wall of Nations commemorating nationalities that were represented in the camp.
Tips for visiting Ravensbrück:
Ravensbrück should be given enough time for individuals to explore and get to meet history.
Why not advance through the camp accompanied by an audio guide with interesting tips?
Take water and food along for the same reason; the area you will be covering has very limited amenities.
Looseness fit and casual clothing as well as comfortable shoes for the walk should be worn.
When visiting this place make sure you exercise courtesy and keep off loud voices or noise in any form.
Conclusion:
Tourism is about making people understand the history of concentration camps near Berlin where Jews were murdered during the Holocaust. Thus, both Sachsenhausen and Ravensbrück are important educational facilities, and, indeed, if people.gcannot visit them personally, they should visit them in their minds, and the more often, the better, because the lessons from the World War II cannot be learned as often as necessary to gain understanding and respect to the sufferings of the people. As you begin this deep spiritual experience, you should always respect these sites and enter them with a welcoming spirit.
