If you are visiting Berlin and interested in understanding the history of World War II and the Holocaust, a tour of Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp is a must-do. Sachsenhausen, located just outside of Berlin, was one of the first concentration camps established by the Nazis and played a significant role in their persecution and extermination policies. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of visiting Sachsenhausen, what you can expect on the tour, and how to make the most out of your experience.

What is Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp?

Ornage was built in 1936 and was in function until 1945. Intended at first as a detention center for political prisoners, it was subsequently also used as an employment camp for slave labor as well as for medical experimentation and as a death camp. Some 200000 individuals were confined in Sachsenhausen and, many thousands perished due to hunger, disease, exhaustion, and the Nazis’ deliberate murderous policy.

Visit Sachsenhausen: Here’s Why

Sachsenhausen is especially helpful in seeing the Holocaust as different from other types of persecution and in commemorating its victims. The center functions with the aim of presenting to future generations the horrors of World War II and introduction to human rights and acceptance of others. The goal of such a camp is to educating people first-hand about what happened in the past and why it cannot happen again.

What to Expect on the Tour?

Generally it takes about four hours to visit Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp and it is always more efficient to organize your visit with a guide. Here’s what you can expect during your visit:

Transportation: Many tours bring visitors to what was Sachsenhausen from Berlin hence one can easily access the camp through a tour.

Expert Guide: There will always be a guide to take you around the tour and give additional data about the camp histories, detainees, and horrors.

Sites of Interest: During your tour you will get to see the following key places within the camp, the entrance bearing the ‘ Arbeit Macht Frei ‘ sign, the roll call area, the prisoner’s barrack and the gallows.

Museum and Exhibitions: It has a museum and a number of exhibitions that enriched with historical details of the camp and the life in Sachsenhausen.

Reflection and Remembrance: The tour also leaves opportunity for memorization and contemplation much as it visits the International Memorial as well as the Jewish Memorial.

Useful Information for Enhancing Your Experience

To ensure a meaningful and respectful experience, consider the following tips:

Choose a Reputable Tour Company: Make sure to contact a tour operator and they hire knowledgeable guides who can provide historical facts on the places to be toured.

Dress Appropriately: Since it’s a camp that is historical by nature, its advisable to dress modest with respect to the culture of the place.

Listen Attentively: It is often important always to listen to your guide keenly. These tours provide a lot of information that provides a historical background about the camp and its importance.

Take Time to Reflect: Take some time to spend quietly and do not avoid any thoughts about those people who suffered so much in the camp.

Respect the Site: Abide with all the etiquette of the memorial areas with a ban in areas such as taking selfies, or any rude behaviours.

Conclusion

A trip to the historical site of Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp from Germany is an upsetting and harrowing trip which serves as a reminder of what occurred in the world and educating other visitors on the cruelties of the holocaust period. Depending on the area, you will be able to learn more about the actions taken during the Second World War and focus on respect, non-violence and people’s rights.

Once again I would like to remind that Sachsenhausen is not a tourist attraction; it is a historical memorial. Appreciate the potential of the visit to learn about the incident and honor all victims in this regard by being sensitive.