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Why Should You Visit the Concentration Camp near Berlin?

by | Mar 7, 2024 | Concentration Camp

Want to explore sachsenhausen concentration camp? Come and join us on the Original Berlin Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial Tour.

Are you interested in understanding the historical significance of World War II and the atrocities that took place during that time? If so, visiting a concentration camp near Berlin is an absolute must. Delve into the memories of the Holocaust, pay tribute to the victims, and gain a deeper understanding of the inhumanity that occurred.

The Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp

Whenever one talks about concentration camps that are located around Berlin, then one of the most popular and easily visited sites is the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp. This camp was previously used as role model for other camps in the Nazi period and is situated just 22 miles north of Berlin.

A Historical Overview

Sachsenhausen was founded in 1936 and became one of the first concentration camps – a key part of the Nazi regime’s terror apparatus. Originally constructed for housing political enemies of Nazis, the camp later incorporates other declassified enemies of the state such as Jews, homosexuals, and Jehovah’s Witnesses.

What to Expect on Your Visit

When visiting the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, you’ll have the opportunity to explore various areas that have been preserved for historical reflection:

Entrance Gate: Thus your tour will begin with an original wrought –iron gate with the equally infamous inscription –Arbeit macht frei- meaning work will make you free.

Museum: In the building used to be a maintenance building there is now a somber museum which has relics, photographs and information about the camp. You should never leave it too fast as it will allow you to understand what has happened, who are those people depicted and what kind of life they have.

Prisoner Barracks: Explore the actual barracks reconstructed to make you understand the living conditions of the prisoners. Just think about the hardships they had to deal with and think about the spirit of human wiriness.

Appellplatz: This large square was used for the roll calls also referred to as “Appells.” Try to picture the prisoners as they stood when they were being counted, most of the time they endured scorching heat and blisteringly cold.

Crematorium: Go to the crematorium where thousands of people were burned to ashes. This serves as sad and rather disturbing message, which is a commemoration for those who died.

Tips for Your Visit

Here are a few tips to optimize your visit to the concentration camp near Berlin:

Start early: If you want to be able to understand the historical value that this area holds do not get there in the middle of the day and definitely don’t go there on weekends as there are a lot of tourists.

Take a guided tour: There is a possibility of participating in a guided tour to get history insight and understanding of the camp.

Dress appropriately: Even though you will be walking around and need to spend some time outdoors, do not wear provocative clothing and shoes.

Allow time for reflection: There are areas which one should sit down, relax and meditate taking time to feel and mourn for the dead.

Final Thoughts

Going to the concentration camp outside Berlin is one of the most important things a person should do for seeing how some of the history tragedies looked like. One of the places that enable anyone to see what the prisoners of concentration camp went through is the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, the existence of such a camp forces people to make way that holocaust would not happen again.

Want to explore sachsenhausen concentration camp? Come and join us on the Original Berlin Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial Tour.

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Why Should You Visit the Concentration Camp near Berlin?

Mar 7, 2024