Berlin Concentration Camp - Sachsenhausen: A Visitor's Guide on How to Get There and Understanding Nazi Atrocities
Prisoners in front of the Sachsenhausen camp gate. Year unknown.
Sachsenhausen camp gate, 2023
Sachsenhausen concentration camp, located just north of Berlin in Oranienburg, Germany, stands as a haunting reminder of the atrocities committed by Nazi Germany during World War II. As one of the earliest and longest-running concentration camps, Sachsenhausen was not only a site of immense suffering but also served as the model and training camp for the SS. It held a special position as both a training ground and the administrative centre for all concentration camps in the German sphere of power during the National Socialist era.
Today, the Sachsenhausen Memorial and Museum offer visitors a profound opportunity to confront this dark history and honour the memory of the camp’s victims.
In this comprehensive visitor’s guide, we’ll explore Sachsenhausen’s historical significance, provide essential information for planning your visit, and highlight the unique educational value of our expert-led guided tours.
By the end, you’ll understand why a trip to the Sachsenhausen memorial is a must for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of this pivotal chapter in human history.
Historical Overview: Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp's Role in the Nazi System
Established in 1936, Sachsenhausen was one of the first concentration camps built under the Nazi regime. It functioned as a model camp and training camp for the SS, showcasing the brutal efficiency of the Nazi concentration camp system. Located just 35 kilometres (22 miles) north of Berlin, it held a primary position in the Nazi camp system, serving as the administrative centre for all concentration camps and a training facility for SS officers.
Wilhelm Frick and Heinrich Himmler visit Sachsenhausen concentration camp, 1936
Prisoners in 1938
Over its nine years of operation, Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp imprisoned more than 200,000 people, including political opponents, Jews, Roma, Sinti, homosexuals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, political prisoners, and Soviet POWs. Inmates faced inhumane conditions, forced labour, medical experiments, and systematic extermination, including the murder of 13,000 Soviet POWs in 1941 alone. Tens of thousands died from exhaustion, disease, malnutrition, and summary executions; many of the prisoners were transferred to death camps as part of the extermination process.
As the war turned against Germany, Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp became a destination for prisoners evacuated from other camps, with the population swelling to over 80,000 by early 1945.
In April 1945, with Soviet forces fast approaching, the SS forced 30,000 prisoners on a brutal death march northwest. Soviet and Polish troops liberated the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp on April 22, 1945.
Following its liberation, the camp entered a new phase of its history within the Soviet occupation zone, evolving into one of the largest of three special camps where prisoners, including former SS functionaries, political dissidents, and those convicted by Soviet military tribunals, were held.
Hitler’s Camps - Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Tour
Exploring the Memorial: What to Expect on Your Visit
Today, the Sachsenhausen Memorial and Museum preserves the former Sachsenhausen concentration camp site as a witness to the suffering of its victims and a warning for future generations.
Visitors can explore the former concentration camp, including the surviving buildings, execution sites, and crematorium, as well as exhibits detailing the camp’s history and the experiences of its prisoners.
Key areas of the memorial include:
The camp entrance, bearing the cynical motto “Arbeit Macht Frei” (“Work Sets You Free”)
The roll call area, where prisoners were forced to stand for hours in all-weather
The Jewish barracks, the site of a 1992 neo-Nazi arson attack now preserved as a memorial. Other camp barracks have been destroyed, marked by an outline on the ground.
Station Z, the execution complex with a neck shot facility, gas chamber, and crematorium
The prison building, including cells for “special prisoners” and political enemies. It also served as a Soviet special camp, the largest of three special camps in the Soviet occupation zone, where approximately 60,000 people, including former SS functionaries, political dissidents, and those convicted by Soviet military tribunals, were imprisoned under harsh conditions leading to over 12,000 deaths due to malnutrition and disease.
The pathology building, where gruesome medical experiments were conducted
National memorials erected by survivor groups and countries whose citizens were imprisoned
Entering the camp administration area
Watch tower visible on the way into the camp
Visitors should be prepared for an emotionally challenging experience, as the memorial does not shy away from presenting the brutality of the camp. Guided tours, like those offered by our expert team, can provide valuable historical context and insights to help process this difficult history.
Planning Your Visit: Practical Information and Tips
Sachsenhausen is open year-round, with extended hours from March 15 to October 14. While visiting independently is possible, a guided tour offers a richer understanding of the camp's history and significance.
Our tour meets at the conveniently located Park Inn hotel in central Berlin. From there, we take a private van directly to the Sachsenhausen concentration camp, which is just a 40-minute drive away. This is a far more practical approach than other tours, which require taking the train and walking. The entire tour lasts approximately 5 hours.
To make the most of your visit, we recommend:
Wearing comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, as much of the tour is outdoors
Bringing water and snacks, as there are limited food options on-site
Allowing ample time for reflection and processing after the tour
Considering the age and sensitivity of group members, the content may not be appropriate for children
Our expert guides are deeply knowledgeable about Sachsenhausen and the broader history of the Holocaust and are available to answer questions and provide support throughout the tour.
Dressing for the Weather: Seasonal Considerations for Your Sachsenhausen Visit
When planning your visit to Sachsenhausen, it's essential to consider the weather conditions in Berlin and dress accordingly.
Spring (March to May):
Temperatures gradually warm up
Average highs range from 8°C to 19°C (46°F to 66°F)
Summer (June to August):
Warmest season
Average highs around 23°C (73°F)
Temperatures can occasionally reach 30°C (86°F) or higher
Autumn (September to November):
Cooling temperatures
Average highs decrease from 18°C to 7°C (64°F to 45°F)
Winter (December to February):
Cold, with average highs around 3°C (37°F) and lows around -1°C (30°F)
Snowfall is possible, especially in January and February
Visitors should be prepared for rain regardless of the season by bringing appropriate gear, such as a waterproof jacket or umbrella.
Getting to Sachsenhausen: Transportation Options from Berlin
Sachsenhausen is located in Oranienburg, approximately 35 kilometres north of central Berlin. Visitors have several options for reaching the memorial site:
Public Transport in Berlin
1. Public Transportation:
Take the S-Bahn (S1) from central Berlin to Oranienburg station. The journey takes about 45 minutes.
From Oranienburg station, it's a 20-minute walk or a short bus ride to the memorial entrance.
2. Private Tour Shuttles:
Many guided tours, including those offered by our company, provide convenient shuttle service from central Berlin directly to the memorial site.
Private shuttles offer a comfortable and efficient way to reach Sachsenhausen, and they offer expert guidance throughout your visit.
On the Front Tours Meeting Point - Park Inn, Alexanderplatz
3. Driving:
Sachsenhausen can be reached by car via the A10 and A111 highways.
Parking is available near the memorial site, but spaces may be limited during peak times.
Regardless of your transportation choice, we recommend planning your visit and allowing ample time for travel and parking at the memorial entrance.
Sachsenhausen vs. Dachau: Choosing the Right Memorial for Your Visit
Entrance Gate to Dachau Concentration Camp
Entrance Gate to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp
For those interested in visiting a concentration camp memorial, Sachsenhausen and Dachau are two of the most significant and frequently visited sites in Germany. While both offer powerful and emotionally challenging experiences, there are some key differences to consider when deciding which one to see.
Key features of Dachau:
Dachau, located on the outskirts of Munich, holds a unique place in history as the first Nazi concentration camp was established in 1933. It served as a model camp and training ground for the vast network of camps that followed.
A larger number of surviving original buildings
Chilling barracks where prisoners were housed
Crematorium where countless lives were tragically cut short
Exhibits providing a comprehensive overview of the rise of the Nazi party and the evolution of their brutal camp system
Critical features of Sachsenhausen:
Sachsenhausen, located in Oranienburg near Berlin, offers a more focused look at a single camp's history and its unique role within the Nazi regime.
Served as an SS training centre and administrative hub for the entire concentration camp network
Proximity to the Nazi power centre meant many high-level decisions affecting the camps were made here
Provides a chilling glimpse into the bureaucratic machinery behind the Holocaust
Ultimately, both Dachau and Sachsenhausen offer invaluable learning, reflection, and remembrance opportunities. They serve as powerful reminders of one of the darkest chapters in human history and the importance of standing up against hatred and bigotry
The choice between the two may come from practical considerations like travel plans and available time. Our Sachsenhausen tours are an excellent choice for those seeking a focused, in-depth experience and the benefit of expert guidance.
Our knowledgeable guides provide the following:
Historical context and insights
Help navigate the complex history and emotions these sites evoke
A range of tour options to suit different interests and schedules
Visit our website for more information and to book your tour:
Hitler’s Camps - Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Tour
No matter which site you choose, visiting a concentration camp memorial is a profoundly moving and thought-provoking experience that will stay with you long after you leave. It is an essential way to honour the victims, learn from the past, and commit ourselves to building a more just and peaceful future.
The Importance of Remembrance: Why Visiting Sachsenhausen Matters
More than 75 years after the liberation of Sachsenhausen, keeping the memory of the Holocaust alive is more crucial than ever. The Sachsenhausen National Memorial serves as a critical reminder of the perils of hatred, bigotry, and authoritarianism. It embodies the memorial site's history, inauguration, and political significance, including its symbolic elements and the political control and instrumentalisation in the German Democratic Republic (GDR). As survivors pass away and new generations grow up disconnected from these events, places like Sachsenhausen National Memorial emphasise the vital importance of remembrance.
Visiting a concentration camp memorial is a deeply personal and often emotionally challenging experience, but one that offers profound insights and perspectives. It’s an opportunity to honour the victims, learn from the past, and commit ourselves to building a more just and peaceful future.
At Sachsenhausen, our expert guides are dedicated to helping visitors engage with this history meaningfully, asking difficult questions and reflecting on the lessons it holds for us today. We can build a stronger foundation for a better tomorrow by confronting the darkest chapters of our shared past.
Book Your Sachsenhausen Tour Today
If you're planning a trip to Berlin and want to deepen your understanding of this pivotal history, we invite you to join one of our expert-led Sachsenhausen tours. With small group sizes, personalized attention, and a commitment to historical accuracy and sensitivity, our tours offer an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the history of the Holocaust and its enduring lessons.
Hitler’s Camps - Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Tour
To learn more or book your tour, visit our website or contact us today. We look forward to guiding you on this powerful and transformative journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
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While the decision ultimately depends on the child's maturity level, Sachsenhausen is generally not recommended for children under 14 due to the disturbing nature of the history presented. Teenagers may benefit from the educational experience if prepared for the emotional impact. Parents should use discretion based on their child's sensitivity and readiness to engage with this complex history.
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Plan to spend at least half a day (approximately 5 hours) at Sachsenhausen to explore the memorial site and exhibitions fully. Guided tours typically last 5-6 hours. Allow additional time for transportation to and from the site, as well as time for reflection and processing of the experience afterwards. A full-day trip from Berlin is recommended to avoid feeling rushed.
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Yes, guided tours of Sachsenhausen are offered in several languages, including German, Spanish, Italian, French, Russian, and English. Private tours with professional guides can also be arranged in other languages upon request. Check the memorial's official website or inquire with tour operators about your preferred language availability.
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Photography is permitted for personal, non-commercial use in outdoor areas of the Sachsenhausen Memorial as long as it is done respectfully. However, photography is prohibited inside the museum buildings, exhibitions, and the crematorium area. Visitors are asked to refrain from taking selfies or posed photos out of respect for the solemnity of the site. When in doubt, observe any posted signs regarding photography restrictions in specific areas.
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Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes. You will spend several hours exploring the expansive memorial site. Bring layers, as the temperature can vary. It's advisable to bring water and snacks, as there are limited food options on-site. Remember to charge your camera or phone to take photos in the permitted outdoor areas. A small backpack to carry your essentials is recommended.