Introduction
Germany’s capital Berlin is a city with a rich history, for it was the capital of the Nazi regime during the era of the Third Reich and was led by Adolf Hitler. Visitors have today the chance to view various sites in Berlin that were present at that time. The idea behind this blog post is to serve as a comprehensive guide for those willing to learn the history and to visit these locations.
1. Reichstag Building
As a symbol of German democracy the Reichstag Building nestles in the heart of Berlin. During the Third Reich it was a pivotal role, because as Hitler’s ascent to power took a turn for the worse in 1933, with his infamous Reichstag fire. The stunning architecture can be toured by guided tours, and visitors can learn about its historical significance.
Tips:
If you plan to visit, try to book a guided tour in advance so you get the full picture as to exactly how the building came to be.
Don’t forget to check out the dome for great views of Berlin.
2. Murdered Jews of Europe Memorial
The Holocaust Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is an important and somber memorial of those millions of innocent lives lost. The site consists of 2,711 heights of varying concrete slabs, resulting in a unique and emotional experience as visitors thread through the site. Additional historical information and personal stories are provided by a visitor center.
Tips:
Think carefully, pay your respects to the victims of the Holocaust, take your time.
If you want a more in depth understanding of what the memorial is about, consider visiting the nearby Information Center.
3. Topography of Terror
The Gestapo and SS had their headquarters on the site that is now the Topography of Terror, an outdoor museum. It probes the institutions’ history and the way in which they contributed to Nazi persecution. Documents, photographs and remnants of the buildings reveal what went on during the Third Reich.
Tips:
Click through to the information panels to learn more about the site’s history.
The fee for visiting the museum is paid regardless, which means that everyone can get in.
4. Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp
Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp is just outside Berlin and should be a must see for anyone, looking to get a better idea of the brutal reality of the Nazi regime. The organization from which other camps would gain inspiration, it was principally used for political prisoners. They have guided tours including chilling detail about the camp history, architecture and the prisoners’ experiences.
Tips:
The entire site takes several hours to explore and so you need to allocate enough time for your visit.
The terrain can thus be uneven, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes.
5. Olympic Stadium
With a built in 1936 for the 1936 Olympics, the Olympic Stadium was used heavily for Nazi propaganda. The games were supposed to be used to advertise what Hitler was all about and how powerful he was. Today visitors can tour the stadium, see the museum and learn about its connection to the Third Reich.
Tips:
Take a hard look at the stadium as the sporting event or concert it can be.
Go to the top of the Bell Tower and take the elevator for a look around at the area.
Conclusion
Visiting Third Reich sites in Berlin is a chance to learn some things about the impact of Nazi regime and its consequences. These science leaning name complexes were visited to honor those affected by memory of those survivor and learning from past to make happy future.
These sites are great to plan your visit to Berlin according to and to let this poignant history of the Third Reich guide you once in the city.