Looking to learn about World War II history? Travelling to Berlin should include a tour of Sachsenhausen concentration camp. The German community Sachsenhausen stands near Berlin to show visitors the WW2 war crimes through a transformative memorial experience. This blog offers step-by-step advice on how to plan your tour of Sachsenhausen from Berlin including essential details for your trip.
The journey between Berlin and Sachsenhausen camp
Sachsenhausen stands 35 kilometers north of Berlin and you can reach it by various transportation options. Here are some options to consider:
1. Train
A regional train takes you the easiest path to Sachsenhausen from Berlin. Berlin’s Hauptbahnhof station has frequent departures that take you directly to Sachsenhausen in 45 minutes. After arriving in Oranienburg readers can take a bus or walk for 20 minutes to reach Sachsenhausen Memorial site.
2. Guided Tours
To avoid complications choose a guided tour as your preferred way to explore. Travel companies in Berlin organize day trips to Sachsenhausen including vehicle transportation and guided visits with optional site additions. This plan connects you to skilled educator while making all necessary preparations for you.
Exploring Sachsenhausen
Before you step foot in Sachsenhausen remember to plan your visit to grasp the essential history of the site. Here are a few tips to ensure you make the most of your time:
1. Visitor Center and Exhibition
Your entrance to Sachsenhausen starts at the visitor center as you view introductory materials and understand the memorial’s layout. The display teaches you about all phases of Sachsenhausen by showing you what the prisoners experienced along with the cruel deeds performed. Read carefully and get ready for the remainder of your tour as you learn about the site’s history.
2. Main Camp Area
Start your experience at the visitor center before stepping into the main camp zone which holds multiple intact buildings. Step inside each building to understand how prisoners lived in the camp every day. Look at the educational plaques throughout the area to discover its historical functions.
3. Tower and Appellplatz
Travel to the watchtower then the Appellplatz where prisoners lined up for everyday rolls. Thousands of people stood in one place as they suffered through endless morning line-ups that kept going in all weather. The view from here shows you how large and complex the camp was built to be.
4. Memorial Hall and Crematorium
The entry location of the memorial hall features a display that shares personal prisoner recollections plus displays all traumatic events they endured. You can see the central role of the crematorium at the memorial hall when you move next to these displays. Give silent tribute to the people who lost their lives during your moment of contemplation.
Important Considerations
Sachsenhausen demands respectful attention because it serves as a historical landmark. Here are some important considerations to keep in mind:
1. Comfortable Clothing
Appreciate the tours by wearing shoes that feel good and don’t mind several walks across the memorial area. Pack clothing that you can add or remove to handle temperature changes plus take your umbrella or raincoat if rain is possible.
2. You Will Encounter Emotional Struggles During The Visit
Feel ready to face strong emotional impacts during your visit. Understanding Sachsenhausen’s terrible past can prove very difficult to handle for most visitors. Regular breaks help you cope with the experience while showing your sadness is acceptable.
3. Photography and Noise
Out of respect for the site’s meaning keep your camera clicking quiet and avoid noisy conduct. Sachsenhausen exists to honor historical events through introspection instead of regular tourism attractions.
Conclusion
Sachsenhausen’s 99km drive from Berlin makes a special educational opportunity for World War II history studies. Planned preparations combined with proper respect will help you understand history better during your visit. Sachsenhausen reminds us about the past to help us create a better future.