They can learn quite a lot about one of the most evil times in history if they want to know what was done during the Second World War by paying a visit to concentration camps. Berlin that is the capital of Germany and some of its neighboring regions, are the places of some of the former concentration camps. In this blog post, we shall be looking at concentration camps in and around Berlin which you can tour and understand this side of humanity.
Sachsenhausen or Sachsenhausen concentration camp.
The Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp was situated in Oranienburg about 22miles north of Berlin was one of the first and larger concentration camps created by the Nazis in 1936. This camp was one of the typical ones and had a great importance as a training center for the SS officers. Now, Sachsenhausen is a Memorial and a Museum where tourists can get a view of how the place looked like, and see the exhibitions and contemplate over deaths during the holocaust.
What to expect:
An overview of the camp’s past and the suffering of detainees, presented in a large-scale museum.
Several structures were preserved which were actually naval barrack, jail, sick bay and some other numerous structures where a rather gloomy picture of life can be seen here.
The numerous concentration camp of prisoners of Station Z where many were massacre to death.
A visitors’ attraction, complete with free guided tours and recorded opens in various languages to enhance the tour.
Gedenkstätte Sachsenhausen Kinder- und Jugendfriedhof
This is a memorial to express memories of shocking times and to inform other people; it is situated on the territories of the former camp – the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial. Located in Washington, D.C., this memorial complex was founded in 1961 for commemorating the Camp and make generations conscious of the Holocaust.
What to explore:
One of the biggest entry gates of the camp with the slogan “Arbeit Macht Frei” written translation of which is “work shall set you free”.
The Jewish Barrack illustrates how Jewish prisoners were living their lives and the things they had to endure.
The New National Holocaust Museum dedicated to victims of the fascist and militarist regime of the Third Reich.
The Path of the Camp Prisoners – an imprint of the thousand of prisoners’ footsteps.
The life of the female prisoners living in Ravensbrück Concentration Camp
Ravensbrück Concentration Camp was situated about 56 miles out from Berlin and continued in significance as a memorial where people can learn about the holocaust’s persecution of women. It was created in 1939 and was initially a women’s camp that accommodated over 130 thousand women of different categories.
What to explore:
Such attractions as Documentation Center, the history of the concentration camp and individual fates of prisoners.
The reconstructed barracks presenting the conditions in which female prisoners were maintained.
This memorial at concentration camp is dedicated to children who suffered and died in the camp.
The Wall of Nations – this work depicted the countries to which the prisoners belonged to.
For an explicitly komunalkatorny guide tour, one can turn to Sachsenhausen and Ravensbrück.
To get a clear picture of these concentration camps you can join a group tour. Some of the places can be visited with a bird per guide who speaks other languages and gives informative comments on the tourist attractions and responds to questions.
Tips for your visit:
Be sure to confirm with your local operation and plan a visit during opening hours; avoid arriving to find out they are closed.
It is suggested that travelers wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothes as the exploration involves lots of walking and may require outdoor activities.
They should take breaks and bring water and snacks for themselves because the social emotional aspects at the sites can be overwhelming.
When approaching these memorials it is appropriate to respect the monuments and also act passively and calmly.
Visiting concentration camps in outskirt of Berlin is one of best chances you have to give tribute to the victims, learn something from the past and make sure the tragedy like this will not happen again. I need you to know that only with education and with the help of our remembrance we can try to make this world a more tolerant one.
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