This 6-hour tour visits the nucleus of the former concentration camp at Sachsenhausen, formerly the largest concentration camp in the vicinity of Berlin.
Opened in the summer of 1936, Sachsenhausen was used for the detainment and exploitation of 200,000 political prisoners and racial enemies of the National Socialist regime. More than 10,000 inmates died there as a result of starvation, disease, and systematic murder perpetrated by the SS.
You will be met at your hotel, or a prearranged meeting point, by a professional, local guide (an expert in the field) and be given the opportunity to explore some of the sights relating to the German capital's Nazi past – such as the former headquarters of the Reich Security Services (SS & Gestapo), the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, and the former Jewish Quarter. You will then travel to the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial (around 45 minutes to one hour by train or private car, depending on your choice).
When you reach Sachsenhausen you will pass through the camp gates and beneath the chilling words ‘Arbeit Macht Frei’ (‘work will set you free’). Inside the memorial site you will spend time at the Jewish Barracks, the Kitchen and Laundry block, the Appelplatz roll call area, the camp prison, the pathology and hospital buildings and Station Z – the execution grounds and killing centre.
You will also learn how Sachsenhausen was used by the Soviets as special camp 7/1 – with a further 60,000 prisoners kept there after 1945, with 12,000 falling victim to hunger, disease and maltreatment.
Your expert guide will provide an in-depth commentary throughout and then at the end of the tour they will accompany you back to your hotel, or to a drop-off point of your choosing. They will also give you tips and recommendations to help you make the most out of your stay.
Please not this tour requires the use of public transportation (depending on your choice), and a small donation is recommended upon entering the memorial. These costs are not included in the price of the tour.
Sights included: In Berlin: Jewish Memorial (optional), Topography of Terror (optional), former Jewish Quarter (optional) | In Sachsenhausen: Permanent Exhibition, Jewish Barracks, Kitchen and Laundry block, Appelplatz Roll Call Area, Camp Prison, Pathology and Hospital Buildings, and Station Z.
