What You’ll See
Built in 1936 by the Nazis as a model concentration camp—meant to set the standard for later camps. Located in Oranienburg, just north of Berlin. More than 200,000 people were imprisoned here between 1936 and 1945: political opponents, Jews, Roma, homosexuals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Soviet POWs, and others. Tens of thousands died from execution, forced labor, starvation, and medical experiments.
- Gatehouse with the infamous slogan: “Arbeit macht frei”.
- Prisoner barracks (some reconstructed) showing daily life, suffering, and degradation.
- Station Z, the execution complex with a crematorium, gas chamber remains, and firing squad area.
- Guard towers and the camp perimeter walls, where you can get a sense of the camp’s vastness.
- Permanent exhibitions on the camp’s history, victim groups, forced labor, and SS perpetrators.
- Displays about medical experiments on prisoners.
- Soviet-era use as a special camp (1945-1950) is also documented.
- Memorial monuments, including the obelisk erected by the GDR, and newer memorials reflecting Germany’s more recent reckoning with its past.
Quick History Story
Martin Niemöller, the pastor who famously said, “First they came for the socialists…”, was held here. Unlike many prisoners, he survived, but not before enduring years of solitary confinement. His story reminds visitors that even the voices of faith were silenced by terror.
Local Insider Tip:
- Join our Private Sachsenhausen Memorial Tour for in-depth historical context and personal stories you won’t find elsewhere.
- Wear comfortable shoes—it’s a large area with a lot of walking.
- Bring water and snacks, especially in summer (there’s a small café on-site).
- Allow at least 3 to 4 hours, more if you’re taking a guided tour.
- Visiting early in the day helps avoid crowds, especially during peak seasons.
Emotional Consideration
- Visiting Sachsenhausen can be emotionally intense—take time afterward to decompress.
- Some visitors choose to end their day with a quiet walk, or visit a peaceful place afterward (nearby Oranienburg Palace Gardens are an option).
Location and Best Time to Visit:
Location: Gedenkstätte und Museum Sachsenhausen, Straße der Nationen 22, 16515 Oranienburg.
About 35 km north of central Berlin.
Easiest to get there via:
S-Bahn S1 or regional train RE5 to Oranienburg Station, then about a 20-minute walk or short bus ride.
Best time to visit: Morning, to allow plenty of time for reflection.
Opening Hours
Daily:
March–October: 8:30 – 18:00
November–February: 8:30 – 16:30
Exhibitions and buildings usually open at 10:00.
Closed December 24–26.
Tickets: Free entry to the memorial grounds and exhibitions.
Optional audio guide rental: around 3 €.
Guided tours in English and German are available (highly recommended if you want deeper context).
