Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Tour

Itinerary

The tour meets at The Brandenburg Gate, the tour travels by train 30 km north, to the Sachsenhausen concentration camp, built in 1936 it was one of the first under the Nazi regime, and became the 'model camp' upon which others were based. Here you will learn about the atrocities committed in this place between its construction and eventual closure in 1950. As a camp for both the Nazi regime and the Soviet NKVD, not only did 30,000 prisoners die, but it served as a model for the extermination and concentration camps which followed, and in which the worst crimes against humanity were committed.

Why Take a Guided Tour?

Although it is possible to visit the camp alone, as it was almost entirely destroyed following its closure in 1950 it the presence of a guide is especially valuable. Alone the camp is somewhat sparse, therefore with nobody to provide explanations of what used to stand, why it was there, and what happened in each place, the tour would perhaps be of limited interest.

The central courtyard, for example, is a wide open space with little to capture your interest at first glance. However, it takes on a new context learning that prisoners here were forced to march up to 90km per day to trial military boots, as well as the effects of D-IX, a methamphetamine-based experimental performance enhancer. The guide will help unlock the secrets of Sachsenhausen and put into context the horrors committed there.

Transport

We will make our way to Potsdam from the centre of Berlin using public transport, therefore it is necessary to be in possession of a metro card for zones A, B and C. If you do not have this card at the beginning of the tour, our guide will help you buy one.

Important Information

As the trip will end in Berlin at 4pm, it is recommended to bring lunch. On hot summer days, it is also recommended to bring a bottle of water.