Apparently, a trip to a concentration camp can be an emotional and informative experience. Human beings come together to holidays with a chance to ponder on the brutality of the holocaust and make sure that the perpetrators’ actions are not forgotten. In this article you will be able to find the answer to the question what awaits at the concentration camp near Berlin.
Selection of the proper tour company
Choosing a proper tour company is critical to meaningful and, in many cases, a culturally sensitive one. Choose operators whose business is reputable and owns guides knowledgeable in the area’s history as well as basic question and answer facts.
The Itinerary
Sachsenhausen or Ravensbrück are the most popular concentration camps for tourists, all of them are near Berlin.
Sachsenhausen: Sachsenhausen was one of the first concentration camps built by the Nazis and is located approximately 35 kilometers north of Berlin. It became a prototype of other camps and admitted mainly political prisoners.
Ravensbrück: About 90 Kms in the north of Berlin and one of its branches was Ravensbrück, which was designed for women only. It imprisoned women of all ages and occupation, political dissidents, Jews and gypsies women included.
Generally, these tours start in central Berlin, and the transports to and from the camp site are also provided. It is not known how long the tour usually lasts, however; it is estimated that the tour is around six hours long, counting travel time.
Guided Tour
When you get to the camp, your guide will brief you on history and importance of the camp. Members of the team will guide you around all the different parts of the camp and give information regarding the conditions, routines and suffering of the inmates.
Exploring the Exhibits
Inside the camp grounds there are several areas that you can visit such as the original buildings, the re created barracks and the memorial. Some of the tours also take visitors to a museum, and at this place, you can also gain more knowledge concerning the holocaust.
The table below summarizes the findings of analysis with considerations and recommendations:
Before embarking on a concentration camp tour, it’s important to be aware of a few considerations:
Emotional Impact: It can be rather upsetting to even spend some time in the concentration camp. Before approaching the isle expect to be challenged mentally.
Appropriate Attire: Be comfortable with your shoes and wear decent clothes. Just a reminder, these are places of tremendous tragedy and pain, to be respected and honored.
Photography: Photography is normally permitted in most tours but when unsure it is wise to check od the restriction of a given tour. As much as possible avoid taking unsolicited photos and be sensitive to people’s privacy.
Finally, here are a few recommendations to make the most of your concentration camp tour:
Listen to the Guide: Listen to what your guide is saying and if there is something that you do not understand just ask.
Take Your Time: This means that you permit yourself to soak in the surrounding environment and, when necessary engage in meditative thinking. Therefore, there is need to avoid haste when going through the site.
Remember: The purpose of this visit is to bear witness and pay respect and homage to those people who perished in the camps.
If you select a responsible tour company, are mentally ready for the tour, and use these recommendations, you can have an educational and moving time during your Concentration Camp Tour near Berlin.
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