An Overview of Munich’s History

Munich is the capital city of Bavaria, Germany, and it has a long history as various forms of culture and dark history during the Second World War. Its strategic location along the various concentration camps makes it an appropriate starting point of exploring the Holocaust experience. Such historical events should not be forgotten since they give people an opportunity to learn more about this epoch and to have no desire to repeat it.

All Concentration Camps in Germany and more close to the Munich.

Around the region of Munich, there were several concentration camps that had a operational importance during the period of the Nazi. Let’s explore the two most prominent ones:

Dachau Concentration Camp

The first German concentration camp was Dachau camp and it is situated near Munich, 10 km from the city center. It was founded in 1933 and was used as a reference point for other similar facilities that were created later. Dachau was mainly for political opponents and individuals known for their resistance against hitler regime and liberal intellectualism, but later it became a training institute for the SS employees.

It is sad to visit the place but it is possible to see the evidence of the gassing chamber, crematory area and the barbed wire fencing and watch the reconstructed block of barracks at Dachau. There is a museum on the territory, presenting the overview and descriptions of the camp and experiences of suffering from those who were imprisoned there. This is a chance, not only to commemorate the perished people but also to refresh one’s knowledge about human rights and tolerance.

The Flossenbürg Concentration Camp

Located in the region of Upper Palatinate in Bavaria, about 95 miles from Munich; Flossenbürg concentration camp is situated. Set up in 1938 Flossenbürg mainly housed political prisoners but later began holding POWs, resistance fighters, and other individuals that was considered enemies of the state.

The tragedy of the Holocaust can be studied from a local perspective during the tour in Flossenbürg. The camp, located in middle of a beautiful scenery, is a contrast to what was done by the holocaust denizens of this camp. The preserved camp buildings, the roll call square, and the memorial site are more than vigorous representations of the horrible history.

Although it may now seem quite shocking for the average tourist to learn that there exist concentration camps, there is a way that one can visit them.

Thus, they must respect the places for concentration camps and be ready for a sensitive visit. Here are a few tips to help make your visit meaningful:

Plan Ahead

One should plan how many hours they will spend in the place. Dachau is best visited as a full day trip, whereas a visit to this Flossenbürg is just a part of any longer tour. Ensure that they have put their opening hours into black and white and any restrictions or prerequisites to accessing the premises.

Guided Tours

You can book an organized tour in order to learn more about the history of the place and to not to overlook something interesting. A local tour guide is quite helpful in pointing the right direction to the key features, and in enhancing your understanding of what happened at the specific places you are visiting.

Respectful Conduct

It is obligatory to preserve the semblance of proper behavior when visiting these sacred places. Please do not forget that these places are sacred, saving as far as history and people’s emotional perception are concerned. Avoid getting loud, vulgar and be cautious of any special regenerative measures if any are given by the authorities.

Take Time for Reflection

Where possible, time should be set before, during, and after the visit for the analysis of the experience. The concentration camps are quite depressing – one must learn to handle the feelings that the visit triggers. Using a first person point of view, take some time to reflect on this story and lessons we can derive from it.

Conclusion

One can easily access the concentration camps therefore Munich serves as a perfect place for visitors to learn more on the Holocaust. Tourists have an opportunity to honor innocent people perished, inform themselves about the criminals actions of Nazi, and recall the values of respecting life and cultural and ethnic diversity of the fellow people.