Esp with regards to Germany, one of the worst parts of World War II was the holocaust in which millions of innocent people perished. Today concentration camps are tourist attractions where people go to mourn the deeds done and learn lessons from the past. If you are a tourist, you may be planning on visiting the concentration camps in Germany and there is no better place to be than Berlin. In this article, we will initially discuss some history and importance of the major concentration camps near Berlin and second of all some information about the camps for concentration.
1. Sachsenhausen was a Concentration Camp
Concentration camp Sachsenhausen was built in 1936, in Oranienburg, a town that is 22 miles to the north from Berlin. Constructed in 1936, this camp has been used as a blueprint for all other later camps. This camp, like all the others, was filled with political prisoners, Jews, and other persecuted groups at all stages of its operation.
The complex that is now open to visitors has multiple barracks and watchtowers as well as what is referred to as ‘Station Z’ – the execution area. In the period from 2002 to 2004 the museum was significantly expanded, and today it has a rich collection of exhibits and detailed descriptions of the history of the camp and of the lives of those who were incarcerated there. The specific areas can be visited, but the guided tours are provided to learn more of this evil period in the history of Germany.
Tip: Plan Your Visit
Like most of the former Nazi concentration camps, Sachsenhausen is quite near Berlin and can be reached from the capital by using local transports. There is a suggestion that to dig into the understanding of the site, it is better to take a guided tour. When you go for a tour at the camp be ready for a touch of emotions so take sometime and try to regulate yourself for the feelings that may come along.
2. War war concentration camp, Ravensbrück Concentration Camp
Ravensbrück, about 50 kilometers north of Berlin, was mainly a women’s concentration camp. Founded in 1939, it confined both political prisoners and women with various backgrounds; Jewish, Romani, and especially those who the Nazis saw as “asocial.”
An outsider receives an idea of how the female prisoners of Ravensbrück had lived and suffered. By visiting reconstructed barracks, museum and a Documentation Centre, the memorial site can be explained. Some sections of the prison offer a historical feel such as cell block for The New Wing prisoners who can be said to have gone through through a lot of struggle.
Tip: Allow for Reflection
Touring Ravensbrück should however be done to honor the victims that suffered in that camp. Spend a bit of time imagining the breaks and attempts of courage and survival alongside the catastrophe that is possible for humanity.
3. Sachsenhausen Memorial as well as the Museum about the Concentration Camp.
It is situated in the territory of the former Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp and is working as a memorial and museum of the victims of the concentration camp. This facility is somewhat unusual for a museum because it contains general information about each stage of the camp’s development.
In the compound, guest can decipher the remaining structures like the administration block/minors building, the hospital, the stocks, cellar which served as a punishment zone, the weapon range, the watch tower, the barbed wire fence/ dette strip zone. The subject of the exhibition can be viewed as a powerful tool that reveals important elements of prisoners’ daily existence as well as the challenging conditions in which they lived throughout the time of their confinement.
Tip: On these tours and events, there is always a highly competent guide to accompany the guests.
Visiting this memorial and museum under the guided tour and event can improve your awareness of the place and the history behind it. It is advised to seek a list of anticipated events in advance or directly ask upon arrival in order not to lose valuable lessons.
4. Buchenwald Concentration Camp
Next to Berlin, the camps are not as near, but among places such as Weimar (around 220 kilometers south-west from Berlin), you can find one of the largest and best-known concentration camps, Buchenwald. It held mainly political dissidents, liberation movements, and educated people.
Among the structures that have been preserved for the visitors are the prisoners’ shelters the crematorium. The museum situated at the camp offers lots of details concerning camp’s history, prisoner’s life and the struggle undertaken by prisoners to free themselves.
Tip: Engage with Personal Stories
Thus, it seems very important to contribute to widening the base of personal stories and testimonies related to the Holocaust. Try to find as many of the survivors to listen to their stories or every resistance fighter within the trip to Buchenwald. These tales deitalize the victims and make their suffering more real.
Conclusion
Touring concentration camp sites near Berlin enables also one to acknowledge the innocent victims of the Holocaust, learn more about Germany’s dark past, and think about the values like Pema Chodron describes in her text: respect and acceptance of everyone and everything around. Such Internet sites are grave memorials of the tragedy to make those who survived the unkindness of the previous generations a unforgettable memory.
Before proceeding with this journey simply bear in mind that every site should be treated with respect and caution. Pay attention to the real life that was experienced within these walls and take those stories with you as you try to make this world a more understanding one.
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