Sachsenhausen Memorial & Museum Visit Guide

Sachsenhausen Memorial and Museum is a site of remembrance and education, built on the grounds of what was originally a Nazi concentration camp and later a Soviet special camp. It is located in Oranienburg, a short train ride from Berlin. Admission to the memorial and museums is free. 

History of Sachsenhausen

• Nazi concentration camp (1936–1945): Initially conceived as a model camp and training ground for SS officers, Sachsenhausen quickly became a site of immense suffering and death. Over 200,000 people were imprisoned here, including political dissidents, Jews, Roma, and homosexuals. Many died from disease, malnutrition, medical experiments, and systematic extermination programs.
• Soviet special camp (1945–1950): Following its liberation by Soviet forces in April 1945, the site was repurposed as an internment camp. Over 60,000 people were held here, and more than 12,000 died from hunger and disease. 

Opening Hours and Entry Fee

• Summer (April 1 to October 31): The outdoor grounds are open daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
• Winter (November 1 to March 31): The outdoor grounds are open daily from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
• Museums and Indoor Exhibits: Opening hours for the various indoor exhibitions may vary, so it is advisable to check the official website for the most current information.
• Entry Fee: Entrance to the memorial and museum is free of charge.

Getting to Sachsenhausen from Berlin

Sachsenhausen is easily accessible from Berlin via public transportation.

• By S-Bahn: Take the S1 line (in the direction of Oranienburg) to the last stop, “Oranienburg.” The journey from central Berlin takes approximately 45-50 minutes.
• By Regional Train: Regional trains (RE5) also travel from Berlin Hauptbahnhof (main station) to Oranienburg and can be slightly faster.
• From Oranienburg Station: Upon arrival at Oranienburg station, the memorial is a well-signposted 20-25 minute walk. Alternatively, you can take bus 804 (in the direction of “Malz”) or 821 (in the direction of “Tiergarten”) to the “Gedenkstätte” (Memorial) stop. An ABC zone public transport ticket is required for the journey from Berlin.

Best time to visit

The site is open year-round, except for Christmas Eve (December 24). The outdoor areas have longer hours in summer (March to late October) and shorter hours in winter (late October to March).

Time needed

A visit typically takes 3 to 5 hours, especially with an audio guide or tour. Allow extra time for travel from Berlin.

What to See and Experience

The vast grounds of the former concentration camp house a number of original buildings and extensive museum exhibits. A visit can be emotionally challenging, and it is recommended to allocate at least four to five hours to explore the site thoroughly.

• Tower A (The Main Entrance): This iconic gatehouse with the infamous slogan “Arbeit Macht Frei” (Work Sets You Free) served as the main entrance to the prisoners’ compound. The exhibition inside details the organization and daily life of the camp.
• Roll Call Area (Appellplatz): The vast parade ground where prisoners were forced to assemble for roll call twice a day, often for hours in brutal weather conditions.
• Barracks 38 and 39: These two barracks have been preserved and now house a museum detailing the daily life of Jewish prisoners in Sachsenhausen. The exhibits offer a poignant look at their persecution and suffering.
• The Camp Prison (Zellenbau): A T-shaped building that served as the Gestapo and SS prison within the camp. High-profile political prisoners were held and tortured here.
• Station Z: The site of systematic extermination, “Station Z” included a crematorium, a gas chamber, and an execution trench. The current memorial building offers a space for quiet reflection.
• The Pathology Building and Infirmary: These areas reveal the horrific medical experiments conducted on prisoners and the inadequate and often cruel medical care provided.
• The New Museum (Former Camp Kitchen): Located in the former prisoners’ kitchen, this central museum provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the Sachsenhausen concentration camp.

Important considerations

• Age recommendation: The memorial and its exhibits are not recommended for children under 12.
• Walking: Be prepared for a lot of walking. The grounds are large, so wear sturdy and comfortable shoes. 

If you’re looking for more Germany travel blog subscribe to join us.