Visiting former historical sites is important to learn about the past and to honor the victims of such events. One of the notorious camps during the Holocaust was Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp located just outside Berlin. Because I’m heading to Sachsenhausen, a suburb near Berlin, this is a good way to find out how to get by train.
Understanding Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp
Before we start about getting to Sachsenhausen, we should know something about the history of this place. The concentration camp of Sachenhausen was operational from 1936 to 1945, it was a model for other camps and played an important role for their construction. It was a political prison which held Jews, homosexuals, and handicapped people. The camp is today a memorial and museum, recalling in a somber way, what occurred there.
Taking the Train to Sachsenhausen
Train is the most convenient way to get there from Berlin. To ensure a smooth journey follow these steps:
1. Depart from Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Central Station)
The main train station in Berlin where to begin your journey is at Hauptbahnhof. It’s the largest station in Germany, well connected to other domestic as well as international routes and is easily accessible. If you’re visiting Berlin, the ahnhof is reachable by tram, subway and taxi.
2. Board the train to Oranienburg
The regional train from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Oranienburg should take you here. Another thing to remember is that Sachsenhausen resides in town of Oranienburg (somewhere between 35 kilometers north of Berlin.). Depending on the train you choose, then one or two train journeys should take around 25-35 minutes. At the beginning of the trip, double check the timetables so you can visit at the most suitable time.
Step 3: Arrive at Oranienburg Station
The Sachesenhausen Concentration Camp is just a stone’s throw away, once you arrive at Oranienburg station. Get off the train station and walk toward the camp. About 1.5 kilometers or about 20 minutes is a short walk.
Tips for Visiting Sachsenhausen
Tips to have in mind when planning your visit are:
- Visit Sachsenhausen before heading there, including checking opening hours, any temporary closures or restrictions. In this way, you have the chance to empty the memorial site.
- Consider joining a guided tour. Having expert guides to provide insights and discuss historical background can make the experience more valuable. There are several languages.
- Dress into the weather and wear comfortable shoes. It’s going to be quite a lot of walking, the site is mainly outside.
- Be respectful of the sacred pronoun of the site, and looking around the surrounding areas try to keep a quiet and reflective attitude.
- Study the information boards and visit the museum to really gain an understanding of the camp’s history and the prisoners of the camp.
Additional Information
If you want to do audio guides, Sachsenhausen has a small fee. As you walk around the camp, the audio guide delivers an in-depth commentary, so you get a feel of the site’s essence.
Going directly to the Sachsenhausen Memorial and Museum in advance may also be useful if you want a more structured experience or have particular questions. They can also offer up to date information and advice that suits your needs.
Visiting Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp is a very moving experience. The fact the site is so close to Berlin and taking the train there is actually quite convenient, and you can also spend some time thinking about the historical importance as you get there. Remember that visiting the site should be done with respect and sensitivity, and respect should be given to the memory of the victims and what happened.
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