Berlin: Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial Tour
Hightlight
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English-Speaking
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Group-Friendly
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Reservations
History
Sachsenhausen, opened in 1936 near Berlin, served as the Nazis’ model concentration camp and administrative hub for the entire camp system. Over 200,000 prisoners—political opponents, Jews, Roma, homosexuals, and others—passed through its gates, enduring forced labor, medical experiments, and mass executions.
After 1945, the Soviets used the site as Special Camp No. 7 until 1950. Today, the Sachsenhausen Memorial and Museum preserves authentic structures, monuments, and archives to educate visitors about Nazi terror, resistance, and the camp’s dual history under two dictatorships.
Highlights
- Explore Sachsenhausen, the Nazis’ prototype concentration camp.
- Walk through Tower A with its infamous “Arbeit macht Frei” gate.
- Visit Barracks 38 & 39, the Jewish barracks and museum.
- See the punishment cells, infirmary, and remains of execution site Station Z.
- Reflect at the Soviet memorial and learn about the camp’s post-war use.
Full Description
Begin at Alexanderplatz, where your licensed guide leads you on a public train ride (ABC ticket required) to Sachsenhausen Memorial, 35 km north of Berlin. En route, receive an introduction to the camp’s establishment in 1936, its role as the SS headquarters for all concentration camps, and its evolution under Nazi and Soviet control.
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At the site, enter through Tower A and its wrought-iron “Arbeit macht Frei” gate. Tour Barracks 38 and 39—former Jewish prisoner quarters now a museum displaying artifacts, photos, and personal stories. Visit the punishment cells in the cellar of the former prison building, the infirmary where cruel medical experiments occurred, and the prisoner kitchen museum.
Stand at the ruins of Station Z, the execution trench and crematorium area. Conclude at the 1961 Soviet memorial, learning how the camp’s narrative shifted after liberation. The 5-hour experience ends with the option to return to Berlin with your guide or stay longer for independent reflection.
Why Choose This Experience?
This respectful, expert-led tour transforms a self-guided visit into a profound educational journey. Your guide provides historical context, survivor testimonies, and insights into both Nazi and Soviet eras, ensuring a deeper understanding of Sachsenhausen’s significance.
The small-group format, skip-the-line memorial access, and round-trip guidance from Berlin make this a meaningful, hassle-free way to honor the victims and learn from one of history’s darkest chapters.
What’s Included
- 5-hour guided tour from Berlin to Sachsenhausen and back.
- Professional licensed guide in English or Spanish.
- Entrance to Sachsenhausen Memorial (3€ fee included).
- Detailed historical commentary throughout the site.
- Return train guidance (ABC ticket purchased separately).
Itinerary
- Meet at Alexanderplatz by Brunnen der Völkerfreundschaft fountain.
- Train ride to Oranienburg station (35-40 minutes).
- Walk to Sachsenhausen Memorial (10 minutes).
- Guided tour: Tower A, Barracks 38/39, punishment cells, infirmary, kitchen museum, Station Z, Soviet memorial.
- Free time (optional) or return train to Berlin with guide.
Pricing
From $22 per person
Meeting Point
- Alexanderplatz: Next to Brunnen der Völkerfreundschaft fountain. Guide wears Buendía accreditation; arrive 10 minutes early.
How to Get There
- By Public Transport: Take U-Bahn (U2/U5/U8), S-Bahn (S3/S5/S7/S9), or tram to Alexanderplatz; meet at the fountain.
- By Foot: From Berlin Mitte or Hackescher Markt, walk 10-15 minutes to Alexanderplatz.
- By Taxi or Rideshare: Request drop-off at Alexanderplatz, near the fountain.
- By Car: Park at Alexanderplatz garages; public transport recommended.
Good to Know
What to Bring
- Comfortable, respectful shoes for extensive walking on uneven ground.
- Snacks and water (no food allowed inside memorial buildings).
- Weather-appropriate clothing (rain jacket, sun hat, layers).
- ABC zone public transport ticket (purchase before meeting).
Know Before You Go
- ABC train ticket required (buy at station machines or BVG app).
- Tour covers sensitive topics; suitable for ages 14+ with parental guidance.
- No large bags; security checks at entrance.
- Photography allowed (no flash inside buildings).
- Toilets available at memorial entrance and train station.
Reviews
- A deeply moving experience. Our guide brought the history to life with respect and clarity.
- Felipe was outstanding—knowledgeable, patient, and ensured we understood every detail.
- Essential visit. Vicent’s passion and sensitivity made the horrors real and unforgettable.
Maps
Video
FAQ's
How long is the Sachsenhausen Memorial Tour from Berlin?
The tour lasts 5 hours, including round-trip train travel (approximately 40 minutes each way), a 10-minute walk to the memorial, and 3+ hours of guided exploration at the site. You’ll visit key areas like Tower A, Barracks 38/39, punishment cells, infirmary, kitchen museum, Station Z, and the Soviet memorial. The schedule allows time for reflection and questions. The guide manages pacing to cover the vast site efficiently. Return to Alexanderplatz is with the group unless you choose to stay longer. The experience is comprehensive yet respectful of the site’s gravity. Book early, as tours fill quickly.
Is an ABC train ticket required, and where do I buy it?
Yes, an ABC zone day ticket (approximately €10-12) is required for the S-Bahn from Alexanderplatz to Oranienburg and back. Purchase it before meeting at any station ticket machine, BVG app, or online via berlin-bvg.de. The guide does not sell tickets but will direct you if needed. Validate the ticket before boarding. The journey is scenic and part of the historical introduction. Keep the ticket for the return trip. This ensures smooth travel without delays.
Is the tour suitable for children or sensitive visitors?
The tour covers graphic historical content including executions, medical experiments, and prisoner suffering, making it suitable for ages 14+ with parental guidance. The guide presents facts sensitively but honestly, focusing on remembrance and education. Younger children may find the subject matter distressing. No strollers or large groups of schoolchildren without prior arrangement. Visitors with emotional sensitivities should prepare for a somber experience. The memorial’s purpose is remembrance, not sensationalism. Discuss with the provider if unsure.
Can I explore the memorial independently after the tour?
Yes, at the end of the guided portion, you may stay longer to explore additional exhibitions, the visitor center, or reflection areas at your own pace. Your guide will provide return train instructions and timetables. The memorial is open until 6 PM (4:30 PM in winter). Download the free memorial app for self-guided audio. Toilets and a small café are available at the entrance. Return trains run every 20-30 minutes to Berlin. This option allows personal reflection after the structured tour.
Where exactly is the meeting point in Alexanderplatz?
The meeting point is directly next to the Brunnen der Völkerfreundschaft (Fountain of Friendship) in the center of Alexanderplatz, Berlin. Your guide will be wearing visible Buendía Tours accreditation and holding a sign. Arrive 10 minutes early to check in. The fountain is near the Alexa shopping center and U-Bahn exits. It’s a busy square, so look for the guide near the water feature. If delayed, contact the emergency number on your voucher. The tour departs promptly to catch the train.
