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Day 6 in Berlin - A Day at the Concentration Camp @ Oranienburg

Berlin -  I had the profound opportunity to visit the Oranienburg Concentration Camp in Sachsenhausen.  We took an 1hr train to reach Sachenhausen station and walk about 20 mins to the concentration camp.  

seating on a seat that is not a seat


Double decker train

Located just outside the city, this historical site offers a sobering glimpse into one of the darkest chapters of human history. The experience was both educational and emotionally stirring, providing an invaluable perspective on the atrocities committed during the Nazi regime.

entrance to the concentration camp

Upon arriving at the camp, I was struck by the stark contrast between the peaceful surroundings and the grim history of the site. The visitor center provided essential context, offering maps, brochures, and an overview of the camp's history. 

Death march lined the road to the concentration camp

Oranienburg was one of the first concentration camps established by the Nazis in 1933, initially used for political prisoners. It later became a model for other camps, symbolising the brutality of the regime.

Layout of the execution of prisoners

Walking through the camp, I learned about its evolution from a small detention center to a major concentration camp. 
Comandant house

The entrance to the camp, known as Tower A, is one of the most haunting structures. It was here that prisoners first entered the camp, often facing immediate violence and humiliation. The infamous phrase "Arbeit macht frei" (Work sets you free) inscribed above the gate is a chilling reminder of the false promises made to the prisoners.

Memorial stone

Pax in front of stain glass art


Our lunch at the cafe - Salami bargette and ham and cheese bargette 



Oranienburg held thousands of prisoners, including political dissidents, Jews, Roma, and other marginalized groups.

Canning bench

Inmates uniform

The camp's layout, with its barbed wire fences and watchtowers, conveyed the oppressive nature of the place. The memorial plaques and informational signs provided detailed accounts of the daily life and suffering endured by the inmates.


Hanging of inmates

The punishment cells were particularly harrowing, highlighting the extreme measures taken to break the spirits of the prisoners. Stories of torture, starvation, and medical experiments were vividly recounted, leaving a lasting impact on visitors.


Crematorium


Entrance to the crematorium


Perhaps the most solemn part of the visit was the execution trench and mass graves area. This site served as a stark reminder of the lives lost and the senseless brutality that occurred. The memorials here were poignant, with wreaths and flowers left by visitors paying their respects.

Station Z - end of life of the inmate


Guard Tower

The reconstructed barracks gave a stark impression of the overcrowded and inhumane conditions in which prisoners lived. The exhibitions inside detailed personal stories and included artifacts such as clothing, letters, and personal belongings, making the historical accounts deeply personal and poignant.

Barracks

Bathroom

Toilets

The camp is huge

Our Currywurst snack

Curry Baude

We walked around Gesundbrunen and found this pastry shop and their apple strudel was delicious and we bought it for breakfast and had it for every breakfast.

Quin safeguarding our breakfast package

Almond toppings custard

Apple Strudel


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