Located just north of Berlin, Memorial and Museum Sachsenhausen was once one of the Nazi regime’s harshest prison camps. Today, Sachsenhausen is a memorial to those who lost their lives here, as well as a museum with a library, archive, and open-air exhibits to educate visitors.





The Basics

Inside Sachsenhausen, a collection of exhibits allow you to explore sites such as the barracks, prison, kitchen, and commandant’s offices. While entry to Sachsenhausen is free, a guided tour provides additional insight into the history of Nazi Germany and further illuminates the lives of prisoners who were once held at the camp. Most tours of the solemn memorial site leave from Berlin, including private and small-group excursions that offer a personalized experience.





Things to Know Before You Go

Allow about two hours to fully explore the site, and wear comfortable shoes for walking between exhibits.



The memorial site is a somber place that invites reflection; remember to be respectful.



Most of Sachsenhausen is wheelchair accessible.







How to Get There

Sachsenhausen is located in Oranienburg, roughly one hour by train and 40 minutes by road from central Berlin. To get there via public transit, take the metro (S-Bahn) to Oranienburg from downtown Berlin, then walk 20 minutes or take bus 804 to the memorial site.





When to Get There

The Sachsenhausen memorial is open year-round. Much of the site is outdoors, so dress for the weather if you plan to visit during winter. The library and archive are open Tuesday through Friday, while the open-air exhibits and memorial are open daily.





Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp History

The camp was built by prisoners in the summer of 1936 and was used to train SS officers who went on to command other Nazi concentration camps. A total of 105,000 people died at Sachsenhausen-Oranienburg during World War II, and in January 1945, just months before the site was liberated by the Allies in April, more than 65,000 men and women prisoners were here.