Sachsenhausen Memorial from Berlin – Tours, Transport & Visitor Guide
Sachsenhausen (Oranienburg) was established in 1936 by the SS as a model and training concentration camp. Over 200,000 people were imprisoned here between 1936 and 1945; tens of thousands died from hunger, disease, forced labor, abuse, and killings. In autumn 1941, at least 10,000 Soviet POWs were murdered in a purpose-built “neck shot” facility.
After 1945 the site was used by the Soviet authorities as Special Camp No. 7/1 (1945–1950), where about 60,000 people were interned and around 12,000 died. Since 1961 it has been a memorial site; today it is part of the Brandenburg Memorials Foundation.
Key Historical Facts (at a glance)
- Founded: 1936 in Oranienburg as a model/training camp for the SS.
- Prisoners (1936–45): More than 200,000 from across Europe.
- Deaths (Nazi period): Tens of thousands; incl. ≥10,000 Soviet POWs shot in 1941.
- Soviet Special Camp (1945–50): ~60,000 held; ~12,000 died due to catastrophic conditions.
- GDR era: National Memorial opened 1961; site care changed after reunification (1993 foundation).
- Today: Memorial & museum with exhibitions on both the Nazi camp and the Soviet special camp.
Key Facts – Sachsenhausen Memorial Visit
Facts last updated: 19 Aug 2025
- Location
- Oranienburg (35 km north of Berlin)
- Travel time
- ~45–60 min by train/bus; ~35–60 min by coach
- Visit duration
- ~2–3 hours on site
- Languages
- English, German; Italian tours available
- Entry
- Free; fees apply for guides & transport
- Clothing
- Large open-air site; bring sturdy shoes & weatherproof clothing
- Sensitivity
- Memorial with difficult content; respectful behavior required
On-Site Route & What You’ll See
Suggested sequence for a respectful and educational visit.
Visitor Center → Main Gate
Visitor Center: Orientation, maps, restrooms (~15 min).
Main Gate (“Arbeit Macht Frei”): historic entry point (~10 min).
Appellplatz → Barracks
Roll Call Square: central assembly ground (~10–15 min).
Prisoner Barracks: exhibitions on daily life (~25–30 min).
Infirmary → Station Z
Infirmary & Pathology: medical experiments (sensitive, ~20 min).
Station Z: execution site & memorial (~20 min).
Closing Section
Museum & Special Exhibits: broader historical context (~30–45 min).
Transport from Berlin – Step by Step
How to reach Sachsenhausen Memorial on your own or by tour.
By Public Transport (ÖPNV)
- S1 (direction Oranienburg) or RE trains from Berlin (~45 min).
- From Oranienburg station: bus (~7 min) or walk (~20 min).
- Trains every 20–30 minutes.
- Ticket: Berlin ABC (~€10.70 day ticket).
By Coach / Minivan (Tours)
- Included in many guided tours from Berlin.
- Departures from central meeting points (e.g. Hackescher Markt).
- Travel time: 40–60 min depending on traffic.
- No extra public transport ticket needed.
Smart Itineraries (60 / 90 / 120 minutes)
Three respectful pacing options. Clear routes, realistic timing.
60 Minutes Essentials
- Visitor Center — orientation, map (5m)
- Main Gate — historical entry (10m)
- Appellplatz — roll call square (10m)
- Station Z — memorial area (25–30m)
Focus on core sites; keep a quiet, reflective pace.
90 Minutes Standard
- Visitor Center → Gate (15m)
- Appellplatz (10–15m)
- Barracks Exhibition — daily life, groups (15–20m)
- Station Z (20–25m)
Balanced overview with one exhibition stop.
120 Minutes Deep Dive
- Visitor Center → Gate (15m)
- Appellplatz (15m)
- Barracks — extended read (20–25m)
- Infirmary & Pathology — sensitive (15–20m)
- Station Z (20–25m)
- Museum/Special Exhibits (20–30m)
Allows pauses between sections for processing.
Accessibility, Facilities & Weather
Transparent expectations for terrain, amenities, and conditions.
Mobility & Terrain
- Mostly flat, wide gravel paths; occasional uneven sections.
- Some buildings/exhibits include steps; ramp access varies.
- Walking distances between areas can be considerable.
- Benches and quiet zones are distributed across the grounds.
Facilities
- Restrooms primarily at/near the Visitor Center.
- Drinking water and cafés mainly in Oranienburg town.
- Information desk and maps available at the entrance.
- Check site signage for temporary closures or diversions.
Rules & Carry-on
- Memorial setting: keep voices low; no picnics or music.
- Small bags preferred; follow on-site guidance for larger items.
- Photography discreetly; avoid posing or intrusive images.
- Stay on marked paths; respect protected areas.
Weather & Clothing
- Open-air exposure: wind, rain, and cold are common.
- Wear sturdy shoes; bring warm layers and a rain shell.
- Summer sun on open fields — hat, sunscreen, and water.
- Winter: icy patches possible — tread carefully.
Responsible Visiting
A place of remembrance calls for dignity and learning.
Respect & Conduct
- Keep phones silent; speak softly; avoid group noise.
- Do not touch exhibits or step onto restricted areas.
- Photography only if discreet and context-appropriate.
- Avoid sensational language or behavior at all times.
With Children & Youth
- Prepare younger visitors for difficult content beforehand.
- Skip or shorten sections that may be overwhelming.
- Use the visit as a learning moment about history and ethics.
- Allow time for questions, reflection, and breaks.
Sachsenhausen – FAQ
Quick answers to help you plan your visit
When is the best time to visit? +
Weekday mornings or late afternoons are quieter. Weekends and rainy days are busier. Winter can be cold and windy; summer has little shade.
How long does a trip from Berlin take overall? +
Plan ~4–6 hours door-to-door for guided tours. DIY by train/bus takes ~45–60 minutes each way plus 90–150 minutes on site.
Do I need to book tickets? +
Memorial entry is free. Booking applies to guided tours and transport from Berlin, not to the site itself.
Are guided tours available in English or German? +
Yes. Many providers offer English and German daily; additional languages on specific departures.
Is the visit free? +
Yes. The memorial is free to enter. Costs arise for guided tours and transportation to/from Berlin.
How much walking is involved? +
Expect 2–4 km of walking across open grounds with gravel paths; distances between areas can be considerable.
Is it accessible? +
Many paths are flat, but some buildings have steps or uneven surfaces. Check current access info on site; private tours can adapt pacing.
Is photography allowed? +
Generally yes—discreet, non-posed images. Follow signage and staff guidance; some areas may restrict photography.
What should I wear? +
Sturdy shoes and weatherproof layers. Grounds are exposed to wind, rain, cold, and summer sun.
Are there toilets? +
Restrooms are located at or near the Visitor Center. Availability elsewhere on site may be limited.
Where are meeting points for guided tours? +
From Berlin: central city meeting points listed in your booking. Meet-on-site tours: at the memorial entrance/Visitor Center.
The Story of Herschel Grynszpan
Herschel Grynszpan
Herschel Grynszpan was born in 1921 in Hanover to a Polish-Jewish family. As Nazi persecution intensified, he fled to France while his family was expelled to the German-Polish border.
In November 1938, he shot German diplomat Ernst vom Rath in Paris. The Nazis used this as a pretext for the November Pogroms (Kristallnacht).
After the fall of France, he was transferred to Nazi custody in Germany. Historical sources indicate he was imprisoned—reportedly at Sachsenhausen—while Nazi officials planned a show trial. His ultimate fate remains uncertain.
Grynszpan is a controversial and tragic figure: his act has been interpreted as desperate resistance amid escalating persecution.
