Berlin: Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Tour in English

Berlin , Germany

Berlin: Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Tour in English

Active

(5347 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Award-Winning Sachsenhausen Memorial Tour – A Profound Journey Through History

Sachsenhausen was the first purpose-built concentration camp, designed as a center of terror, persecution, and systematic murder. Initially, it imprisoned those the Nazis deemed racially, socially, or politically inferior.

Travel through the town of Oranienburg and uncover how the local population both supported and benefited from its existence. Your expert, licensed guide will lead you through key sites, including the punishment cells, infirmary, barracks, gas chamber, and crematoria. Hear powerful stories of resilience, courage, and solidarity among inmates in the face of unimaginable horror.

The tour also includes a visit to the Inspectorate of Camps—an unassuming yet critical building from which the Nazis controlled the entire concentration camp system across Europe.

A €3 per person donation supports the site's maintenance, and preservation and future restoration of the Sachsenhausen Memorial.

Available options

Sachsenhausen Tour

What's included

Licensed guide trained by memorial authority

Entry in to the memorial included

English-language guide

Insider Tour donates €3 to the Sachsenhausen memorial authority per guest

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Take train from our meeting point near S+U Friedrichstraße to Oranienburg. Oranienburg city is where the former concentration camp was constructed.

Ride with our guide to Oraninenburg S-bahn. Walk around the town and learn about how complicit the towns folk were and see where inmates used to work.

Stop 3

Sachsenhausen former concentration camp. Arrive at the former Camp and walk around the interiors of the first camp specifically built to be a concentration camp, not using existing structures.

See the old barracks, Prison cells and torture cells, Camp kitchen, Station Z (where mass executions took place), the gas chamber and crematorium. You'll also see the infirmaries and pathology center, as well as Tower A - the main guard tower.

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

You will require a Transport ticket for zones ABC costing approxminately 9 euros per person

Gratuities

Food and drinks

Train ticket, ABC zones to the Sachsenhausen memorial

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

1,636 reviews

5★

1411

4★

155

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

3,711 reviews

5★

3490

4★

185

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Not recommended for individuals with limited mobility or walking impairments.

Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the tour starting time

Check the weather and dress accordingly

Good walking shoes are recommended

Meeting point

Meeting point: outside FRIEDRICHSTRASSE TRAIN STATION, on the square beside the 'Traenenpalast' (Palace of Tears), Reichstagufer 17, 10117 Berlin. The guides will be wearing a blue lanyard and a yellow name tag holding yellow umbrellas.

Important notes

The tour is in ENGLISH

Meeting point: outside FRIEDRICHSTRASSE TRAIN STATION, on the square beside the 'Traenenpalast' (Palace of Tears), Reichstagufer 17, 10117 Berlin.
Your guide will be wearing a yellow name tag holding a yellow umbrella for easy recognition.

Please arrive 15 minutes before the designated start time

Gratuities are not included

About Berlin

Berlin, Germany's capital and largest city, is a vibrant metropolis known for its rich history, diverse culture, and dynamic nightlife. The city's eclectic mix of modern and historic architecture, world-class museums, and thriving arts scene make it a must-visit destination in Europe.

Top Attractions

Brandenburg Gate

A neoclassical monument and one of Berlin's most iconic landmarks, the Brandenburg Gate was built in the 18th century and has been a symbol of the city's history and reunification.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Berlin Wall Memorial and East Side Gallery

The Berlin Wall Memorial and the East Side Gallery are important historical sites that commemorate the division of Berlin during the Cold War and the fall of the Wall in 1989.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Museum Island

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Museum Island is home to five world-renowned museums, including the Pergamon Museum, the Neues Museum, and the Alte Nationalgalerie.

Museum Half-day to full day €19 (Museum Island Day Ticket) or individual museum tickets

Reichstag Building

The Reichstag Building is the seat of the German Bundestag (parliament) and a symbol of German democracy. The glass dome on top offers panoramic views of the city.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (but advance registration is required)

Potsdamer Platz

Potsdamer Platz is a major public square and traffic intersection in the heart of Berlin. It is known for its modern architecture, shopping, and entertainment options.

Architecture 1-2 hours Free to explore, costs vary for shopping and dining

Must-Try Local Dishes

Currywurst

A popular Berlin street food, currywurst is a sliced sausage served with a curry ketchup sauce and often topped with curry powder.

Snack Contains pork, vegetarian and vegan options available

Boulette

A German-style meatball, usually served with potato salad or mashed potatoes and a creamy sauce.

Main Course Contains beef or pork, vegetarian and vegan options available

Döner Kebab

A Turkish dish popularized in Berlin, consisting of seasoned meat (usually lamb, beef, or chicken) cooked on a vertical rotisserie and served in flatbread with vegetables and sauces.

Main Course Contains meat, vegetarian and vegan options available

Berliner Pfannkuchen

A jelly-filled doughnut, similar to a Berlin-style donut, often eaten during Carnival season.

Dessert Contains wheat, dairy, and egg, vegan options available

Popular Activities

Cycling Hiking Boat tours Rock climbing Spa and wellness Picnicking in parks Café hopping Boat tours on the Spree River

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest time of the year with long daylight hours, making it ideal for outdoor activities and festivals. The city is lively with tourists and locals enjoying the summer weather.

20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) 68°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: German
Widely spoken: English, French, Turkish, Arabic, Russian
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Berlin is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services, and agree on the fare before starting your journey.
• Keep your passport and valuables in a safe place, and carry a copy of your passport and important documents.

Getting there

By air

Berlin Brandenburg Airport • 18 km (11 miles) from city center

By train

Berlin Hauptbahnhof

By bus

Berlin Central Bus Station (ZOB)

Getting around

Public transport

The U-Bahn is a fast and efficient way to get around Berlin, with 10 lines serving 173 stations. It operates from early morning to late at night.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Mitte Kreuzberg Prenzlauer Berg Friedrichshain Charlottenburg

Day trips

Potsdam

35 km (22 miles) from Berlin • Half-day to full day

Potsdam is a charming city near Berlin, known for its stunning palaces, parks, and lakes. It was the former residence of Prussian kings and German emperors and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Spreewald

100 km (62 miles) from Berlin • Full day

Spreewald is a picturesque region of forests, lakes, and canals, known for its traditional wooden houses, pickles, and gondola rides. It is a popular destination for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial

35 km (22 miles) from Berlin • Half-day

The Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial is a somber and important historical site, dedicated to the victims of the Nazi regime. The memorial includes the preserved camp buildings, a museum, and a memorial cemetery.

Festivals

Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) • February Berlin Carnival of Cultures (Karneval der Kulturen) • Late May to early June Berlin Festival • September

Pro tips

Learn a few basic phrases in German, as it's appreciated by locals and can enhance your travel experience.
Consider purchasing a Berlin WelcomeCard for unlimited public transportation and discounts at attractions.
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions.
Visit Berlin's many parks and green spaces, which offer a peaceful and relaxing escape from the bustling city.
Be open to trying new foods and culinary experiences, as Berlin's diverse food scene offers something for everyone.