Berlin Sachsenhausen Camp Tour & Memorial Stories

Summary

Berlin’s past up close at Sachsenhausen with stories that linger

You’ll travel by train from Berlin with an English-speaking guide to Sachsenhausen concentration camp near Oranienburg. Walk through key sites like barracks and punishment cells while hearing stories of courage and survival. Experience moments of silence and reflection at Station Z and learn how local life intersected with history — it stays with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

The day started at Friedrichstraße station, which is always a bit chaotic but somehow comforting. Our guide, Anna, found us right away — she had this calm way of speaking, even as we squeezed onto the S-Bahn toward Oranienburg. It’s only about 35 minutes out of Berlin, but I kept thinking how ordinary the ride felt compared to where we were headed. The train windows fogged up a little and I remember catching my own reflection, wondering if I was ready for what we’d see.

Walking through Oranienburg with Anna was strange — the town looks so normal now. She pointed out buildings where inmates used to work and told us how some locals benefited from the camp, which honestly made me uncomfortable. There was this bakery smell drifting from somewhere nearby (I almost felt guilty noticing it). We reached Sachsenhausen itself and everything got quieter. The main gate is still there; it says “Arbeit macht frei.” I’d seen pictures before but standing in front of it… it’s different.

Inside, Anna led us through the barracks and punishment cells. The floors were cold underfoot and there was this faint echo when someone coughed in our group. She didn’t rush — sometimes she just let us stand in silence. At Station Z, where executions happened, I couldn’t really process it all at once. Anna shared stories about resistance among prisoners — small things people did to help each other survive. That part stuck with me more than I expected.

We also saw the Inspectorate of Camps building — honestly just looks like any office from outside, but knowing they controlled all the camps across Europe from there made my stomach twist a bit. Anna answered every question without sugarcoating anything. By the end, my legs were tired but my mind was racing. I still think about that view back toward Tower A before we left; gray sky above, gravel crunching underfoot, everyone pretty quiet on the walk back to the station.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Tour

• Take train to Oranienburg
• Walk Oranienburg town with guide
• Visit Sachsenhausen camp interiors

Top questions

How do you get to Sachsenhausen from Berlin?

You take a train from S+U Friedrichstraße station in central Berlin to Oranienburg with your guide.

Is entry to Sachsenhausen included in the tour?

Yes, entry to the memorial is included in your tour booking.

Who leads the Sachsenhausen concentration camp tour?

A licensed English-speaking guide trained by the memorial authority leads the tour.

How long does it take to reach Sachsenhausen from Berlin?

The train ride from Berlin to Oranienburg takes about 35 minutes.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No lunch is provided; you should bring snacks or eat beforehand.

Are donations included in the price?

A €3 per person donation supporting site maintenance is included by Insider Tour for each guest.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Infants and small children can come along if they’re in a pram or stroller.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

No, it’s not recommended for individuals with limited mobility or walking impairments due to extensive walking.

What’s included

Your day includes a licensed English-speaking guide trained by the memorial authority, entry fees for all sites at Sachsenhausen Memorial, a round-trip train journey from central Berlin to Oranienburg (public transport ticket not specified), plus a €3 donation per guest goes directly toward preserving the memorial site.