Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Tour

Walking Tour

5 hrs

Berlin

It is only by confronting some of humanity's greatest failures that we may learn from them. That's why, while Berlin has no shortage of engaging and historical places, we believe in the importance of visiting sites like Sachsenhausen. A short train ride out of the city brings us to the former concentration camp, now a historical site that memorializes the tragedies of the Holocaust. In the company of a local historian, this Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp tour takes us to the grounds of the camp and provides a sensitive framework for visiting this site and learning about the sobering events that took place here.

NOTE: If you add the optional car service, please tell us your hotel or apartment address in the 'Additional Details' box while adding the tour to your shopping cart.

Sachsenhausen Tour

A local train and bus ride brings us through the peaceful countryside surrounding Berlin to Sachsenhausen, a former concentration camp located mere miles from the city. We will spend about 2.5 hours on the grounds, now transformed into a memorial and museum. As we walk along the gravel paths, we'll discuss the political mechanisms that gave rise to the camps and allowed them to be used to such devastating ends. We will also consider the history of this camp itself, which functioned as a training center for Schutzstaffel (SS) officers who were sent to oversee other camps.

"Our trip to Sachsenhausen with [guide] was powerful. His deep knowledge of the subject and excellent delivery of it combined with the stark desolation of the site to produce a sobering but meaningful experience."

As we walk through what remains of the camp’s buildings, we will discuss the development of the site as the Holocaust progressed, including the construction of gas chambers in 1943. We will also explore the layout of this camp, including the entrance building, watchtowers, barracks, execution trench, prison cells, and crematorium. However, much of our time will also be spent recounting the stories of some of the victims interred in the camp, putting a human story to the somber surroundings.

(For more on Nazi history in Berlin, we suggest our Berlin Nazi tour.)

Our time at Sachsenhausen will leave us with insight into a particularly difficult time in human history, especially for the global Jewish community. But we will not depart without also touching upon more recent history, including the usage in the Soviet era, reception during the East German period, and shocking Neo-Nazi attacks in the 1990s. (For a deeper look at the Jewish experience in Berlin, consider our Jewish Berlin Tour.)

FAQ

Is this excursion recommended for children?
Wwhile there is no age minimum, due to the nature of the subject matter, this excursion may not be suitable for families.

Where does it start? Where does it end?
The Berlin day trip meets in Berlin, near the train station. Your confirmation will have the exact meeting point. Your expert will purchase the train tickets on your behalf, and then you will take the train together. After your visit to the former camp, you will return to Berlin together. The ride is about 45 minutes each way and is part of the overall 5-hour duration of the tour.

Can we take a car instead of the train?
For private tours starting in Berlin, yes. You can remove the train tickets and add the optional car service in the booking form above. The expert and driver will meet you at your hotel.

We are a bigger group and it won't let us book a larger vehicle at checkout, can we still book? If your group needs a larger vehicle than what is displayed as options at checkout, please reach out to our team in order to verify availability and pricing with our car provider. Thank you!

Book a Tour

From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.

Sachsenhausen Memorial and Museum

Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.

Included

English-speaking expert guide
Tours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
Intentionally sized groups
A smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
Tickets and entrance fees
All entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
Headsets
Headsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.

Excluded

Gratuities

We encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
Food and drink

Refreshments are only included during a tour when clearly noted.
Transportation to and from the meeting point

Guests organize pre- and post-tour transport themselves - this service can be added by request.
Hotel pickup or drop-off

Unless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.

Map of Half-Day Sachsenhausen Camp Day Trip from Berlin general meeting point area

Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.

Dos:

Wear comfortable footwear
Check the weather and dress appropriately
Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
Feel free to ask your Expert anything

Don'ts:

Bring firearms or weapons
Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments

Any questions? You can always contact us.

66 Reviews

It takes a very special person to do this tour and Paul was the perfect guide. Our children are 9 and 12 and he began by asking if he should adjust his language and some of the subject matter for them, which was so thoughtful but we wanted them to experience the full tour and so glad we did. Not only did we love Paul as a person, but his style is perfect for this tour. He found the perfect balance of explaining an unimaginable horror while keeping you engaged and helping understand what happened in the years leading up to the building of the camp so you have a greater perspective. This is a must do tour if you are in Berlin. Seeing the barracks, the crematorium, the area where the prisoners stood for roll call ….. there’s no other way to really understand unless you stand where it happened. If you have the opportunity go with Paul. This brilliant, interesting, man is an absolute joy to be with and it would be an honor to spend another day with him.

Stacy Dec 29, 2025

Paul was a fantastic guide. Extremely knowledgeable, listened well, engaged in conversation vs on script.

Pamela Sep 13, 2025

Paul was a terrific guide -- extremely knowledgeable, engaging, interesting to talk to, and sensitive and respectful of the overwhelming emotions we experienced on this visit to Sachsenhausen. We were lucky to be able to spend a day with such a superb guide.

Brook Aug 11, 2025

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Religion & Heritage

Berlin

3:00

Half-Day Sachsenhausen Camp Day Trip from Berlin

Reflect on one of modern history's greatest tragedies with a local historian

Sachsenhausen Tour

"Our trip to Sachsenhausen with [guide] was powerful. His deep knowledge of the subject and excellent delivery of it combined with the stark desolation of the site to produce a sobering but meaningful experience."

FAQ

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