Munich Dachau Tours

All You Need to Know About Dachau Concentration Camp

The first concentration camp in Germany, Dachau Concentration Camp was the first concentration camp set up by the Nazi government. It saw the torture and death of over 200,000 people. Liberated by U.S. forces in 1945, it now serves as a memorial to the victims. Read on to know everything about this memorial site.

Must-Know Information at a Glance

Dachau Concentration Camp

Must-Know Information at a Glance

  • Official name: Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site
  • Location: Alte Römerstraße 75, 85221 Dachau, Germany | ​Find on Maps
  • Date of opening: March 22, 1933
  • Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM, daily
  • Number of visitors per year: 700,000 approx.
  • Function: Previously a concentration camp. Later converted into a memorial site.

Plan Your Visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site

Dachau Concentration Camp

Opening hours: 9 AM to 5 PM, daily.

Closed on: December 24 and 25

Recommended duration of visit: 5 hours approx.

Best time to visit: Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are the best seasons to visit Dachau as the weather is mild. If you are visiting during the summer, be sure to bring sunscreen and a hat, as the camp can get very hot. If you're visiting during winter, ensure you dress warmly to battle cold weather.  It is also a good idea to visit in the morning during weekdays when the camp is less crowded and the weather is still cool.

Best Time to Visit Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site
Dachau Concentration Camp

Address: Alte Römerstraße 75, 85221 Dachau, Germany

Find on Maps

Dachau Concentration Memorial Site is located in the town of Dachau, about 10 miles northwest of Munich, Germany. The camp is surrounded by rolling hills and forests, which provide a stark contrast to the horrors that took place within its walls.

Closest station: Dachau Station

Directions to Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial

Explore Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site

Dachau Concentration Camp

Entrance Gate with "Arbeit Macht Frei" Inscription

The entrance gate to Dachau Concentration Camp is a large, imposing gate with the words "Arbeit macht frei" (work sets you free) inscribed above it. It is a sobering reminder of the Nazi regime's propaganda and the lies that were used to justify the camp's existence.

Dachau Concentration Camp
Dachau Concentration Camp
Dachau Concentration Camp
Dachau Concentration Camp

History of Dachau Concentration Camp

Dachau Concentration Camp

Dachau Concentration Camp was the first and longest-operating concentration camp opened by the Nazi Party in 1933. It served as a model for all later concentration camps and was used to imprison and torture political prisoners, prisoners of war, and other "undesirables." Over 200,000 people were imprisoned at Dachau, and at least 41,500 died there. The camp was originally built to house political prisoners, but it soon became a dumping ground for anyone who the Nazis considered to be "undesirable," including Jews, Roma, homosexuals, and Jehovah's Witnesses. The camp was also used for medical experiments, some of which were fatal.

The camp was liberated by American troops on April 29, 1945. After the war, the camp was turned into a memorial site. Today, Dachau Concentration Camp is a sobering reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust and the importance of fighting against all forms of intolerance and discrimination.

Complete History of Dachau Concentration Camp

Construction of Dachau Concentration Camp

The construction of the Dachau Concentration Camp was characterized by its functionalism and utilitarianism. The camp was established in March 1933 in the city of Dachau, Germany, and was designed by Theodor Eicke, who played a prominent role in the development of the concentration camp system.

The main administrative building, known as the SS administration building, was constructed in a simple and stark manner, reflecting the overall purpose of the camp. It featured a symmetrical layout, with a central entrance and rows of windows on either side. The walls were constructed using plain bricks, lacking any ornamental elements. The interior housed offices and various administrative spaces.

The camp also consisted of barracks constructed using prefabricated materials, providing simple and minimalistic living quarters for the prisoners. The crematorium, the gas chamber, and the watchtowers were also designed in a functionalist and utilitarian style.

The layout of the Dachau Concentration Camp served the purpose of control, dehumanization, and intimidation. The high walls, guard towers, and electrified fences were a constant reminder to the prisoners of their imprisonment and the power of the Nazi regime. The simple and stark design of the buildings also served to dehumanize the prisoners.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site

What is the Dachau Concentration Camp?

Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial is the site of the first concentration camp opened by the Nazi Party in 1933. It served as a model for all later concentration camps and was used to imprison and torture political prisoners, prisoners of war, and other "undesirables." Over 200,000 people were imprisoned at Dachau, and at least 41,500 died there. After the war, the camp was turned into a memorial site.

Is Dachau Concentration Camp open to the public?

Yes, Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial is open to the public. It is open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily.

Where can I buy tickets for Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site?

Tickets can be purchased ​online. You can enjoy hassle-free entry, guided tours, discounts and cashback when you purchase your tickets online.

Why is the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial famous?

Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial is known because it was the first concentration camp opened by the Nazi Party.

Is Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial worth visiting?

Yes, Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial is worth visiting. It is a sobering reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust and the importance of fighting against all forms of intolerance and discrimination.

When was Dachau Concentration Camp built?

Dachau Concentration Camp was built in March 1933.

Who created the Dachau Concentration Camp?

Dachau Concentration Camp was created by the Nazi Party.

Why was Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial built?

Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site was built after the war to commemorate the victims of the camp and to educate future generations about the horrors of the Holocaust.

What is Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial used for today?

Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial is used as a memorial to the victims of the camp and as an educational resource about the Holocaust. It is also a place for people to reflect on the dangers of intolerance and discrimination.

Where is the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial located?

Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial is located in the town of Dachau, about 10 miles northwest of Munich, Germany.

What can I see inside the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial?

Some of the main sights of the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial include the entrance gate, barracks, crematorium, religious memorials, and exhibition centers.

Are guided tours available for Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial?

Yes, ​guided tours are available for Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site. They are a great way to learn more about the history of the camp and the atrocities that were committed there.

What are the timings for Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial?

Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial is open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily.

How much time do you need at Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial?

It is recommended to spend at least 4-5 hours at Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial. This will allow you enough time to see the different exhibits and memorials and to reflect on the experience.

How big is Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site?

Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial is about 400 acres in size.

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