Far from tourist crowds and souvenir shops, the Buchenwald Memorial and concentration camp sits as a silent reminder of the horrific acts of Hitler and the Nazis during World War II. Buchenwald was the largest concentration camp on German soil, established in 1937. It is estimated that over 230,000 prisoners passed through its main gate, including 350 western Allied prisoners of war, and over 50,000 prisoners perished in the forced labor camp at the hands of the Nazis.
While it does not compare in scale to Auschwitz in Poland, the inmate camp at Buchenwald is quite large. Visitors can see the main gate, original fence line, detention cell building, canteen, crematorium and pathology department. The foundations and ruins of several original buildings can be seen as well. Expect to spend about three hours touring the inmate camp. Guided tours are offered for a fee, and an audio guide can be rented as well. Given the graphic nature of the camp, this attraction is not recommended for travelers under age 14.
Buchenwald is definitely well worth the trip from Berlin, and offers a unique experience that travelers will never forget.
