Holocaust Memorials
There are many WWII & Holocaust memorials/sights in Europe (e.g. Dachau , Anne Frank's house). They provide travelers powerful opportunities to learn from the greatest horrors of the 20th century. Share your experiences and suggestions so others can heed the wish of the the victims of the holocaust.that we never forget.
Please Note: This topic was previously known as "Nazi Sights."
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The town of Dachau
On a trip to Germany this summer, my husband and I went to Dachau. (Part of my husband's job as a social studies teacher is Holocaust education.)
As we waited near the road for the bus to take us back to the train, a bus arrived from the town of Dachau. A gray-haired woman got off and explained that the bus was free and would take us into the little town of Dachau where we could have lunch or just look around and then catch another bus back to the train station. Only one other small family group and my husband and I took her up on the offer. On the way into town she told us the history of the town of Dachau from long before the Nazi period to the present time. Apparently, it was once an artist colony. We passed by some institutional looking appartment buildings that I'd noticed on the way to the camp earlier in the day. Our guide explained that they had been built as SS barracks and are still being lived in. We had a lovely lunch at a cafe - the cheese spaetzel was wonderful - and caught the bus back to the train station. This unexpected side trip helped reinforce in our minds that Germany is NOT just the 12 years that Hitler was in power.
Susan Glaser <email>
Oakland Park, FL USA 09/07/2008
Concentration Camps
I just returned from a trip to Poland and Israel. While concentration camps arent exactly fun sights to see, I feel that everyone NEEDS to see them. Everyone has sympathy for the victims and their families, but I dont really feel you can have empathy until you've actually seen the camps.
The first camp I visited was Birkenau. Usually people go to Auschwitz and then over to Birkenau, but seeing Birkenau first made the accomodations at Auschwitz look the like the Ritz Carlton. You MUST get a guide for these camps. Just wandering around by yourself isn't as intense of an experience. Birkenau is a hard place to see. The gas chambers and creamatoriums are in ruins, but its still extremely powerful.
Auschwitz is a very different camp because it was not built from scratch. It belonged to the Polish army, but then the Nazi's took it over for their own use.
I also visited Majdanek (my-dan-ick), in Lublin, Poland. The gas chambers and creamatoriums are in tact there. You can stand in the gas chambers and see the blue stains on the walls from the Zyklon-B gas. You can see scratch marks on the concrete walls made while people frantically tried to escape. The creamatorium is large, has maybe 15 ovens. There is also a mausoleum with SEVEN TONS of victims ashes, right out in the open for you to see. If you could only see one concentration camp, I would recommend Majdanek because there arent the crowds you get at Auschwitz. In fact, it was quite empty when I was there. I think it lends to the experience more.
Abby <email>
Tallahassee, FL USA 09/06/2008
Templehof Central Airport
You may not know it, but one of the oldest operating airports in the world is Tempelhof Central Airport in Berlin's Tempelhof District. The Berlin authorities have decreed that TCA will cease all operations effective 31 Oct 2008. A city-wide referendum has held last April and the City authorities said 35% of all voters had to vote to make it binding on whether the airport should be closed. Only about 30% voted, but they overwhelmingly said keep it open. That was not enough to do the trick, so it will close in Oct. The last flt out is scheduled for 2000 on Thur, 30 Oct 2008. I was stationed in Berlin 1984-90 and saw the wall come down. Another retired USAF NCO and I are going to Berlin and will sip some champaigne in front of the LuftBrucke monument on that last day. The city doesn't plan any commeration. Plans are afoot to also close down Tegel Airport in the French sector next year. They are pouring money into the old East Berlin airport at Schoenefelde to upgrade it and are building a newer Brandenburger International airport. If you are in Berlin Oct 30th, look for two Americans in front of the Luftbrucke Monument, mention the name Rick Steves and I'll give you a sip from my champaigne bottle. I might have to bring 2 bottles!!!!!
Barry <email>
Palm Bay, FL USA 08/31/2008
Auschwitz/Berkinaw
When I went to Poland with my Dad about 5 years ago, the last place I wanted to see were the concentration camps Auschwitz and Berkinaw. I never realized they were in Poland, not far from Krakow. One of the Berkinaw camps remains but there were 2 others that are gone now.
At both camps, you cannot just wander around. You have to be escorted in groups with guides. Auchwitz is pretty much intact and alot of Berkinaw is as well. They are 2 kms apart. You go to Auschwitz, pay for the tour there and they take care of the rest.
It is a very somber place and rarely do you see people talking, other than the guides.
Millions of Polish, Russian, Romanians and Jews were killed in these camps (I am sure there were others). The documentation, pictures and horror of it all is there as a constant reminder of what horrible crimes against humanity occurred there. Lest we never forget.
When I was done I was sad but glad to see it first-hand. No one can explain it better than seeing it. A must see if you are in the area.
June
Surrey, BC Canada 08/20/2008
Anne Frank House
I second the remarks about the Anne Frank house, and would add one more: Buy your tix online in advance, if possible. We whisked past a long line of rain-drenched folks, into a separate door with immediate access. You do have to sign up for a specific date and time, but it's a wonderful advantage if you can do it.
Nancy
San Carlos, CA USA 08/14/2008
Mauthausen
Following advice from this website, we decided to make a stop at Mauthausen Concentration Camp near Linz, Austria. The train station was completely empty except only one attendant whose English was questionable at best. We communicated that we wanted to see the camp and he gave us a cab company business card and pointed us to an outside phonebooth. We struggled to get the call through, but the cab service was EXCELLENT. It was Taxi Brixner 0664/46 23 699. Not only were they timely, but when we didn't have correct change he allowed us to pay for the roundtrip fare on the way back. He was waiting for us after 2 hours.
The camp now has very a informative film (available in multiple languages) to begin each tour which we HIGHLY recommend. There were interviews of surviors, the liberating soldiers and local townspeople which was extremly moving. The movie lasted an hour, so plan to spend at least 3 to see it plus the camp.
Also, we were there in March and a fresh snowfall prevented us from going to see the Quarry, stairway & so called "Parachute Jump."
We were very glad that we made the effort to get to this camp. It is hard to fathom the atrocities that took place there, but so important that we never forget!
Lauren
Ft Walton Bch, FL USA 07/11/2008
Memorial Wall in Frankfurt
Frankfurt has a very moving Memorial to its murdered Jewish citizens. A wall containing 11,000 names has been erected around the medieval Jewish cemetery. This is right next to the Judengasse museum, 2 blocks from the Dom Cathedral. This is quite a personal and emotional tribute to those who lost their lives. Though not well known, it should be. It would be nice if Rick Steves would mention it in his next guidebook so more people will know about it.
Jodean <email>
Frankfurt, Germany 06/28/2008
Oradour-sur-Glane
On 10 June 1944, the idylic French village of Oradour-sur-Glane was completely destroyed and 642 innocent men, women and children were massacred by soldiers in Hitler's elite Waffen-SS army. The ruins of the martyred village have been preserved as a reminder of German barbarity.
This town was preserved exactly as it was found after the massacre: old cars are still parked in the streets, bullet holes can be found in the church, businesses and homes are still standing (most without roofs, etc.
My wife and I visited this town in the summer of 2006 and it was chilling and well worth the effort to get there. This town is in the south of France not that far from Lyon. Here are some web links:
http://www.scrapbookpages.com/Oradour-sur-Glane/index.html
http://www.oradour.info/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oradour-sur-Glane
Peter McG
USA 05/31/2008
Auschwitz
This is a difficult site to see. The former work camp Auschwitz I is still pretty much intact and houses a very interesting museum. But Auschwitz II where the murders took place has almost nothing left standing. Yes, you will certainly get a *feel* for this depressing site just walking through it but it's hard to *understand* it by yourself. This is the one place in my travels where a personal guide really made a huge difference. It was worth every penny - and the cost of the guide is actually quite reasonable.
Beatrix
Calgary, Canada 03/29/2008
Anne Frank House
The most heart breaking hour and a half of my life was spent in the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. As far as holocaust memorials go, this one is so personal. Most people have read her diary and when one is walking through the actual building, it is like reality slaping you in the face. It takes an event that seems far removed for most younger Americans and makes it almost uncomfortablly real. This destination is a must.
Jaime W. <email>
Albertville, AL USA 01/24/2008
Schindler's List Tour
A few years ago our family was visiting Krakow. We found out about a "Schindler's List" tour that is organized from a bookstore in the traditional Jewish neighborhood. It was winter and we were the only sightseers that day, so the guide packed us into his car and took us all around the city. We saw the actual sites were the events took place and the places Spielburg used for filming. Our guide is a Polish historian and was very passionate about this time in Krakow's history. He was very informative and we learned a lot.
tucsonteresa <email>
Tucson, AZ USA 01/16/2008
Dachau
I went on my most recent Contiki tour to have some fun, see Europe and let loose. What I wasn't expecting, was to be moved in a way I have never experienced. We had the opportunity to visit Dachau. The thing that sticks out most in my mind was how recent it felt to be there, in Europe you see all of these ancient things, but WWII is not that far in the past. Our tour manager gave us each a stone from the yard and told us to take it out when ever life gets too tough, to remind us that those that have gone before us had much worse. This made me realize how important it was for me to have our tour manager to help us get the most out of Europe, check out contiki.com for other great features!
Caitlin <email>
Columbus, OH USA 12/13/2007
Shoah Museum in Paris
The Shoah Museum in Paris is near the Hotel de Ville and not far from rue des Rosiers and the Jewish History Museum. In an outside courtyard there is a wall with names of French people lost to the holocaust. Inside the museum there are written records, photos, videos in French, memorabilia, etc. One could easily spend a whole day there. It is used as a research center. The museum was free when I was there in early May 2007.
Swan <email>
Napa, CA USA 09/23/2007
Paris Memorial
When in Paris go to the memorial just behind Notre Dame Cathedral. It is beautiful, moving and very accessible.
suitable for even children that may find deathcamp memorials too much.
JS
USA 08/24/2007
My Whole trip to Europe was planned on visiting as many Holocaust Musuems & Memorials as possiable. We visited three different countries, but my favorite place would have to be Sachsenhausen. Being able to visualy see barricks, the morgue, and touch the experimentation tables was too real. Visualizing what so many went though is touching. It's about 30 mins outside of Berlin, if you have the chance I would definitly recommend seeing it!
Ashley
Rome, GA USA 06/07/2007
Holocaust memorials
Dear Ricksteves Friends,
I am a local tourist guige in Hungary, organising private tours with my car/minivan. I had a chanche to have a look in the book "Best of Eastern Europe 2006." This is a fantastic book but not many information about Jewish Budapest.
Here will you find the 2nd largest Synagogue of the world, Monument of 600,000 wictims of the Holocaust in Hungary (Tree of Life -Emanuel Foundation), Monument for Raoul Wallenberg, here was born Theodor Hertzl, there is a shokking new Holocaust monument at the Danube riverbank: Shoes of the Jews killed in the river, New Holocaust Memoril Center (Pava Str.)and the Terror House Museum. For details, please write me and I will give you all information.
Andrew Illes <email>
Budapest , Hungary, USA 04/13/2007
Mauthausen
Justin,
I agree with your opinion. My husband and I are about to plan our 4th trip to Europe and have seen numerous Holocaust memorials: Dachau, Mauthausen, Anne Frank house, Holocaust museum in DC, etc. And we were more affected by Mauthausen the most. We both literally wept. Everyone needs to visit one so that these lives were not in vain. History does repeat itself and we maintain a "blind eye" it will occur sooner rather than later. Also important to remember, that there have been many cases of similar genocide throughout many countries in Africa ever since. As long as we live in this world there will always be a fight of good vs evil, humility vs. pride, and love vs. hate. No country, race, or people are exempt of that possibility. I often think of the many great spirits, hearts, souls, and minds, that never came to be due this.
Amy <email>
Edmond, OK USA 02/15/2007
Haarlem Site
There is a tribute to the ten Boom family in Haarlem, just a short distance from Amsterdam. The shop and home of watch repairers was used to hide Jews and resistance workers. The movie "The Hiding Place" tells the family story. Books by Corrie ten Boom are available in libraries and Christian bookstores. It is an uplifting visit.
Ann
Exton, PA USA 02/07/2007
Auschwitz- A Must!
For anyone even slightly interested in seeing holocaust sights, Auschwitz is an unforgettable sight. Plan to spend a day there, and its easily accessible from Krakow (a beautiful city, one worth visiting!) by train or bus. Auschwitz I is a museum and Auschwitz II (Birkenau) is the site where the majority of the mass murders took place. Anyone who has seen pictures of Auschwitz will get chills when you walk into Birkenau. It's very much the same as the Nazi's left it. Some barracks are in ruins and the gas chambers were knocked over before the allies came (they're still in piles of rubble surround by what is essentially caution tape) making it all very real. There is no mock reconstruction of the buildings here. The swampy area behind the gas chambers is where the ashes were dumped. Our guide said that if you walk back there, occasionally one can find human bones protruding from the earth. I was never in a more spiritually dense place. Everyone must visit here.
CB
NY USA 11/01/2006
Dachau in February
I visited Dachau for the first time last February, arriving at 9:00 am on a snowy Sunday morning. The camp was empty, covered with snow, empty except for me and thousands of memories. It was a moving experience, to walk alone and to stand in the creamatorium for perhaps 20 minutes in silence. All you can feel is sadness, respect, and wonder of how we can as humans be so equal, but so intent on pretending we're not.
Dave <email>
Dallas, TX USA 09/18/2006
Dachau
My best friend and I visited Dachau today and like previously stated, no matter your religion, nationality, or beliefs, I believe if your human it will change you forever. I too got sick at one point and the museum pictures were too much for me to handle. I did learn alot of history however that I would have never learned otherwise. Amazing experience I will never regret!
Jennifer P.
Tallahassee - I'm still in Germany!, FL USA 07/26/2006
Yad Vashem
Have visited several actual camps and many of the museums and memorials to holocaust. Can't imagine a better, more complete one than Yad Vashem in Jerusalem
Jim Davis
Atlanta, GA USA 07/14/2006
We Agree I Think
Dear 6/06 No Name - Based on your dictionary excerpt, I think we're agreeing re "The Holocaust" vs a holocaust. The original poster below seemed to think that this posting site is related to holocausts in general so I was trying to point that out. This section of the GW refers to "The Holocaust" caused by the Nazis as well as memorial sites related to "The Holocaust" caused by the Nazis.
Jana
Grand Rapids, MI USA 07/04/2006
Holocaust
In response to Jana, here is the definition of 'holocaust':
hol·o·caust Pronunciation Key (hl-kôst, hl-) n.
1. Great destruction resulting in the extensive loss of life, especially by fire.
2.
1. Holocaust The genocide of European Jews and others by the Nazis during World War II: "Israel emerged from the Holocaust and is defined in relation to that catastrophe" (Emanuel Litvinoff).
2. A massive slaughter: "an important document in the so-far sketchy annals of the Cambodian holocaust" (Rod Nordland).
3. A sacrificial offering that is consumed entirely by flames.
06/18/2006
Imperial War Museum in London
I agree with the two other authors who posted comments on the Imperial War Museum in London, it is definately worth a visit. I also agree completely with Jamie (if I spelt it right) The memorial in Washington DC is better, but do yourself a favor and get your tickets in advance, or you may very well not get in at all. The Imperial War Museum, is great for War buffs as it covers virtually ever war ever fought throughout the world.
Justin <email>
Beverly, MA USA 06/18/2006
Mauthausen
I have been fortunate to travel to several concentration camps throughout Europe. It seems that Dachau seems to be the most frequented, as it is so easily accessible from Munich. However I found Mauthausen Concentration Camp, outside of Linz, Austria to be one of the most emotional. It is pretty difficult to access, especially if your coming from Salzburg. Plan on overnighting in Linz if at all possible, as you want to allow plenty of time to see the memorial. The camp is up a few miles on top of a hill over the town of Mauthausen. It cannot be seen from the town. The camp looks like a giant stone prison, with electric barbed wire fencing. The todes stiege is a very emotional site. The actual translation is the stairs of death. Prisoners were forced to carry large stones on their backs while tied together up a quarter of a mile staircase (which by the way is very poorly structured, very uneven) These stones were used to expand the camp. Some prisoners were forced to jump from the top of the cliff to the rock quarry below, just for fun. I have seen several photos, and many of the prisoners held hands as they jumped to their death. The crematorium and gas chamber, are located beneath the jail and are all so well intact, it is very frightening. Please is you have a chance to visit this camp, don't pass it up, it is an experience you will never forget. Buchenwald in Germany is also a good memorial to visit, it is two camps in one, the second camp is called the Special Camp 2, where prisoners were starved to death or shot in the woods. If anyone wants to share any feedback or ask any questions, feel free to contact me.
Justin <email>
Beverly, MA USA 06/18/2006
The Holocaust
Sheila - Um, I think you're a little confused. Perhaps your guide in Eastern Europe used the word 'holocaust' but, the context of this Graffiti Wall, The Holocaust refers to the methodical imprisonment and killing by German Nazis of millions of people who were Jewish, gypsies, Jehovah's Witnesses, gay, political dissidents, etc. This happened during World War II.
Jana
Grand Rapids, MI USA 05/28/2006
Belgrade Holocaust
I just returned from Belgrade where I took the Holocaust tour. It was well worth it and a good way to see the city. It was sad to see the death and destruction the Americans caused the Serbians in the Holocaust. I was relieved to know they don't hold much ill will toward Americans after we bombed their hospitals. (The maternity ward took a direct hit. I can't begin to tell you how horrible I felt being an American who supported our President and troupes. Now I know how it must have been to be a supporter of the Nazi's in Germany.
Guess I'm no better.
Shelia
NJ USA 05/21/2006
Paris Memorial
The Paris Holocaust Memorial on the eastern end of Ile de la Cite near the bridge to Ile St Louis is small but effective. The goal is to limit one's access to the world around you so you get a small sense of what it was like to be imprisoned. Of course, I wasn't being starved and certainly wasn't in danger of be gassed. Still, the (temporary) limits on my freedom were effective. Please take 15 minutes from shopping at the nearby trinket shops to recall and remember the horror and death faced by 12 million Europeans - Jewish, gay, gypsies/Roma, Jehovah's Witnesses, mentally or physically handicapped, and so on. Never forget!
Jana <email>
Grand Rapids, MI USA 05/14/2006
paris nr Notre Dame Cathedral
The memorial just behind Notre Dame is incredible. Take the time to visit, there is no charge. the experience is very moving.
JS
Ca USA 05/09/2006
Dachau
In response to a positing about the Dachau S-Bahn stop being unavailable - I used it yesterday (4/30/06) so it is most definately back in action.
Paul Brown
USA 05/01/2006