Munich: Day Trips & Tours - Dachau Tours

The Dachau concentration camp was the first Nazi concentration camp established in 1933, just north of Munich, Germany. It initially served as a model camp and training centre for S.S. guards and later became a prototype for other European concentration camps. Over its 12 years of operation, it held approximately 200,000 prisoners, including political dissidents, Jews, homosexuals, and others deemed undesirable by the Nazi regime. Many prisoners died due to starvation, disease, or torture, and thousands more were executed or died in the camp's gas chambers. The camp was liberated by U.S. forces in 1945, and it now serves as a memorial site for the victims of the Holocaust.

If you are planning to visit this historical site, then keep reading to find all the necessary information you would require – from the tour timings and ticket options to directions and timings!

The Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Tour ticket offers a discounted price for students with valid IDs. Besides that, there is no such offer and discounts at the moment.

Here are some things that are likely to leave a mark on you, on your Dachau tour:

The entrance gate to the camp is a stark reminder of the deception and cruelty of the Nazi regime. The slogan "Arbeit Macht Frei" (Work Sets You Free) was a cruel deception to the prisoners who were forced to work in inhumane conditions. The entrance gate is one of the most recognizable features of the camp and serves as a sad reminder of the atrocities that occurred there.

The bunker was a small, dark cell where prisoners were subjected to brutal punishments and torture. The bunker was used to isolate and punish prisoners who the authorities considered a threat to the camp's security. It was a place of terror and suffering for those confined there.

The gas chamber and crematorium were used to exterminate prisoners deemed unfit for work. The gas chamber was disguised as a shower room, and prisoners were led to believe that they were being cleaned. Once inside, they were exposed to a toxic gas that would kill them in minutes. The crematorium was used to dispose of the bodies of those who had been killed in the gas chamber.

The barracks were where prisoners lived in cramped and unsanitary conditions, with little food or water. The barracks were often overcrowded, with dozens of prisoners sharing a single room. Disease and starvation were rampant, and prisoners were punished harshly for even minor infractions.

The memorial site includes exhibits and displays that provide historical context and pay tribute to the camp's victims, as well as a solemn reflection area where visitors can pay their respects. The museum includes photographs, artefacts, and personal accounts from survivors and provides a sobering reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust. The reflection area is a peaceful and contemplative space where visitors can reflect on the events that took place at the camp and pay their respects to the victims.

The Appellplatz was a large open space where prisoners were forced to stand for roll call for hours, regardless of the weather conditions. This was a form of physical and psychological punishment, as prisoners often stood in mud or snow and were subjected to harsh treatment if they moved or spoke.

The International Memorial is a striking sculpture erected in 1968 to commemorate the camp's victims. The statue is made of bronze and consists of three figures standing on a platform. The figures represent the political, religious, and social prisoners who were incarcerated at the camp. The Memorial is a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up against tyranny and oppression and the need to remember and honour those who suffered and died under the Nazi regime.

Here are some other attractions that you must include in your Munich itinerary:

Neuschwanstein Castle is a stunning 19th-century castle in the Bavarian Alps near Füssen, Germany. It was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria and was designed as a tribute to the romantic ideals of the Middle Ages. The castle's architecture features a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles, with intricate details and ornate furnishings. It is one of Germany's most popular tourist attractions, attracting millions of visitors every year. The castle's idyllic setting, perched atop a hill overlooking a beautiful landscape of mountains and lakes, adds to its allure. It has also inspired several fictional castles, including the castle in Disney's Sleeping Beauty.

SEA LIFE Munich is an aquarium in the heart of Munich, Germany. It is home to a diverse range of marine life, including sharks, rays, seahorses, jellyfish, and sea turtles. The attraction offers a variety of exhibits that showcase different habitats, such as the rocky coast of the North Sea, the colourful coral reefs of the tropics, and the ocean's mysterious depths. You can observe the animals up close and even interact with some of them through hands-on experiences. The SEA LIFE Munich aquarium also features educational displays and programs highlighting the importance of marine conservation and the need to protect our oceans.

Nymphenburg Palace is a magnificent Baroque palace located in Munich, Germany. Built in the 17th century, the castle was originally the summer residence of the Bavarian royal family. It is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, including the famous Baroque-style Nymphenburg Palace Park. The palace features an impressive collection of ornate rooms, including the grand Hall of Mirrors, the State Bedroom, and the Gallery of Beauties, which showcases portraits of 36 of the most beautiful women of the time. The gardens are also famous, with several fountains, sculptures, and flower beds that make for a picturesque setting.