Dachau Favorites

Fondest memory: This article from a newspaper of Augsburg, exhibited in the museum, reminds us of the inauguration of the Dachau concentration camp on 31st March 1933, just two months after Hitler's ascent to Kanzler, ("Chancellor").
The Dachau KZ was the first of a long series.

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Favorite thing: Walking across the wide boulevards and stopping for a while in the wild nature of the concentration camp makes one feel strange. Actually, the trees provide a great sense of peace but, at the same time, one is aware that many people suffered to death in that same place. Unfortunately, it is difficult to perceive the peaceful atmosphere because of the many noisy students who do not care at all about the concentration camp. However, rest some seconds or minutes in these boulevards, especially in the one that connects the entrance with the area of the museum and the huts.

Favorite thing: One of the most interesting parts of our whole trip was that we were able to hire a "free" translator... which really helped out on several occassions during the trip.

Since most Germans do not get the opportunity to see their own country, and choose to go elsewhere on vacations instead, you can normally find someone who is interested in touring with you, learning English from you, and will act as your translator when you head off the beaten path.

We all met Christine in Frankfurt, where she met us at the airport, took us to her house, and then went on a 12 day vacation with us around Europe... all she asked for in return was for us to pay for her portion of the hotels and meals! What a great deal!!!

Favorite thing: One of the things that you will get from a visit here is a very strong message about life and freedom.

This is a place that everyone should visit if they are visiting Europe. There are lessons to be learned here.

This is a part of history and it should be told.

Favorite thing: The prisoners had to build a larger camp which was completed in 1938.

The camp office files show a total of more than 206000prisoners registered between 1933 and 1945.

In addition, however many prisoners were taken to Dachau without being registered.

Favorite thing: On March 22, 1933, the first German concentration camp was set up near Dachau on the grounds of a former ammunition factory by Heinrich Himmler.

Political opponents, Jews, clergymen and so called 'undesirable elements' were to be isolated here as enemies of the regime.

In 1937, the camp, originally planned for 5000 persons proved to be too small.