Hohenschönhausen Memorial Berlin
A former Stasi prison and interrogation center, this memorial offers a chilling, firsthand account of political persecution in East Germany.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tours.
Hohenschönhausen Memorial Berlin
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tours.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A former Stasi prison and interrogation center, this memorial offers a chilling, firsthand account of political persecution in East Germany.
"A deeply moving and essential visit for understanding the dark side of GDR history. "
🎯 Book English Tours Early
English tours are popular and sell out fast! Book online well in advance to secure your spot.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing during the guided tour.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Interrogation Cells
Main Prison Building
Experience the claustrophobic and psychologically intense interrogation rooms where dissidents were pressured.
The 'Gummizellen'
Special Cells
See the infamous padded cells designed to disorient and break prisoners. A truly unsettling sight.
The Transport Cells
Prison Courtyard
Imagine the grim journey prisoners endured in these cramped, dark transport vehicles.
Planning Your Visit
Book Tours in Advance
Prepare for an Emotional Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book English Tours Early
English tours are popular and sell out fast! Book online well in advance to secure your spot.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing during the guided tour.
🤫 Be Prepared for Silence
The atmosphere is somber. Respect the history and keep conversations quiet during the tour.
🗣️ Listen to Your Guide
Many guides are former inmates, offering invaluable personal insights.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book English Tours Early
English tours are popular and sell out fast! Book online well in advance to secure your spot.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing during the guided tour.
🤫 Be Prepared for Silence
The atmosphere is somber. Respect the history and keep conversations quiet during the tour.
🗣️ Listen to Your Guide
Many guides are former inmates, offering invaluable personal insights.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently describe the Hohenschönhausen Memorial as a profoundly moving and chilling experience. The tours, often led by former inmates, are highly praised for their authenticity and impact, though the subject matter is undeniably heavy and disturbing. Many find it an essential, albeit difficult, visit for understanding East German history. +1
"Great history lesson. And if you are of a certain age, a lot of it happened in your own lifetime. Brutal treatment by the Russians after the war, and then in more recent times by the communist German secret police.
Very interesting tour led by historian Andreas Ott, who escaped the east when only 19. Some of the other tour guides had experience as prisoners here. Tour lasts around 2 hours. Some great tales told.
Well worth the trip out to the east end."
Bruce Renwick
"The location can only be visited with a guide and tours are available at fixed hours. They have guides available in: German and English. The visit was beautiful, the guide was ok, with many explanations. The tour lasts about 2 hours. You are allowed to take pictures and film inside. The cost is 9 euros. It was worth the whole tour. I recommend. 👍"
Sylviu
"The whole memorial area is a very educational location, great to share and spread awareness on the atrocities of the Nazi regime. Not for the faint hearted.
Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, get snacks, & most importantly pick a guide that's passionate; I was lucky to have Paul from Get your Guide, who gave us the nitty gritty details of the whole camp and it's history."
Nour Naja
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The memorial is accessible via public transport. Take the tram M5, M6, or M8 to the 'Genslerstraße' stop, or the tram M5 to 'Herzbergstraße/Industriegebiet'. Alternatively, the S-Bahn lines S5, S7, and S75 to 'Gehrenseestraße' followed by a short walk.
Yes, the memorial is well-signposted from the nearest public transport stops. Look for signs directing you to the 'Gedenkstätte Berlin-Hohenschönhausen'.
Yes, there is a parking lot available for visitors. However, public transport is often recommended to avoid potential parking hassles.
For most visitors, taking the tram to 'Genslerstraße' is a straightforward option. The memorial is a short walk from there.
The memorial is located in an industrial area, but it's part of a broader historical context of East Berlin. Consider exploring other DDR-related sites if you have time.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, it is highly recommended to book your tour tickets in advance, especially for English-language tours, as they often sell out. You can book online through their official website.
The memorial is typically open daily, but specific tour times vary. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening hours and tour schedules.
Ticket prices vary depending on the type of tour. Standard guided tours have an admission fee. Check the official website for current pricing.
Yes, the memorial offers various guided tours, including general tours, special tours focusing on specific aspects of the prison's history, and tours led by former inmates.
No, access to the former prison cells and most of the memorial site is only possible with a guided tour. Independent exploration is not permitted.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most guided tours last approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the specific tour and the guide's presentation.
Expect a somber and emotionally impactful experience. You'll walk through former prison cells, interrogation rooms, and learn about the methods used by the Stasi. +1
Yes, English-language tours are usually available, but they are very popular and require advance booking. Check the schedule on their website.
Photography is generally not allowed inside the prison buildings to maintain the atmosphere and respect for the victims. Check for specific rules at the entrance.
The 'Gummizellen' (rubber cells) were padded cells designed to disorient and psychologically torment prisoners. They are a particularly disturbing part of the memorial.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the former prison buildings to preserve the solemn atmosphere and respect for the victims.
You can typically take photos in the outdoor areas and courtyards of the memorial complex. Always check for signage regarding photography restrictions.
While interior photography is restricted, the exterior architecture and the starkness of the prison grounds can be quite photogenic. The contrast with the surrounding modern buildings is also notable.
Focus on the imposing architecture, the sense of confinement, and the historical markers. Capturing the mood and atmosphere is key, even without interior shots.
No, photography is not permitted inside the cells, including the 'Gummizellen'. The experience is meant to be felt rather than documented visually from within.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Focus on the educational aspect and the importance of remembering history to prevent future atrocities. The tours are long and require sustained attention, so ensure your older children are engaged and can handle the serious nature of the subject matter.
It's a place for reflection and learning, rather than a typical family outing. 🏛️ History Buffs & Cold War Enthusiasts
Beyond the main prison, explore the historical context of the GDR's surveillance state. Consider visiting other related sites in Berlin, such as the Stasi Museum or the Tränenpalast (Palace of Tears), to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the division and its impact.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Stasi's Methods of Control
The sheer scale of surveillance and repression is a key takeaway from any visit. One of the most disturbing aspects is the 'Gummizellen' (rubber cells), designed to induce sensory deprivation and disorientation.
Many tours are led by former inmates who share their personal experiences, offering a profound and often harrowing glimpse into life within the prison walls. This direct testimony adds an unparalleled layer of authenticity and emotional weight to the visit, making it a powerful educational experience about the realities of living under an authoritarian regime.
Understanding the Historical Context
The memorial stands as a testament to the victims of political persecution and a reminder of the human cost of authoritarian rule. Visiting Hohenschönhausen provides a stark contrast to the more celebratory aspects of East Berlin's history. While sites like the East Side Gallery showcase artistic expression, this memorial delves into the darker side of the GDR's past. It's a place where the everyday lives of citizens were under constant surveillance, and where perceived enemies of the state faced severe repercussions.
For those interested in Cold War tourism or the history of East Germany, Hohenschönhausen is an essential stop. It offers a tangible connection to the past, allowing visitors to comprehend the fear and oppression that characterized the era. The memorial's mission is to ensure that these events are not forgotten, serving as a vital educational resource for future generations.
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