Buchenwald Memorial
A vast memorial site at a former Nazi concentration camp, dedicated to remembrance, education, and warning against future atrocities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective
Buchenwald Memorial
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast memorial site at a former Nazi concentration camp, dedicated to remembrance, education, and warning against future atrocities.
"This is such a well done memorial. So sad, so informative, you can spend the entire day here."
Allocate ample time
The site is huge; give yourself at least 4-5 hours to explore properly . :stopwatch:
Book a guided tour
Highly recommended for understanding the history and accessing restricted areas like the crematorium . :male_detective:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Main Gate and Roll Call Square
Entrance area
The imposing gate and vast square where prisoners endured daily counts and punishments. A stark reminder of the camp's oppressive structure.
The Crematorium and Gas Chamber
Western part of the site
A chilling testament to the atrocities. The preserved facilities offer a visceral understanding of the camp's horrific purpose.
The Bell Tower (Glockenturm)
Central area
Once called the 'Tower of Freedom,' this structure stands as a symbol of remembrance and a beacon against forgetting .
Exhibition and Information Center
Visitor Center
Provides comprehensive historical context, survivor testimonies, and an excellent bookshop with multilingual resources .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Profound Experience
Respectful Visitation is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Allocate ample time
The site is huge; give yourself at least 4-5 hours to explore properly. :stopwatch:
Book a guided tour
Highly recommended for understanding the history and accessing restricted areas like the crematorium. :male_detective:
Mentally prepare yourself
It's an emotionally heavy place. Be ready for a somber and challenging experience. :pleading_face:
Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across the expansive outdoor grounds. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
Allocate ample time
The site is huge; give yourself at least 4-5 hours to explore properly. :stopwatch:
Book a guided tour
Highly recommended for understanding the history and accessing restricted areas like the crematorium. :male_detective:
Mentally prepare yourself
It's an emotionally heavy place. Be ready for a somber and challenging experience. :pleading_face:
Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across the expansive outdoor grounds. :athletic_shoe:
Visit the bookshop
Excellent selection of books in multiple languages about the camp's history. :books:
Bring water and snacks
The cafe may be closed unexpectedly, and you'll need sustenance for a long visit. :water_buffalo:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently describe Buchenwald Memorial as a profoundly moving and essential site for understanding history. While emotionally challenging, its comprehensive exhibitions, informative guided tours, and the sheer scale of the memorial are highly praised for their educational value and impact. The site is considered a vital place of remembrance and a stark warning against future atrocities.
"Very large memorial site with excellent bookshop, holding titles in 4 languages. The guided tour is worth the small price and is preceded by a 30min documentary giving an overview of the camps history and including survivors memories. Visiting this and the Topf & Sons – Builders of the Auschwitz Ovens Place of Remembrance in Erfurt is well worth it. Give yourself at least half a day, the site is huge and mostly outdoors. The cafe may be closed without notice."
Mighty V
"This is such a well done memorial. So sad, so informative, you can spend the entire day here reading, listening to audio stories, wandering the grounds. This is a story that needs to never be forgotten. If you are in the area, make time for this."
Glen Maylone
"Just like beautiful places in a country i believe visiting places like this is also in the package of visiting and exploring a country.
Its heartbreaking especially the crematorium which i started my visit from, It was devastating knowing what people in here have been through and on what historical we are stepping .
I recommend visiting Buchenwald .The presentation is clear and engaging.just make sure you are mentally ready and u have some water and food with you ."
sana mosafaei
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Buchenwald Memorial is located on the Ettersberg hill, just outside Weimar. You can reach it by car, taking approximately 15-20 minutes. Public transport options include bus line 1, which departs from Weimar's central station and stops directly at the memorial site.
Yes, there is a parking area available for visitors at the Buchenwald Memorial. It's convenient for those arriving by car.
While it's possible to walk, it's a significant distance (around 8-10 km) and uphill. It's generally recommended to use public transport or a car for a more comfortable visit.
The memorial grounds are generally open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, with the exhibition and visitor center having slightly different hours. It's always best to check the official website for the most up-to-date opening times before your visit.
Yes, bus line 1 from Weimar's central station provides direct access to the Buchenwald Memorial, making it easily reachable for visitors without a car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Buchenwald Memorial grounds and the main exhibition is free of charge. This allows everyone to access and learn from this important historical site.
Guided tours are available and are highly recommended for a comprehensive understanding of the site's history. While the grounds are free, there is a small fee for guided tours, which is well worth the investment.
For general entry, no advance booking is required as it's free. However, if you wish to join a guided tour, it's advisable to check the official website for booking procedures, especially during peak season, to secure your spot.
Yes, audio guides are typically available in multiple languages, offering detailed information as you explore the grounds at your own pace. This is a great alternative if a guided tour doesn't fit your schedule.
The memorial is generally open on public holidays, but it's always best to verify the specific opening hours on the official Buchenwald Memorial website, as there might be exceptions or altered schedules.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors should plan for at least half a day, ideally 4-5 hours, to fully explore the vast grounds, exhibitions, and potentially take a guided tour. The site is extensive and emotionally impactful, requiring time for reflection.
It's important to dress respectfully, as this is a memorial site. Comfortable walking shoes are essential due to the large outdoor area. Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing.
Photography is generally permitted on the memorial grounds, but it's crucial to do so respectfully. Avoid taking selfies or casual photos that might trivialize the solemnity of the site.
Many visitors find the crematorium, the former barracks, the roll call square, and the exhibition to be particularly impactful. The remains of the zoo for SS families also offer a disturbing contrast.
Buchenwald Memorial is a place of historical education about extreme human suffering. While it can be educational, it is not suitable for young children due to the graphic nature of the history. Parental discretion is strongly advised.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a small cafeteria on-site, but it may be closed without notice. It's advisable to bring your own snacks and water to ensure you have sustenance during your visit.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks. This is a practical recommendation, especially given the potential for the on-site cafe to be closed.
The memorial is located outside of Weimar. For a wider selection of dining options, you would need to travel back into Weimar city center.
The cafeteria typically offers basic refreshments and snacks. It's not a full-service restaurant, so don't expect extensive meal choices.
While there aren't designated picnic areas, visitors often find quiet spots on the grounds to eat their own packed lunches. Please be mindful and respectful of the memorial's solemn atmosphere.
📸 📸 Photography
While photography is allowed, the focus should be on respectful documentation. The main gate, the bell tower, and the exhibition spaces offer significant historical and visual impact.
Photography is permitted on the grounds, but it's crucial to be sensitive. Avoid taking selfies or casual photos that could be seen as disrespectful to the victims and the memorial's purpose.
Photography inside the crematorium and gas chamber may be restricted or prohibited to maintain the solemnity of these sensitive areas. Always check for signage or ask a guide before taking pictures in such locations.
Appropriate photos focus on the historical structures, memorial plaques, and the overall atmosphere of remembrance. Capturing the scale of the site and its historical markers is more fitting than personal portraits.
Drone usage is strictly prohibited at memorial sites like Buchenwald to ensure the peace and solemnity of the location. Always adhere to local regulations regarding drone operation.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Older Children
📚 History Enthusiasts & Students
🚶 Solo Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Buchenwald
+1 The camp was liberated by U.S. forces on April 11, 1945.Following the war, the Soviet Union used the site as a special camp (NKVD Special Camp No. 2) for political prisoners, further adding to its tragic history. The Buchenwald Memorial was established in 1958 by the German Democratic Republic (GDR) and has since been managed by the Buchenwald and Mittelbau-Dora Memorials Foundation, dedicated to preserving the memory and educating future generations.
The memorial site includes original buildings like the main gate, barracks, the SS-commandant's villa, and the crematorium, alongside reconstructed elements and extensive exhibitions that detail the camp's history and the fates of its victims.
+1 The Glockenturm (Bell Tower), once known as the 'Tower of Freedom,' stands as a prominent landmark.Understanding the Visitor Experience
Beyond the physical structures, the exhibition within the visitor center is highly informative, presenting the camp's history through documents, photographs, and personal accounts.
The Significance of Remembrance
+1 It stands as a stark reminder of the barbarity that occurred and the consequences of unchecked hatred and discrimination. The phrase 'never forget' is a recurring theme in visitor accounts and social media posts, highlighting the ongoing need to learn from history.+2Social media content often features solemn reflections, with users sharing their emotional responses to the visit.
The bell tower is often highlighted as a symbol of hope and remembrance.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit