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Memorial · Weimar, Turíngia
Gedenkstätte Buchenwald
Memorial on the site of the Nazi concentration camp Buchenwald, on the Ettersberg hill near Weimar. Exhibitions about the prisoners and about the Soviet postwar camp. A place of remembrance.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Gedenkstätte Buchenwald
The Gedenkstätte Buchenwald occupies the site of one of the largest Nazi concentration camps on German soil, on the northern slope of Ettersberg hill, a few kilometres from Weimar. The SS opened the camp in July 1937. Around 280,000 people passed through it and its subcamps, and it is estimated that more than 56,000 died. American troops reached the camp on 11 April 1945.
From 1945 to 1950, the Soviet secret police used the site as a special camp, where thousands of detainees also died. The memorial presents both histories. The main exhibition, Buchenwald. Ausgrenzung und Gewalt 1937 bis 1945, occupies the former prisoners' property depot. There is also an art exhibition and temporary shows.
On the southern slope, the large monument inaugurated in 1958, with a bell tower and the Avenue of Nations, commemorates the victims near the mass graves. The whole site is also a cemetery.
This is a place of remembrance: visit silently, wear discreet clothing and avoid posed photos. The memorial advises against bringing children under 12 to the museum, the cells and the former crematorium.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
At least 3 hours for the camp area and the main exhibition.
Best time
Arrive in the morning to allow time at a relaxed pace. The exhibitions are closed on Mondays; the historic area is accessible until dusk. In winter opening hours are shorter. Bring a warm jacket: the hill is often cold and windy.
How to get there
Bus line 6 departs from Weimar station and from Goetheplatz several times a day and takes about 20 minutes. On weekends, line 4 also stops at the memorial. There is parking on site for cars.
Tip
Book the main exhibition online before you go; walk-in visitors are sometimes admitted without a reservation, but this is not guaranteed. Entrance to the memorial is free; guided tours and multimedia guides are paid. Check the return bus timetable.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Gedenkstätte Buchenwald
How do you get to Buchenwald by public transport?
By bus line 6, which departs from Weimar station and Goetheplatz and takes about 20 minutes. On weekends line 4 also serves the memorial. Check return times.
Is a reservation necessary?
The main exhibition requires an online reservation. Walk-in visitors sometimes enter without it, but it's better to reserve.
Can I bring children?
There is no general minimum age, but the memorial discourages bringing children under 12 years to the museum, the cells, and the former crematorium.
How should one behave at the memorial?
The site is also a cemetery. Speak quietly, wear modest clothing, don’t take posed photos, and respect the mourning areas. Dogs are not allowed, except guide dogs.