Dachau Concentration Camp: The First of its Kind

   *TRIGGER WARNING*

Some of the content in this article may cause strong emotional responses.

"Work Makes You Free"
A cruel and inhumane message

   Upon taking our first steps into this very dark and shameful era of our time, we were immediately overcome with a sense of sadness and anger combined. I cannot speak for Mark, but my legs felt like jello scuffing through the dirt on which countless humans walked, but would never again see the outside of these gates. Dachau is not only one of the many labour camps that were built. It was the first of the camps in Germany. It was the prototype that would serve as the basis for how the others would be constructed and would operate. After some digging and research, I found the camp was (at first) intended to hold political prisoners, but eventually, the criteria for being imprisoned here expanded to anyone who didn't identify as being a German. 

   While taking our independent tour through the camp, there was another tour walking through being led by a tour guide. I "stalked" the tour group for a minute to gather more information from the guide. He explained that the barracks which we were currently standing in was rebuilt so tourists could see just what it looked like inside. 

       

   

The beds that prisoners slept in. 

Though these were quite "luxurious" compared to what came later

What came later were the flat beds all the way across where prisoners had to climb over 50+ people to get to their spot. While these beds were rebuilt to show visitors what awaited prisoners, the toilets, sinks, "Showers", and ovens are all original and haven't been moved. 

BrauseBad means "showers" in German

When Mark and I were walking through, we had to step out because of how creepy this was. Prisoners were told they would be getting a shower, but were led to the gas chambers. After being "decontaminated" with chemicals and being stripped naked, they were guided through to the chambers where they were killed. Understandably, there were tourists crying and becoming very emotional as they walked the camp. One can truly feel the despair, hopeless and death as they explore the labour camp where thousands of humans horrifically lost their lives. 

Ovens  used to burn the bodies

Walking down the paths, we found walls along which prisoners were lined up and shot. Drains were built so the blood would flow into the trench that was built making escape much more difficult if not impossible. For me personally, this was the most difficult thing to see as I could visualise these terrible events taking place. We could feel the helplessness those people must have felt. Having no control over whether you lived or died, and being totally at the mercy of the firing squad. Knowing you were going to die, and horribly. Seeing your loved ones be shot before your eyes. Just writing this brings tears to my eyes. We witnessed burial grounds and grave sites that were used before the ovens were brought into use. We could almost see the spirits of those that were lost. 

If you are interested in these historical sites, I invite you to step into Dachau Concentration Camp and explore this era of World history. However, I strongly advise against taking smiling selfies in front of the camp gates...or really anywhere in the camp. We witnessed people doing this and it was very disrespectful and tacky. 

Admission was free to enter, and there is a nice cafeteria that serves sausage and fries so packing a lunch is not necessary. There is a bus you can catch that takes you right to the entrance. 

   I know this may have been a tough read for some which is completely understandable. If you have any questions or concerns, or if I have any of the information incorrect, please send me a quick message. Thank you for reading!