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Bergen-Belsen Memorial
The Bergen-Belsen Memorial in Lower Saxony commemorates the former Nazi concentration camp that existed between 1940 and 1945. Originally established as a prisoner-of-war camp, it later became an 'exchange camp' and eventually a concentration camp for thousands of Jewish prisoners. In the final months of the war, catastrophic hygienic conditions and starvation led to the deaths of over 50,000 people, including the young Anne Frank. When British troops liberated the camp on April 15, 1945, they found thousands of unburied bodies, images that documented the horrors of the Holocaust to the entire world. Today, the expansive grounds serve as a place of silence and solemn remembrance. A documentation center opened in 2007 features a scientifically based permanent exhibition that provides insights into the fates of the victims and the mechanisms of Nazi persecution.
- Location: Lower Saxony, Germany
- Top sights: Haus der Stille · Gedenkstätte Bergen-Belsen · Löschwasserteich
- Nearby: Bergen (7 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 0 | 1 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 14 | 10 | 5 | 2 |
| Rain mm | 70 | 52 | 51 | 40 | 58 | 66 | 85 | 69 | 56 | 61 | 62 | 69 |
📋 Practical info
History & landmarks
ww2
1943–1945
Geography
Facts
- The camp was liberated by the British Army on April 15, 1945.
- A total of approximately 52,000 prisoners and 20,000 POWs died in Bergen-Belsen.
- Anne Frank and her sister Margot died here of typhus in the spring of 1945.
- Following liberation, the barracks were burned down to prevent the spread of disease.
- The central memorial on the grounds was inaugurated as early as 1952.
- The documentation center was built in 2007 based on designs by architects KSP Jürgen Engel.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Bergen-Belsen Memorial (6)
Küche D
Foundations of the former camp kitchen D in Bergen-Belsen.
Feuerlöschbecken
Remains of a fire-fighting basin on the site of the former camp.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What can be seen today at Bergen-Belsen?
Is there an entrance fee for the memorial?
From what age is a visit recommended?
How long does a tour take?
Are there guided tours in Bergen-Belsen?
Bergen-Belsen Memorial: where is it located?
Bergen-Belsen Memorial: what is there to see?
Bergen-Belsen Memorial: when is the best time to visit?
Bergen-Belsen Memorial: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
