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Buchenwald Memorial
The Buchenwald Memorial on the Ettersberg near Weimar commemorates one of the largest Nazi concentration camps on German soil. Between 1937 and 1945, more than 250,000 people from over 50 nations were imprisoned here, approximately 56,000 of whom died due to starvation, abuse, and medical experiments. Following its liberation by the US Army in April 1945, the site served as Special Camp No. 2 under Soviet occupation until 1950. The National Memorial was inaugurated in 1958 and today functions as a center for historical education and research. Notable features include the prominent bell tower monument and preserved structures like the crematorium and the gatehouse with its inscription 'Jedem das Seine'. The memorial serves as a stark reminder of the Holocaust and the crimes of National Socialism, urging ongoing engagement with this history.
- Location: Thuringia, Germany
- Top sights: Buchenwald Memorial · Zoological Garden of th SS · The Depot
- Nearby: Weimar (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 | -1 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 14 | 9 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 51 | 37 | 44 | 35 | 68 | 60 | 77 | 61 | 56 | 48 | 54 | 54 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The camp was liberated on April 11, 1945, by the 3rd US Army.
- Approximately 56,000 people were murdered in the camp during the Nazi era.
- The bell tower of the memorial stands 50 meters high.
- Prominent inmates included Nobel Peace Prize laureate Elie Wiesel.
- During the Soviet period, another 7,000 people died in Special Camp No. 2.
- The memorial site today covers an area of approximately 190 hectares.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Buchenwald Memorial (10)
Permanent Exhibition on the History of Soviet Special Camp No. 2🏛 museum
Exhibition on Soviet Special Camp No. 2.
rainwater purification plant
Ruins of a rainwater treatment plant.
SS officers' colony
Ruins of the SS officers' settlement.
Großer Ettersberg
Mountain in Thuringia, Germany.
Buchenwaldturm
Bell tower of the Buchenwald memorial.
Ringwallanlage Brunfthof
Ring fortification north of Weimar, Thuringia.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What was Buchenwald?
Is there an entry fee for the memorial?
Is there a recommended age for visitors?
How do you get from Weimar to Buchenwald?
How long does a visit take?
Buchenwald Memorial: where is it located?
Buchenwald Memorial: what is there to see?
Buchenwald Memorial: when is the best time to visit?
Buchenwald Memorial: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
