The Dachau camp was the first concentration camp set up by the Nazi regime. It was located on the site of a former munitions factory 17 km northwest of Munich. On March 20th, 1933, Heinrich Himmler announced his opening and the next day, prisoners were brought there. First it was the place where they sent the political opponents and after for the Jews of Bavaria and Soviet prisoners of war. Theodor Eicke was his chief inspector. There were 34 barracks. The living conditions of the prisoners were extremely harsh. When the prisoners were sick; they were transferred to Hartheim Castle and thousands were murdered by gas. The authorization to erect a chapel was due to the arrival of many prisoners who were members of the clergy; mostly German and Polish priests (1940). These inmates were separated from each other and treated differently. In 1944, a women’s camp was opened. On April 29th, 1945 the Americans liberate the camp. René Lévesque (former Premier of Quebec), was the war correspondent who accompanied the first American patrol who discovered the camp. Several famous prisoners have been in this camp like the royal family of Bavaria, the dukes of Hohenberg, the journalist Fritz Gerlich among others.
Tips
It is not necessary to make a reservation to visit the memorial and the entry is free but if you go by car, parking is not free.
It is open every day from 9am to 5pm except on December 24th.
You can also arrive by public transport and take a bus from the local train station.
