Preparing for and Reflecting on a Visit with Groups

We are delighted that you are planning to visit the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site with your group (aged 13 and over). Visits to concentration camp memorial sites can be a challenging experience because they confront participants with the history of the violence committed at these places. A careful preparation and follow-up reflection contribute to ensuring that the visit does not overwhelm your group and prepares them for the location’s history, both in terms of the historical themes and emotionally.

Practical suggestions on planning a visit

• Book months in advance an educational service offered by the Dachau Memorial Site (2.5 hour tour or a half- or full-day workshops / seminars) or one of its cooperation partners. Only persons licenced by the Dachau Memorial Site’s Education Department are permitted to provide educational services on the grounds.
• The Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site is a much-visited location. If possible, we would strongly recommend that you plan your visit for the afternoon and outside the months of March to July. The Memorial Site is open daily (except for December 24) from 9 am to 5 pm.
• Allow for enough time. The grounds of the Dachau Memorial Site are large and in general a visit that is less than 2.5 hours is unproductive.
• Plan a visit that is without any grades or exams pressure. In our view, giving presentations while on site or working on exercise sheets which require gathering historical information are not effective.
• Give your group practical tips for their visit (e.g. sturdy footwear, wet weather clothing, sun protection, drink bottle, eat before the visit). The tours take place mainly outdoors.
• Historical knowledge is the basis that enables information and impressions to be integrated both during and after a visit. For this reason, the subject area of National Socialism should have been covered before a visit. Please exercise caution when using film material to prepare for a visit to the Dachau Memorial Site. Many films on the subject deal with the extermination camp complex at Auschwitz – the historical situation in the Dachau concentration camp was different.
• Discuss with your group beforehand what kind of behavior would be proper at such a site and please point out that the site has the character of a cemetery. Please take notice of the Guidelines for Visitors.
• A visit to the Memorial Site by persons traumatized or suffering from trauma sequalae can only be recommended if great care is taken or if accompanied by special support.

Materials and Lesson Plans for Preparation and Follow-Up

Further helpful materials and methods for preparation and follow-up