Combo: Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site & Third Reich Tour (Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site & Third Reich Tour)

Your experience

Trace Munich’s pivotal WWII history and the rise of the Third Reich on this 2.5-hour guided walking tour.

Getting started

Meet your expert guide at a central Munich location or opt for hotel pickup within the city center. After a brief introduction and ticket check, your group sets out on foot, ready to explore the city’s most significant WWII sites.

Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site

Your guided visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site offers a sobering and thought-provoking experience at the site of the first Nazi concentration camp, established in 1933. Accompanied by an expert guide, delve into the harrowing realities faced by the prisoners and learn how Dachau became a model for all subsequent camps.

Features

• Original camp grounds: Walk through the preserved and reconstructed sections of the original camp, including the roll-call area, barracks, and perimeter fences.

• Museum exhibition: Explore the museum’s extensive documentation center, which includes photographs, personal accounts, and artifacts depicting daily life in the camp and the Nazi regime's brutal policies.

• Crematorium and gas chamber: Visit the crematorium area and the gas chamber, presented as part of a memorial, to understand the camp's multifaceted function in the Nazi system.

• Memorial chapels: View the various religious memorials built on the site, including Jewish, Catholic, and Protestant memorials along with the Carmelite Convent, reflecting the universal message of remembrance and reconciliation.

Third Reich Munich walking tour

Munich stands as the birthplace of the Nazi movement, where key events shaped the course of 20th-century history. This tour offers a factual, in-depth look at the city’s role during the Third Reich and WWII, guided by a knowledgeable local.

Features

• Königsplatz: Visit this historic square, once the backdrop for Nazi rallies and propaganda events, and learn how its architecture was used to project power.

• Former Nazi Headquarters: See the locations where the party’s leadership operated, and hear about the decisions that reverberated across Europe.

• Memorial sites: Pause at sites dedicated to victims of the regime, gaining insight into the impact of these events on Munich’s present-day identity.

• Guided insights: Your guide shares context, stories, and key facts at each stop, helping you understand the city’s transformation from the 1930s to today.

What to bring

• Wear comfortable walking shoes because the tour involves significant walking, especially at the Dachau Memorial Site and throughout Munich’s Old Town.

• Bring sun protection and a light jacket, especially if visiting during cooler months (November to February), as much of the tour is outdoors.

• Carry a water bottle to stay hydrated, as water stations may not be easily accessible during the tour.

What's not allowed

• Flash photography is prohibited at Dachau Memorial to maintain the solemn atmosphere.

• Large bags or backpacks are not allowed at Dachau—bring only essentials.

• Eating and drinking are not allowed in memorial sites.

Accessibility

• Dachau is partially wheelchair accessible. Some areas like the original barracks have uneven ground and gravel paths, making it difficult for those with limited mobility.

• The Munich walking tour involves cobblestone streets and a lot of walking, making it challenging for those with limited mobility.

• Rest stops are provided during the walking tour to ensure everyone has time to sit and relax if needed.

Additional information

• Tours start at the Radius Tours Sales Office at Dachauer Straße. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the given departure time. If you're late, the guide may not be able to wait, as they have a scheduled train to catch.

• If you have an online booking, you still need to collect a ticket from the sales office before the tour.

• Students with a valid ID are eligible for a discount.

• Tipping guides is strictly prohibited at the Dachau.

• Lunch is not included, but you'll have a short break in Munich to grab a bite. Keep track of time.

• Please be respectful at all times, especially at Dachau, as it’s a memorial site.

• Weather can be unpredictable, so check the forecast and bring appropriate clothing or an umbrella.

• The tour can be emotionally intense due to the content at Dachau and the Nazi-era sites.

The Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial is a historic site that served as one of the first Nazi concentration camps opened in 1933. It functioned as a symbol of the Holocaust, where countless lives were persecuted and lost. Today, it stands as a memorial and museum dedicated to remembering the victims and educating future generations about the atrocities committed. The site features original prison structures, reconstructed areas, and extensive exhibitions that detail the camp’s history. Visitors can explore the prisoner quarters, the former crematorium, and the memorial grounds. The museum offers detailed displays, photographs, and testimonies that bring to life the stories of those who suffered here. Special guided tours and educational programs are available to deepen understanding and foster reflection. What makes Dachau unique is its preservation and the powerful way it commemorates the victims. It is a place for remembrance, learning, and ensuring that such horrors are never repeated. Its serene yet solemn environment provides an impactful space for reflection and education on the importance of tolerance and human rights.

Booking your visit online guarantees quick entry and reserved tickets, allowing you to skip long lines. It ensures a smooth experience, better planning of your day, and access to exclusive deals or guided options, making your visit more meaningful and organized.

Dachau Concentration Camp was established in 1933 as the first Nazi concentration camp, marking the beginning of a dark era in history. Initially created to hold political opponents of the Nazi regime, it quickly expanded into a site of mass exterminations, forced labor, and human rights violations. Throughout its operation, Dachau became a model for other camps, demonstrating the brutal realities of the Holocaust. Over time, it evolved into a complex network of sub-camps, affecting thousands of inmates. When the Allies liberated Dachau in April 1945, they found a scene of profound suffering and destruction. Today, the site serves as a memorial dedicated to the victims and as a reminder of the importance of humanity’s vigilance against hatred and intolerance. Its preservation and educational programs strive to honor those who suffered and to promote awareness of human rights abuses.

The memorial generally operates from morning until late afternoon hours, with slight variations seasonally. Some areas, including the exhibitions and memorial grounds, are open annually. Guided tours may be scheduled throughout the day. It is advised to arrive early to experience all sections comfortably.

Visit during the cooler months of spring or autumn to avoid peak tourist periods and enjoy a more contemplative experience. Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends.

Inside the Dachau Memorial, visitors will find a series of informative exhibitions and preserved structures. The main entrance leads to prisoners' barracks, courtrooms, and the reconstructed crematorium. The museum displays photographs, documents, and personal stories that illustrate the camp's history. An area dedicated to remembrance features memorials and a contemplative courtyard. Guided tours provide detailed insights into each section, enhancing the educational experience. The site encourages reflection on the past and its lessons for humanity.

Bring comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, as the site involves outdoor exploration. Audio guides and brochures are available in multiple languages. Respect the solemn atmosphere by maintaining a quiet tone and refraining from disruptive behavior. Photography is allowed but avoid flash or tripod use inside exhibits.

Please adhere to the site's guidelines; do not disturb or damage exhibits, keep noise levels respectful, and follow designated pathways. Littering and smoking are strictly prohibited. Remember to be respectful at memorial sites and during guided tours.

Visiting Dachau offers a profound educational experience and a chance to reflect on the resilience of the human spirit amid unimaginable suffering. Its historical significance makes it an essential destination for understanding the realities of the Holocaust, promoting tolerance, and honoring the memory of those who suffered. The site’s somber atmosphere and detailed exhibitions ensure a meaningful visit that leaves a lasting impression.

Reach Dachau by S-Bahn from Munich, approximately a 30-minute ride. From the station, it's a short walk to the memorial site. Alternatively, local buses or taxis are available for direct access.