The Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial (KZ-Gedenkstätte Dachau) stands on the site of the first Nazi concentration camp, opened in 1933, which became the organisational and structural model for the camps that followed. Located about 20 km northwest of Munich, it preserves the original entrance gate, the roll-call square, reconstructed barracks and the crematorium area, alongside a detailed permanent exhibition documenting the history of the camp and Nazi terror. As of 2026 it remains a free, daily-open international memorial, and it should be approached not as a tourist attraction but as a place of remembrance and mourning.
The Jourhaus entrance gate bearing the notorious 'Arbeit macht frei' inscription and the vast Appellplatz (roll-call square)
The permanent exhibition 'The Path of the Prisoners' in the former maintenance building, tracing the camp's operation and prisoners' lives chronologically
The foundations of the 34 barracks and two faithfully reconstructed barracks conveying the reality of overcrowding
The crematorium area (Barrack X) set in the wooded grounds across the stream, with its memorial sculptures
The International Memorial by Nandor Glid and the separate Catholic, Protestant, Jewish and Russian Orthodox religious memorials
The roughly 22-minute documentary film, screened throughout the day in several languages
Good to know
MannersThis is a place of mourning for tens of thousands of victims. Keep quiet and respectful, avoid smiling selfies or cheerful poses, and do not touch anything in the exhibitions.
RulesAccess to the grounds, the permanent exhibition and the documentary film is free and needs no booking; audio guides and guided tours are paid. In the summer peak, English guided tours can fill up, so reserve ahead and confirm the latest fees.
RulesA visit is not recommended for children under 13, and dogs are not permitted anywhere on the grounds. Opening hours are daily 9:00-17:00 and the site closes on 24 December, but confirm the latest details on the official website before you go.
SeasonThe site is large with very little shade. Bring a hat, water and sun protection in summer and warm layers in winter; the paths are gravel, so wear comfortable shoes. Allow at least 3-4 hours for a meaningful visit.
SafetyThe standard route is the S2 train from Munich Central Station to Dachau (about 25 minutes), then bus 726 to the 'KZ-Gedenkstätte' stop. Buses run less frequently on weekends and evenings, so check timetables, and mind your belongings against pickpockets on the busy S-Bahn.
CautionBeware of third-party sites selling 'tickets' to what is a free memorial, or unofficial tours at inflated prices. Confirm free entry and book official tours or audio guides only through the memorial's own website.
Practical info
From Munich Central Station, take the S2 train to Dachau station (about 25 minutes), then bus 726 to the 'KZ-Gedenkstätte' stop, a few minutes' walk from the entrance; a single MVV 'München M-1' day ticket covers both train and bus. The memorial is open daily 9:00-17:00 (closed 24 December); entry is free while audio guides and guided tours are paid, and you should confirm current hours, fees and tour schedules on the official website before visiting.
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