Memorial site of the „KZ Dachau" near Munich

Dachau: Concentration Camp Memorial

On the grounds of the former concentration camp (KZ) in Dachau near Munich, the memorial site recalls the suffering and deaths of the prisoners as well as the crimes of the Nazi era.

Adresse und Öffnungszeiten

Pater-Roth-Str. 2a , 85221 Dachau

Opening hours

  • Mo 09:00 - 17:00
  • Tu 09:00 - 17:00
  • We 09:00 - 17:00
  • Th 09:00 - 17:00
  • Fr 09:00 - 17:00
  • Sa 09:00 - 17:00
  • Su 09:00 - 17:00

Note: Closed: December 24 to 26

"Nie wieder"-Spruchband an der KZ-Gedenkstätte Dachau
Stadt Dachau

The Memorial in Dachau at a glance

  • Location: approx. 29 kilometers northwest of Munich in Dachau
  • Museum category: Memorial 
  • Concept: The fate of the persecuted is documented from their incarceration, life, suffering and death in the camp until liberation.
  • Admission fees: Free of charge
  • Directions: S2 in the direction of Dachau Bahnhof. From there, take bus 726 in the direction of Dachau, Saubachsiedlung to the bus stop "Dachau, KZ-Gedenkstätte".

History of the Dachau concentration camp (KZ Dachau)

Wachturm, Mauer und Stacheldrahtzaun in der KZ-Gedenkstätte Dachau
K35 / Shutterstock.com

In 1933, the Dachau camp was commissioned by Heinrich Himmler as the first concentration camp in Germany. In the beginning, mainly political prisoners were imprisoned in Dachau Concentration Camp. With the introduction of the Nuremberg Laws on racial discrimination, new groups of prisoners were added, such as Jehovah's Witnesses, emigrants or homosexuals, and later also Sinti, Roma and prisoners of war.

Over 200,000 prisoners from 34 countries were held there by the Nazis in the years between 1933 and 1945. At least 41,500 people died. On April 29, 1945, the camp was liberated by the U.S. Army.

After the end of the war, the former camp grounds initially served as an Allied prison and a reception camp for homeless people. The memorial of the KZ Dachau was established in 1965.

Exhibitions in the memorial

Mahnmal in der KZ-Gedenkstätte Dachau
Yure / Shutterstock.com

The focus of the main exhibition in the former utility building is the fate of the prisoners. In six sections and 13 rooms, the "path of the prisoners" is outlined using reports, drawings and biographies, but also through the historical site itself: arrival at the concentration camp, life in the camp, death or liberation.

The permanent exhibitions also include the exhibition in the former camp prison, the barracks exhibition and the former crematorium, which can be visited. The memorial room is also located at the end of the exhibition.

On the grounds there are the Catholic Deathly Fright of Christ Chapel, the Protestant Church of Reconciliation and a Jewish memorial.

In addition to the permanent exhibitions, the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial also regularly hosts special exhibitions.

At a glance

Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial

Pater-Roth-Str. 2a
85221 Dachau

Tel: +498131669970
Fax: +4981312235

Opening hours

This is a carousel with rotating cards. Use the previous and next buttons to navigate, and Enter to activate cards.

Mo
09:00 - 17:00
Tu
09:00 - 17:00
We
09:00 - 17:00
Th
09:00 - 17:00
Fr
09:00 - 17:00
Sa
09:00 - 17:00
Su
09:00 - 17:00