From the Reichstag building to the concealed bunkers hidden in the old-fashioned train stations, Germany is among a few countries with a deep and rich history; its capital, Berlin is a famous example which has the Berlin wall, underground bunkers, Checkpoint Charlie, Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp and the East Side Gallery.

 These landmarks are a reminder to all in regards to the people who lost their lives. The Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp was a place for those opposing the Nazi Party’s political views. They imprisoned the families of those individuals who politically opposed Hitler to set an example for the rest of the concentration camps. Their slogan used for this camp and other camps, specifically Auschwitz and Dachau were “Arbeit Macht Frei”. Ironically, this phrase meant ‘work sets you free’ however none of the prisoners confined were ever set free. The camp was opened on July 12, 1936 and liberated by the Red Army on April 22, 1945. There were 200,000 prisoners and roughly 100,000 of those prisoners were executed, died from disease and overworked (especially as the prisoners didn’t have the energy to work as they were malnourished).

 Berlin has had a lot of negative history but has persevered. If you ever get the chance to go to Berlin, I highly recommend that you visit all the landmarks listed above. Not only will visiting the places above enrich your knowledge of the history of Germany and especially World War II but it is a beautiful architectural city to be seen by all.

By Eisher Aujla