Things to Do in Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial

The first Nazi concentration camp opened here in 1933—just 20 kilometers from Munich's city center. Dachau became the model for every camp that followed, and today the memorial preserves the entire original grounds with unflinching documentation of what happened. This isn't a casual museum visit. The site covers the full camp grounds. You get a genuine sense of the scale and layout prisoners experienced daily, from the roll-call square where they stood for hours to the original crematorium. The complete museum, reconstructed barracks, and preserved buildings demand respect and reflection.

Most people eat before or after visiting rather than during their time at the memorial. The town center has typical German restaurants serving schnitzel, sausages, and local beer if you're staying nearby. A small cafe operates on-site. Given the somber nature of the visit, many prefer quiet meals afterward rather than immediately shifting to social dining.

The memorial opens year-round except December 24th. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable walking weather, while summer brings crowds of tour groups and school visits. Winter visits can be particularly moving—the harsh season mirrors conditions prisoners endured. Weekday mornings are less crowded than afternoons and weekends, and you'll need a full morning or afternoon to avoid feeling rushed.