Hello - later in the year I am contemplating a trip to Berlin - not so much for the city itself but for outlying areas of WW 2 interest. This is in the very early stages of planning, but I am considering places like Sachsenhausen, Seelow, Halbe, Treptower Park and the museum at Karlshorst, but primarily I'd like to visit the site of Stalag Luft III across the Polish border in Zagan. I'm wondering whether to stay either in Zagan, or perhaps in the nearest German city (Cottbus I think), or just to stay in Berlin and do a day trip to Zagan. Any thoughts? The journey seems about 200 km so possible as a day trip, but that might limit time at the site and museum. Also any thoughts on where exactly is worth visiting in the Berlin neighbourhood would be good. I'll have about 4 days in total, and will be driving. Thanks Alan
Morning Alan, Only just back on the forum after a break so only seeing this now, thanks to Owen!! If you are planning a trip to Berlin then you should definitely consider travelling to the Seelow Heights on the German Polish Border. There is plenty of evidence of the war in this area, from the location of Zhukov's Command Post on the Rheitwein Spur, to the Museum of the Battle in Seelow itself. As with most museums around here any weaponry is predominantly Soviet but its a trip well worth making. I have also visited the village of Halbe which was subject to an appalling battle at the end of April as elements of the 9th Army attempted to break out to the West. The area is heavily forested but there are a number of Graveyards to visit and I would recommend purchasing "Slaughter at Halbe: The destruction of Hitler's 9th Army" by Tony le Tissier to use as a battlefield guide. I did and it proved to be a really useful purchase. I also travelled to Zossen but although I didnt get to find the Headquarters of the German General Staff, I am informed that it is still there (Used to be a Soviet Base) and is explorable.
Alan, Again thanks to Owen, he brought this post to my attention as well. Gerard has outlined the Halbe battle area. I can recommend Sachsenhausen as a good learning centre for the Holocaust. Many computer terminals in the old hospital wing, where you can look up many facts regarding Concentration Camps. It has been, according to friends who visited it years ago, somewhat sterilized and the mortuary is devoid of many instruments that were once displayed. The camp is about 45-60 mins drive from Berlin and is situated North of Berlin at Oranienburg. S Bahn from Berlin and bus. Zossen is out of the way South West of Berlin, again about an hour or so drive. It was the German Panzer HQ's and later Russian Panzer HQ. A remaining Bunker has been converted into a Museum. It really depends on your own personal choice and there is always the Luftwaffen Museum at Gatow, South of Spandau. With regards to the Great escape POW Camp, you may find it better to find accommodation nearer the camp. The museum at Karshorst, where the Russians insisted in a second Surrender proceedure, the museum is well worth a visit, however be aware that the information regarding the exhibits is posted only in German and Russian. Hope this is of help to you. Regards Tom
I'd like to second Tom's recommendation about the museum at Karlshorst, its well worth the trip to it. It doesnt look much on the outside but the house itself is a treasure trove of artifacts and displays. And of course there's the room where Keitel surrendered the German forces to the Soviets, still laid out as it was in May 1945.
