4 Best Things to Do in Dachau, Germany
We take pride in providing authentic travel recommendations based on our own experiences such as unique images and perspectives. We may earn a commission when you purchase a product or book a reservation. Learn more ›
Written by Kyle Kroeger
Dachau, a city in Upper Bavaria, Germany, is known for its complex history as the site of the first Nazi concentration camp, Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site.
While visiting the memorial is a somber and educational experience, Dachau also offers visitors a chance to explore its rich cultural heritage, including the charming Altstadt (Old Town) and the impressive Dachau Palace.
As a former artists’ colony, Dachau attracts those interested in its creative past and present. No matter if you’re seeking to learn about the city’s historical significance or immerse yourself in its artistic atmosphere, Dachau provides a unique and thought-provoking destination for travelers and isan excellent day trip from Munich by train.
Things to Do in Dachau, Germany
Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site
Address: Alte Römerstraße 75, 85221 Dachau, Germany
Dachau used to be a concentration camp that opened on 22 March 1933 and was originally meant to accommodate political prisoners. The camp is situated on the lands of a deserted munitions factory just northeast of the old town of Dachau, nearly 16 km (10 mi) northwest of Munich in Bavaria, South Germany.
After Heinrich Himmler opened it, it expanded its objectives to incorporate forced labor and imprisonment of German, Romani, and Austrian Criminals. Jews and foreign nationals in countries occupied or invaded by Germany were also sent to this camp.
The Dachau camp organization escalated to include almost 100 sub-camps, mainly Arbeitskommandos or work camps located all over Austria and South Germany. In April 1945, the principal camp was invaded and liberated by American forces.
Before the liberation, prisoners existed in a constant state of fear of terror detention and cruel, inhuman treatment such as floggings, pole or tree hanging, standing cells, and standing at fixed attention for overly long lengths of time. Thirty-two thousand deaths were documented to have happened at the Dachau camp, and thousands more are undocumented.
About 10,000 prisoners out of the 30,000 at the camp were seriously ill at the time the camp was liberated. After the war was over, the Dachau grounds were used to accommodate SS soldiers who were awaiting trial.
After 1948, it was used to hold ethnic Germans sent out of Eastern Europe and were waiting to be resettled. Finally, the camp was closed down in 1960. Today, there are numerous religious memorials on the Memorial Site, and it is open to public visitation.
See Related: Best German Food to Try
Dachau Palace
Address: Kurfürst-Max-Emanuel-Platz 2, 85221 Dachau, Germany
This was the palace originally occupied by the rulers of Bavaria. It is located in Dachau, southern Germany. The palace is under the management of the Bavarian Administration and is among the many state-owned palaces.
Visitors are allowed to book banquet halls for their events. The Dachau Palace is also a location where one can visit to enjoy some classical concerts. The major attraction of the palace is the coffered Renaissance ceiling of the banqueting hall, designed and created between 1564 and 1566 by Hans Wisreutter.
It was later restored to the palace in 1977. Viewing from the top, we would see Munich as well as view as far as the Bavarian Alps. The cadet branch of the House of Wittelsbach built the Dachau Palace as a castle in the 10th century. The palace was later possessed by Duke Otto I of Bavaria after the death of the last Count of Dachau, Konrad III.
The court has a beautiful garden developed in 1572, allowing one to enjoy a remarkable view from the Schlossberg. It has several pavilions, and just three remain preserved.
It has a balcony of lime trees added to the upper part of the parterres. It was redesigned into a Baroque style in 1717 by the two brothers Joseph Effner and Johann Christoph Effner. However, the lower part of the garden has been abandoned for a long and needs repair.
Bezirksmuseum Dachau
Address: Schoßstrasse 22, D-85221 Dachau
This museum is housed in a building formerly used as the town jail. The museum has two exhibition rooms, which are on the second floor, and they are dedicated to local history and culture.
The first room is dedicated to the history of Dachau from prehistoric times to the present. The second room is dedicated to the town’s cultural history, with a particular focus on arts and crafts. There is also a small display of archaeological finds from the region.
The museum is open every Tuesday afternoon and every Thursday morning except during the school holidays. However, it is closed from November to February. They also offer a private museum tour for small groups.
See Related: German Food to Try
Gemäldegalerie Dachau
Address: athausplatz 2, D-85545 Poing Dachau
This is a gallery in which paintings and drawings are displayed; it was opened to the public in 1974 at the same time as the Documentation Centre for Furniture and Wood Carving. The Gallery has two exhibition rooms.
The paintings were made by local artists who had been affected by the political changes which took place in Germany during the first half of the 19th century.
They include Rococo works as well as small Baroque pictures and some examples of Romanticism, e.g., a beautiful picture of two children with a dog, and contiguous paintings and Gothic altars were also part of the collection.
The Collection has, however, been expanded since 1974 and now includes works by members of the Dachau school of painting; these works date from 1868 to 1933.
About Dachau tours
The 2-day private custom Munich tour to Frankfurt is available, with stops in the city and Dachau neighborhoods. This tour from Munich will be led by each part, which includes a visit to the barracks, workstations, and gas chamber.
During the old town private tour, you will see a number of important landmarks, including the Old House and Marienplatz, Sacred Lady Cathedral, and two famous beerhouses that have welcomed Nazis from the start as well as gatherings for sympathizers.
The best of all possible city tour Munich excursions is the Dachau Tour, which includes a trip to the concentration camp and the Dachau memorial site.
Six times a day from May through September, special buses arrive to take visitors on this amazing journey. In addition to these trips, you may do several different things in Munich for one whole morning.
Visiting Dachau and taking the ultimate Munich history tour will gain knowledge and experience about the nazi concentration camp and other historical events of World War II.
Different Dachau tours are available, like a train tour, which offers a custom tour transportation adventure, and a private walking tour, which lets you walk through the concentration camp. You can avail of a full-day or half-day tour, whichever suits you.
FAQ
What is Dachau used for now?
Dachau is now a memorial site and museum. It’s open to the public, and you can visit it on your own or as part of a tour. Some events take place there throughout the year.
Can I visit Dachau on my own?
You can visit Dachau alone or as part of a town-private tour.
What should I wear?
Dachau is a memorial site and museum, so be sure to dress respectfully.
Is there any private walking tour available?
Yes, there is a private tour of Dachau, which you can sign up for.
What else should I know about visiting Dachau?
There are guided tours in English and other languages as well that you may find available.
Related Resources