July 17th: Today, on our way back to Berlin, we stopped at the Ravensbruck Concentration Camp, about 20 minutes from the Boitzenburg Castle but a world away. Ravensbruck was established specifically for women, with the initial intention of holding a mere 300 "political prisoners", people who rebelled against the Nazis, hid Jews, or even particiated in "asocial" activities such as swing dancing. It was a labor camp with a sub camp run by Siemens Industries. Ultimately, over 30,000 people died there, either through starvation, sickness, beatings, torture and a gas chamber that was built in late 1944 and in use until the end of the war.
I am not going to say too much else except for the fact that it was just really sad and speaks volumes about the atrocities that took place under National Socialism. Because it was also in what used to be East Germany, after the end of World War II, the Soviets used it as a prison and military installation as well. It was also beyond aggravating to see how such a hell hole as Ravensbruck was located in an absolutely beautiful town, where residents claimed they knew little and/or felt like these people were subhuman. One positive from the visit was how wonderful and approachable our tour guide was and how thorough he explained the history of the camp.
I will let my pictures below do the rest of the talking but definitely feel free to comment and/or ask questions as well.
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