Terezin, Czech Republic - Theresienstadt concentration camp

In co-operation with Czech Tourism

We have continued our motorhome trip to Terezin in the Czech Republic, to visit the infamous Theresienstadt concentration camp. This was a much more difficult visit than previously on this trip.

Table of contents

From Litomerice to Terezin

After our pleasant visit to Litomerice we only moved a short distance to get to the Czech town of Terezin, or Theresienstadt as it is called in German. At least it was a short move geographically. Emotionally, it was like travelling across an abyss. From beautiful castles and relaxing in front of a football match at a cosy campsite to ... concentration camps. It was a bit difficult to keep up with the changes there.

The garrison town of Terezin in the Czech Republic

Terezin is an old fortress and garrison town from the 18th century. The 'Little Fortress' was built to prevent advancing enemy troops during the Prussian-Austrian Wars. The fortress lost its military importance even before it was completed, but Terezin served as an important garrison town instead. At the beginning of the 19th century, the fortress became a military prison and during the Second World War it was unfortunately used again, as Terezin served as both a ghetto and a concentration camp.

Terezin karta — Terezin is full of museums, and almost all of them are about war.

READ MORE: Travelling with a motorhome in the Czech Republic
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Theresienstadt concentration camp

Both the town and the concentration camp are actually called Terezin in Czech, but Swedes are probably most familiar with the German name Teresienstadt. During the war, a total of around 32,000 prisoners were held here. They were mainly Czechs, but also Russians, Poles and Germans.

Koncentrationslägret i Theresienstadt — Theresienstadt concentration camp

Many were Jews or members of resistance movements, and many died, either through illness or torture, or by being sent on to extermination camps. At the end of the war, a typhus epidemic broke out in the camp, but the prison authorities did nothing to stop it.

Koncentrationslägret i Terezin — Gloomy buildings

We walked around the buildings with the help of a written guide, looking into rooms that served as offices, cells, bathrooms, hospitals and morgues. We could also see the execution site and the pool where the families of the prison guards used to bathe.

I found it a bit difficult to take photos, and didn't take any pictures from inside the different rooms. Somehow it felt strange to photograph other people's misery. At the same time, it is so incredibly important that this remains as a memorial. That we don't forget. That it must not happen again.

Terezin koncentrationsläger — Uncomfortable feeling walking around the buildings of the Little Fortress

Visit Terezin concentration camp

There is a lot to see in Theresienstadt if you want to be reminded of the horrors of the Second World War. If you don't have too much time, we recommend going to the Little Fortress first. It is possible to get a guided tour in English, but it must be booked in advance. If you don't go on a guided tour, you can buy a small brochure for a few kronor, which explains all the buildings in the area. Available in Swedish!

If you have more time, you can combine your visit with a guided tour of the ghetto and a visit to the Ghetto Museum. Read more about Terezin Memorial. What do you think, have you visited a concentration camp? Would you like to?

Koncentrationslägret Theresienstadt — Tombs outside the Little Fortress, Terezin, Czech Republic

READ MORE: What to do in Prague - 30 tips for sights and experiences

Helena

11 July 2018 6:00

Czech Republic

history, Motorhome trip Czech Republic, campervan trip2018, attraction

Helena

Administrator

42 Comments

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Kenneth Risberg says:

I also think it's a little hard to have such places, but it's also important that they remain, that we don't forget the horror.
Have visited the Ghetto in Warsaw (what little is left) a few years ago, a cruel place with very small cells. There were a lot of photographs showing the horror of life there.
Also visited some war memorials while travelling through Lofoten.

11 July 2018 - 9:05

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  It's incredibly important that we never forget, and therefore important that these places are preserved, even if it's horrible and difficult to walk around here. War memorials are everywhere in Europe and tell so much of our history. Little pieces of the puzzle everywhere ...
  
  11 July 2018 - 10:47
  
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Knut says:

Thank you for an interesting story. I myself have a family member who spent four years in concentration/labour camps in Germany during the war but was one of those who fortunately survived. In these camps there were no gas chambers but there was no care at all and those who became ill had to die and those who could not cope were executed. I come from Norway and my grandmother had helped the resistance movement there and was punished for it.

11 July 2018 - 9:07

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Thank you for sharing your family's story Knut! So many people suffered so much during this time in Europe. Hard to understand today, but important to remember.
  
  11 July 2018 - 10:48
  
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Monet says:

We have travelled to Auschwitz several times. My B has felt uncomfortable about it - and so have I, so we have shied away even though we have been very close. Like you, I think it is incredibly important that we do not forget this horrific holocaust that took place just a generation ago. Especially in these times when parties and political movements based on these xenophobic values are now gaining ground throughout Europe. I also believe that much of the evil and suffering is "set in the walls" and that is why it is so difficult to stay there. However, in other ways we have seen almost most of the "history of the world wars" - from the battlefields of Verdun to war cemeteries and all the invasion beaches. Also a way to better understand the contemporary Europe we now live in. Thank you for taking us to such interesting and historic places off the beaten track. What amazing castles and churches!

11 July 2018 - 9:58

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  We totally understand that you felt this discomfort! We almost wanted to turn around for a while because it felt hard, but we didn't. I also agree with you that it is extra important to remember this in the times we are in now. We see every day how unpleasant political currents are spreading. Fortunately, you also see countervailing forces. We must believe that the forces of good will prevail. I'm also glad that you appreciate our reports outside the most common routes in Europe. There's a lot to see around!
  
  11 July 2018 - 10:52
  
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Lena in Wales says:

Terrible place. Have been there and understand that it is even difficult to take photos there. But important to keep for posterity and hope they learn from it.

11 July 2018 - 9:59

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Surely it is important to preserve in order to never, ever forget! Yes, I walked around with the camera, but I couldn't touch the beds and washbasins... It felt too "close".
  
  11 July 2018 - 10:55
  
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Mr Nils-Åke Hansson says:

An event not to be forgotten and not to be repeated again.

11 July 2018 - 10:01

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  One hopes humanity has learnt its lesson and moves forward!
  
  11 July 2018 - 10:56
  
  Reply
Seija Viitamäki-Carlsson says:

Important, terrible and unforgettable. Have been to Auswitch and it takes all the power out of you. But also gives power back. - to never forget the evil of mankind.

11 July 2018 - 10:26

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  You have to realise that we are learning and moving forward! This must never, ever be repeated.
  
  11 July 2018 - 10:57
  
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Maria's Memoirs says:

Very important that people continue to visit these concentration camps, and some photos should be taken to show those who cannot/will not visit them themselves, to digitally remind the world of history that must not be repeated. As long as you don't take happy selfies and as long as you can sometimes put your camera away to really take in what you see.

11 July 2018 - 11:22

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Yes, but you are right Maria! Maybe I should have taken more photos. It was just that just when we were here it felt hard ...
  
  11 July 2018 - 12:40
  
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Marina says:

I have never been to any of the concentration camps from the Second World War, but it is something that is on my list of places to visit. However, I have visited the "Killing Fields" in Cambodia and the old school that was used as a prison camp there, and I understand exactly that feeling of desire to photograph...

11 July 2018 - 12:39

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Huh, in Cambodia they also have a heavy and nasty history! Understand that it can be a similar feeling to make a visit there ...
  
  11 July 2018 - 16:21
  
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Britt-Marie Lundgren says:

I haven't been to any of the concentration camps, but I totally understand this dichotomy. My partner has been to Auswitch, but also only took some photos outside.
However, I think it is important and if we are passing by, we will probably visit.
History must definitely not be repeated.

11 July 2018 - 13:02

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Interesting and important, even if it is a rather heavy visit. I visited Auschwitz when I was a young man travelling by train. Just as heavy, of course, at least.
  
  11 July 2018 - 16:23
  
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Maria / Magnolia Magis says:

Hu... No I have not been to any such place. It is far too easy to see pictures of what it looked like and who was there so it is enough to see photos... Very important to document for posterity and the deniers! Yes, it really is a journey of contrasts!

11 July 2018 - 13:03

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  In this particular case, it's hard to have a good imagination ... But it's important that the story is documented. How incomprehensible that anyone can deny it!
  
  11 July 2018 - 16:24
  
  Reply
  - Maria / Magnolia Magis says:
    
    Yes, I don't understand denial either!!! You only have to look at the situation in other countries to realise that it still exists today...
    Hope you have a good journey!
    
    11 July 2018 - 17:15
    
    Reply
Mr Steve says:

Just reading about your visit to Theresienstadt is enough for me to feel uneasy. I myself have never visited a concentration camp. Sometimes I think that such a visit should be part of everyone's education. We owe it to all these victims to never forget. And, of course, never to doubt or deny.

11 July 2018 - 17:37

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Surely we have an obligation to never forget! It's the least we can do. And to ensure that nothing like this happens again, of course.
  
  11 July 2018 - 20:28
  
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Travel Linda says:

I have been to Sachsenhausen twice, once on a class trip in high school and once as an adult. We also went to Ravensbrück a couple of years ago. These visits are tough, but I think it's an important part of history that we shouldn't forget.

11 July 2018 - 18:17

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  We missed Sachsenhausen this time. Perhaps we should have gone there, but we had booked this visit, and perhaps thought it was heavy enough ... I completely agree with you that it is an important part of history that we must not forget!
  
  11 July 2018 - 20:39
  
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Veiken says:

Visiting a concentration camp should be compulsory for all school students.
I have cried at Auschwitz-Birkenau in Yad Vashem, at the shoes on the quay in Budapest, which I wrote about a week ago. I've also been shaken up on Robben Island.
It's terrible how shitty people can be to each other! Excuse the language!!

11 July 2018 - 18:36

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  There are many places that are reminiscent of terrible times in history, which unfortunately shows that humanity has a tendency towards evil... Your language is completely justified!!!
  
  11 July 2018 - 20:43
  
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Matts Torebring says:

It would perhaps be appropriate for schoolchildren in particular to be given the opportunity to visit these terrible places. Normandy is another place that I said the same thing about. I don't think I would have taken photos either, wise to let it be.

11 July 2018 - 18:51

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Normandy also has many places worth remembering! And when you see them for real, history comes alive!
  
  11 July 2018 - 20:44
  
  Reply
Across the board says:

It's a heavy story that is hard, but one that should not be forgotten. I understand your idea that it is difficult to take photos. I would have thought the same.

11 July 2018 - 19:49

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  There's nothing wrong with taking pictures (maybe good to show to those who can't travel there), but when we were there it felt so hard. Especially when you got close, like to the beds and washbasins. Was badly affected.
  
  11 July 2018 - 20:46
  
  Reply
Evy Knoph says:

I visited Auschwitz/Birkenau with some colleagues when we were at a conference in Krakow in 2007. Chose it instead of a trip to a salt mine etc. where everyone else went. Very poignant. A visit you do not regret, even if you are drained.

11 July 2018 - 20:00

Reply
- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  I agree with you Evy! I visited Auschwitz when I travelled by train as a young man. Heavy visit.
  
  11 July 2018 - 20:48
  
  Reply
Titti/Umeå/Huay Yang. says:

Went to Auschwitz/Birkenau in March 2016, with her husband and father-in-law.
A visit that I will remember forever.
An important visit.
A visit I often think about.
Also visited the Historical Museum, Pomorska street. Krakow.
Recommended.
Titti

11 July 2018 - 20:14

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  No, you won't forget these visits! Thanks for the tip about the museum in Krakow!
  
  11 July 2018 - 20:48
  
  Reply
Ditte says:

No, may we never forget. I was here as an 11-year-old with my father and have been back as an adult. And the memories remain and so does the history. Last year I was in Auschwitz-Birkenau, where I first went as a 10-year-old - also with my father - and now I wanted to go back. I visited Bergen Belsen as a child. My father spent a short time in a camp and he wanted me to pass it on. I have done that.
I understand how you felt before taking the photos. Felt similar but there were some pictures anyway.
We also visited "Schindler's factory" in Krakow and it is also definitely worth a visit.
Thank you for visiting here . So important!

11 July 2018 - 21:41

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Thank you for sharing Ditte! I understand that this made an impression on you, when you also have a kind of personal relationship. Thanks for the tip about Svhindler's factory!
  
  31 August 2018 - 16:39
  
  Reply
BP says:

Never visited a concentration camp and would not do so. Too depressing. The films I have seen and books I have read about these horrible places are more than enough.

11 July 2018 - 23:03

Reply
- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Of course, it is a rather heavy visit, but I can understand your attitude.
  
  31 August 2018 - 16:40
  
  Reply
Lena - good for the soul says:

A week ago I managed to get into the blog, before it failed again. It just didn't work no matter what I tried. I realised that it might help if I turned off my computer, which I never really do. That helped. Now we'll see if it lasts.

I can understand how upset you can be by such a visit. I agree that it is important that it remains. I have long wanted to visit a concentration camp, no matter how horrible it feels, just because it feels important.

Hug Lena

16 July 2018 - 18:47

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Very strange that you have had difficulty accessing the blog, we must check this out!
  
  31 August 2018 - 16:41
  
  Reply
Ulf oskarsson says:

Recently published on my website. http://mitt-i-mitt-europa.se/historia-i-retur.html

30 October 2018 - 13:06

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Terezin, Czech Republic - Theresienstadt concentration camp

In co-operation with Czech Tourism

From Litomerice to Terezin

The garrison town of Terezin in the Czech Republic

Theresienstadt concentration camp

Visit Terezin concentration camp

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42 Comments

Kenneth Risberg says:

Helena says:

Knut says:

Helena says:

Monet says:

Helena says:

Lena in Wales says:

Helena says:

Mr Nils-Åke Hansson says:

Helena says:

Seija Viitamäki-Carlsson says:

Helena says:

Maria's Memoirs says:

Helena says:

Marina says:

Helena says:

Britt-Marie Lundgren says:

Helena says:

Maria / Magnolia Magis says:

Helena says:

Maria / Magnolia Magis says:

Mr Steve says:

Helena says:

Travel Linda says:

Helena says:

Veiken says:

Helena says:

Matts Torebring says:

Helena says:

Across the board says:

Helena says:

Evy Knoph says:

Helena says:

Titti/Umeå/Huay Yang. says:

Helena says:

Ditte says:

Helena says:

BP says:

Helena says:

Lena - good for the soul says:

Helena says:

Ulf oskarsson says:

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