Mauthausen, a small town on the Danube in Upper Austria, is characterized by the tragic history of Mauthausen concentration camp known worldwide. It was one of the largest and cruelest concentration camps in the National Socialist system. Today, the Mauthausen concentration camp memorial to the crimes of the Nazi era and serves as a memorial and place of learning for future generations.
The Mauthausen concentration camp memorial offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the tragic history of the place. The most important sights include the Stairs of Death, the gas chambers and the various memorials commemorating the victims.
One of the most shocking stations is the Stairs of Death. Prisoners of the camp had to climb this steep stone staircase with heavy stones from the quarry – under inhumane conditions. Many died on this staircase due to exhaustion or were brutally pushed down by the guards. The 186 steps the Stairs of Death remain a symbol of the terror and brutality that reigned here.
Another impressive and depressing testimony of the past are the gas chambers, in which thousands of people were brutally murdered. These were used for the systematic extermination of prisoners. The site of the concentration camp also shows the remains of the barrackswhere the prisoners lived under the most terrible conditions. The authentic locations create a deep impression of the cruelty of camp life.
There are numerous monuments and memorial plaquescommemorating the victims of Nazi crimes. These memorials were erected by various nations to commemorate the people who were murdered here. Particularly impressive are the universalist monument and the memorial wallwhich lists the names of many of the victims who died here.
The Mauthausen Memorial offers visitors informative audio guides and guided tours, which are available in several languages. These tours help to better understand the history and the extent of the horror. There are special educational programs, especially for school classes and groups, that delve deeper into the historical significance of the place.