Topography of Terror

"Obviously, Berlin's history is riddled with anti-Semitism and genocide, as it served as Germany's capital city during World War II as well. Out of the many Holocaust museums and memorials I have visited, this one hit harder. The building served as the main office for the Schutzstaffel, or the SS, during WWII. The SS was essentially Hitler's group of bodyguards but grew under the direction of Heinrich Himmler to half a million men. This group was responsible for a large percentage of deaths during the Holocaust; an estimated 6 million died at their hands. Coming from the perspective of growing up in the United States, I felt this museum offered a very raw and very important side of the story. It highlights the lives of so many in an effective, personal way. The photographs and descriptions do not shy away from the horrors and crimes against humanity committed by Nazi Germany. The audioguide goes into detail about certain images, but there are too many to describe in detail. The outdoor portion of the museum provides even more insight into what went on during WWII. "Berlin 1933-1945. Between Propaganda and Terror" covers the entirety of the war, including the events leading up to it. Throughout the exhibit, you can see behind the panels to the cellar remains behind them, adding another layer of actuality. Price: This museum is free to visit and they even offer a free audio guide. How long to plan: I spent about an hour in this museum and then about 20 minutes in the outside portion, but it was very emotionally taxing by the end; I hit a limit. I would recommend 60-90 minutes, but listen to yourself and step back if you need to. How to get there: Topography of Terror is about a 6-minute walk from the Anhalter Bhf stop on the S1. From the Alexanderplatz station, you can take the S5 (direction: Grunewald) to S Friedrichstraße and then transfer to the S1 (direction: Friedenau), exiting at Anhalter Bhf. Know before you go: The audioguide is accessible by scanning a barcode, so a charged smartphone and earbuds/headphones make it much easier to listen. Also know that this is a very heavy, but very important, museum. I do not recommend going to more than one Holocaust museum in one day. Keep it balanced and take care of yourself. "

"Este museo se encuentra en el sitio histórico donde estaban ubicadas las oficinas principales de la Gestapo, la SS y la Reich Security Main Office durante la Alemania nazi. Está situado en el centro de Berlín, cerca del Muro de Berlín y de otros importantes lugares históricos. El museo expone la historia del régimen nazi y sus crímenes, centrándose en la persecución política y racial, así como en el terror ejercido por el estado. Ofrece una visión detallada de los métodos utilizados por las fuerzas de seguridad nazis para mantener el control y llevar a cabo sus políticas de terror. Las exhibiciones incluyen documentos originales, fotografías, testimonios y artefactos relacionados con la época, proporcionando una comprensión completa de los horrores del Holocausto y del régimen nazi en general. El museo también cuenta con una exposición al aire libre que muestra partes del Muro de Berlín y ofrece información sobre su construcción y caída."

"This museum is located on the site that between 1933 and 1945, was the headquarters of the Gestapo. There are various exhibitions that highlight different aspects of German history, with the goal to prevent it from repeating itself. There is also a large segment of the Berlin wall that was preserved on the outside of the exhibit. Price: Free"