Take a sobering trip to one of Austria’s World War II concentration camps and learn about the plight of the Jews who were incarcerated here.
Ebensee Memorial and Museum stands as a poignant reminder of the harrowing events that unfolded under the Nazi regime, and honors those who lost their lives. Reflect on the thousands of people who were imprisoned and died here as you walk around the memorial tunnel and learn more about the history of Austria between 1918 and 1955 at the nearby museum.
Embark on a daytrip to Ebensee Memorial and Museum to not only understand more about the historic concentration camp but to learn about its role in the greater Nazi regime. Ebensee was established by the SS in 1943 as a satellite camp of the Mauthausen concentration camp. At Ebensee thousands of laborers were forced to build underground tunnels for German war production.
While the barracks were destroyed soon after the camp was liberated in 1945, the original gate remains. Stand and imagine the thousands of people who were forced to walk through it, most of whom would not leave. This forms part of the memorial section of the site.
Visit the victims’ cemetery, a mass grave dug by the SS before liberation and then continue to the memorial tunnel. The vast tunnels here used to house a petroleum refinery. Venture inside the cold, cavernous tunnel to browse a bilingual exhibition, which provides descriptions of the camp and its history. The remains of a staircase can also be seen.
Move on to the Museum for Contemporary History Ebensee. The museum depicts the history of the country and, in particular, the Salzkammergut region during World War II and the pre- and post-war years. Over 1,000 photos and documents are on display in various halls, which focus on the First Republic, Austro-Fascism, National Socialism and the post-war era. Be sure to visit the archives and library housed in the same building. You will see lists all of the victims and survivors of the concentration camp.
Ebensee Memorial and Museum is located over 2 miles (3 kilometers) from the town of Ebensee. Follow signs to KZ-Gedenkstätte. Find parking in front of the cemetery. Check the official website for details on specific opening times.
