Tränen im Schnee

A few years ago, when I travelled to Krakow in Poland, I had the chance to visit Auschwitz. Other things took priority, so it didn’t happen. So, I particularly wanted to visit Dachau while in Munich if I could. I had intended to go yesterday, but had a bit of a meltdown day with social anxiety getting the better of me. Today is my last day in Munich, so it was now or never.

I head out at 0910. It’s snowing again. As I walk to Marienplatz station the snow intensifies. This is the heaviest I have seen. I have read of problems with the S2 line, so I’m not sure which way I will get to Dachau yet. At 0925 I catch the U3 to the Hauptbahnhof. From there it appears that trains are running on the S2 OK. So at 0925 I catch the S2 to Dachau Bahnhof. We arrive at 1000 and from there I catch the 726 bus to the site.

It’s now called the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial. Only one row of reconstructed prisoner barracks remains. The other rows are marked by the outline of their foundations. The snow reinforces the bleakness. There are many groups and individuals slowly walking around the site.

I end up at the crematorium. I see the ovens. I walk through the gas chamber.

It’s an emotional moment. It’s horrific. It still defies belief.

There is a museum in the maintenance building which still stands. It’s very comprehensive and very well done.

It’s still snowing and very cold.

I don’t take many photos. It doesn’t feel right.

I leave quietly and reflectively at 1230.

(Title translation: Tears in the snow)