Stutthof Concentration Camp: Former Nazi Death Camp

It was here that the German Nazi concentration camp Stutthof operated almost from the beginning to the end of the war – the first and longest operating concentration camp.

For the prisoners, arriving at the camp and confronting the conditions there was a traumatic experience. Although many years have passed and the concentration camps serve as a warning – they still shiver up the spine and frightened with the appearance. The concentration camp in Sztutowo is a sad reminder of World War II. Still, it is worth visiting this place and indulging in a moment of contemplation to commemorate a terrible time in the history of humanity.

History of the Stutthof Concentration Camp

The first camp on Polish territory, established in 1939, a few dozen kilometres from Gdańsk. The first prisoners were brought here as early as 2 September 1939. At first, it was mainly Poles who were imprisoned here, but in 1942 Stuthoff was given the status of a concentration camp. From then on, citizens of many nationalities were brought here, especially from Central and Eastern Europe.

A total of around 110,000 people were imprisoned in this camp. As a result of the extermination conditions and being shot, murdered in the gas chamber with Zyklon B gas, killed with phenol injections, beaten and tortured, and evacuated on foot and by the sea – 65,000 people died.

The evacuation of the camp began on 25 January 1945. It took several months, with the last prisoners being transported by sea. On 9 May 1945, soldiers of the 48th Army of the Byelorussian Front entered the now deserted camp. They found about 150 prisoners in the Nazi concentration camp.

Stutthof Nazi Concentration Camp

Why is it worth visiting Stutthof Concentration Camp?

The concentration camp in Sztutowo is not an ordinary tourist attraction. It is a place where the horrifying history of humanity is written. It is worth visiting this place to learn about its history, and above all, to learn about the people who ended up in this nightmarish place (e.g. gas chambers). Stutthof, like other death camps, is a living warning of what man can create and the effects of the sick ideas of an individual who has influenced millions can be.

In 1961 the Stuthoff State Museum was established in Sztutowo, including some old buildings and equipment. In 1968 the Monument to Struggle and Martyrdom was unveiled, designed by Wiktor Tołkin, with the inscription: “Our fate is to be a warning for you, not a legend“.

Most of the prisoners were priests, clerks, teachers, political activists, soldiers, and the Free City of Gdansk elite (especially Jewish and Polish intelligence). The camp was in operation for as long as the war lasted – 2077 days. For almost 6 years, over 110,000 people from 28 countries were imprisoned here. More than half of the prisoners – 65,000 – never got out of the Nazi concentration camp.

While on the grounds of the former KL Stutthof camp, you can tie a blue ribbon on the fence. The aim of the “Ribbon of Remembrance” action is to cultivate the memory of the suffering of thousands of people. Tying the ribbon shows that people remember about people, and at the same time – it is a declaration that humanity will not forget these terrible crimes.

Stutthof former Nazi Concentration Camp

Stutthof Concentration Camp Tour

Stutthof Concentration Camp Tour is an extraordinary chance to commemorate the crimes against humanity. The wooden walls hide numerous secrets and terrifying stories. With your own eyes, you will see the personal belongings of the prisoners as well as all kinds of equipment and records.

What else would you see or find out in the Stutthof Concentration Camp Museum?

  • old and new camp quarters
  • the commander’s villa
  • gas chambers and crematoria – listen to the horrifying reports of mass murder
  • Monument to the camp victims
  • Learn about the persecution and occupation of Pomerania
  • Discover the first Nazi concentration camp outside Germany

 

Other Important Information: Plan Your Visit with MrShuttle

If you wonder how to prepare yourself for Stutthof Museum, take a look at the recommendations below. You will find some practical advice here:

How long is the tour?

You will be dropped off in Gdansk around 1:00 pm, so you can plan your activities for the afternoon of the same day or decide to take other tours from our offer. You can visit Gdansk with us, which surprises you with its beauty at any time of day or year!

How to dress for Stutthof Museum?

Wear comfortable shoes and take with you a jacket and an extra sweatshirt (warm clothes) or backpack, but remember that the maximum size of bags and backpacks allowed on the museum premises is 30 x 20 x 10 cm. You will be able to leave unnecessary items on the bus without any problem. It may be colder inside than outside.

Who is the tour for?

The tour is recommended for tourists over 13 years of age.

Do you provide an English speaking guide?

Yes, both our drivers and guides speak English, so explore the Stutthof concentration camp museum without considering the language barrier.

Do you have any more questions? Or are you searching for any guided private tour? Stutthof concentration camp museum is in close proximity to many tourist-related spots. Just let us know what you’re interested in!