Study Visit to the Ravensbrück Memorial
On March 11, 2025, a group of students embarked on a study visit to the Gedenkstätte Ravensbrück, a former concentration camp where only women were deported. The trip provided a profound insight into the history of the site, its impact on gender dynamics, and the importance of remembrance.
Journey to Ravensbrück
The day began early, with departure by train at 8:00 AM from a foggy Magdeburg. Throughout the morning, the students navigated some different train connections, which, fortunately, were all covered by the Semester Ticket. After a long but smooth journey, they arrived in Ravensbrück at around 12:30 PM.
Exploring the Memorial
Upon arrival, the participants were divided into English- and German-speaking groups. The group composition reflected a variety of academic backgrounds, mainly students from European Studies and the PACS Master's program, bringing diverse perspectives to the visit.
For the English-speaking group, the visit began with a brief welcome, followed by a one-hour tour in smaller groups of four. This format allowed them to explore the area independently, take pictures of particularly striking aspects of the memorial, and identify topics they wanted to learn more about. Afterwards, the students gathered in a seminar room for a presentation of their findings, discussions, and detailed explanations of key aspects of the site.
The visit concluded with a 90-minute guided tour, covering the main building and the vast area where the barracks once stood. One of the most striking aspects of the exhibition was the display of original items, such as clothing, newspaper articles, and the Führerhaus, which made the history feel even more tangible.
Reflections & Takeaways
The Ravensbrück Memorial holds a unique and deeply moving place in history, as it was exclusively a women’s concentration camp (theoretically). The visit provided a new perspective on gender dynamics and social identity, highlighting how different nationalities and backgrounds clashed in this confined space.
The long train ride back allowed the participants to reflect on what they had learned, engage in discussions, and share the rest of our lunch packages. This trip was educational and strengthened connections with fellow students.
The students expressed their gratefulness for this opportunity to visit such an important historical site. The experience was both impactful and thought-provoking, reminding them why they must continue to remember and reflect on history. A visit to Ravensbrück is truly worthwhile for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the past and its relevance today.
„After learning about the widespread societal obedience to Nazi rule and unwillingness to resist despite the spatial proximity of the camp to the village of Fürstenberg, the urgency of our task as political scientists became even clearer: to create a societal understanding of the importance to object the spread of racist narratives and working actively against the political repression of societal minorities.“ - Anna, PACS
"I believe that understanding the past is essential to shaping a just and united future. In times of growing political polarisation, we must not allow history to be rewritten or forgotten. Ravensbrück not only showcases the horrors of oppression but also the resilience of the women who suffered there. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that discrimination, exclusion, and violence never define our societies again." - Kristina, EUS