Amsterdam Schiphol Airport - I loved this airport!
Inside of our rental car
On the road
Rotterdam
Cube Houses - Architecture is a big deal here.
Exploring the grounds of Herzogenbusch Concentration Camp
Herzogenbusch Concentration Camp was located in Vaught. It was the only concentration camp run by the SS in western Europe outside of Germany. First used in 1943, it held over 30,000 people. 749 people died in the camp. Many were killed or transferred before the camp was liberated in 1944. Today, the area has been preserved and turned into a museum. There is also a visitor center on campus with exhibits.
When we arrived, the visitor center was not yet open. There was a lot of information about the opening time. When the museum was built, they did not expect anyone outside of The Netherlands to visit, so all signage is in Dutch. When the visitor center opened, they seemed very confused about how to run our cards. It was obvious they are not used to international travelers. We were able to get an audio guide in English, though.
While we waited to explore the visitor center, we decided to walk the trail located to the right of the visitor center. This trail takes you to a National Monument to the victims who died here. There is also a execution site where prisioners were killed as the camp was about to be liberated.
The National Monument
The execution site
The visitor center
Watch towers
Model of the camp
Bathing area
Eating area
Bunks
Crematorium
Autopsy Table
Many, many women were placed in this tiny room as a punishment. They were confined to the cell for 14 hours. When released, ten had not survived.
Mass grave of remains
The National Monument has been vandalized many times.
A separate building with more exhibits
Visiting Herzogenbusch Concentration Camp was a humbling experience. Having learned about these events in school, it was surreal to see this place. If you ever have the chance to go, I highly recommend doing so.
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