Flossenbürg Concentration Camp

After seeing the Flossenbürg castle ruins, we made our way to the concentration camp.  We were surprised to find it basically in the middle of town.  The prisoners at the camp were forced to work the quarry which were at the base of the castle ruins.  The camp was started in 1938 and liberated by the 2nd US Cavalry on April 23rd, 1945.  It is estimated that there were 73,000 victums.  


This is the headquarters at Flossenbürg:

(front) (back)

Entrance to the prisoner side of camp:

One of the watchtowers at the camp:

 The "Valley of Death" memorial and the crematorium at the far end:

 This chapel was built from stones from demolished guard towers.  It also incorporates one of the towers into the building:

Visiting the camp did raise the kids curiosity.  And answering their questions was a little difficult.  From my understanding, no woman or children were held here.  None the less, it was a very humbling experience.