Gedenkstätte Berlin-Hohenschönhausen

The former central remand prison of the East German Ministry for State Security (Stasi), where political prisoners were interrogated and detained under brutal conditions. Tours are often led by former inmates who describe their experiences of isolation cells, sleep deprivation, and psychological torture. A deeply affecting memorial to the victims of political repression.

The prison complex in Berlin-Hohenschönhausen was originally built by the Soviet occupying forces in 1945 as a special internment camp, and was taken over by the newly founded East German Ministry for State Security (Stasi) in 1951. For nearly four decades, it served as the Stasi’s central remand prison, where political prisoners were held, interrogated, and psychologically broken before trial.

The methods used here evolved over time. In the early years, prisoners endured physical torture, waterboarding, and sleep deprivation in basement cells known as the “U-Boot” (submarine). Later, the Stasi shifted to more sophisticated psychological techniques: complete isolation, disorientation through irregular routines, threats against family members, and the systematic destruction of the prisoner’s sense of self.

Tours of the memorial are often led by former inmates, who describe their personal experiences in the very cells and interrogation rooms where they were held. Their testimonies bring a devastating immediacy to the visit. The prison complex has been preserved largely in its original state, including the cells, interrogation rooms, and exercise yards.

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