Religious Studies trips to Berlin

You’ll start your day bright and early with a guided tour of the Jewish Quarter! This interesting walking tour includes a visit to the Otto Weidt Museum, the Neue Synagogue and the Jewish Museum. You’ll also get to explore the Northern Mitte district, historically home to the thriving Jewish community which was largely destroyed during WWII. Many important remnants remain here, so your group can really reflect on the harrowing history of this area.

Grab a quick bite to eat and then it’s onto the Topography of Terror – a museum that encapsulates the fear and torment at the hands of Nazi power. Next stop is Hitler’s Bunker, where the Führer himself took up residence from 16th January 1945. As the final headquarters of the Nazi regime, students will be transported back to a very frightening time in the not-so-distant past.

Jump on the coach to Sachsenhausen-Oranienburg, a former Nazi concentration camp created in 1936. As you walk around the camp, your students will be given just a small taste of what it would have felt like to be imprisoned here during WWII.

Onward to the House of the Wannsee Conference, where the so-called Final Solution to the Jewish Question was discussed. The exhibition gives an insight into this criminal meeting between members of the Nazi government and the SS, and just how their plan was put into practice. This difficult but important visit will teach your students about details of the genocide perpetrated on European Jews, using audio-visual presentations and displays of original documents to bring this hard-hitting reality to life.

Head back to Berlin, where you’ll need some time to reflect on the day’s experiences. We recommend bringing yourselves back to the present by exploring some of the stunning local parks or stopping off at Museum Island before finishing your third day.

You’ve earned a lie-in this morning (depending on your return journey, of course!). Before heading home, why not explore the vibrant culture of modern-day Berlin? Oh, and don’t forget to try a famous ‘currywurst’ before you leave – it’s essential!