Visiting the Vught National Monument Concentration Camp can be a poignant and educational experience. The entry ticket, priced at $13.08 per person, provides access to a comprehensive audio guide that enhances the historical narrative across multiple languages. Visitors can explore the camp’s tragic past through powerful exhibits detailing the stories of 35 nationalities. Wheelchair accessibility and flexible cancellation policies ensure a comfortable and convenient experience. What more can this site offer those seeking to learn about this significant chapter in history?
Key Points
- Entry tickets to the Vught National Monument Concentration Camp are priced from $13.08 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Visitors can reserve tickets now and pay later to secure spots without upfront payment, and the valid ticket includes an audio guide in multiple languages.
- The camp was the only SS concentration camp established outside of Nazi Germany, highlighting the tragic history of the Nazi occupation in the Netherlands.
- The "Camp Vught: Seven Seasons and 32,000 Stories" permanent exhibition explores the camp’s history and the personal accounts of the 35 nationalities imprisoned there.
- The site is wheelchair accessible, and companions of wheelchair users and visually impaired individuals receive free entry, with amenities like lockers, portable chairs, and umbrellas available.
Ticket Information
The entry ticket to Vught Concentration Camp is priced from $13.08 per person.
Visitors can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The ticket also allows for reserve now and pay later, so travelers can secure their spot without paying upfront.
The valid ticket lasts for 1 day and includes an audio guide available in English, Dutch, German, and French. This provides visitors with a guided historical experience as they explore the former Nazi concentration camp outside of Germany.
Looking for more options in Vught? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Historical Significance
Kamp Vught or Konzentrationslager Herzogenbusch was the only SS concentration camp established outside of Nazi Germany, highlighting the tragic history of the Nazi occupation in the Netherlands.
Visitors can explore this profound legacy and learn about the personal stories of the 35 nationalities imprisoned there. The camp served as a detention center for political prisoners, Jews, and resistance fighters.
Guests will gain insights into the occupation through exhibits covering the camp’s use as a concentration camp, German civilian residence, and holding area for Dutch collaboration suspects and Moluccan KNIL soldiers and families.
Permanent Exhibition
Permanent Exhibition at Kamp Vught explores the camp’s seven seasons and 32,000 stories through its "Camp Vught: Seven Seasons and 32,000 Stories" display.
Visitors can enjoy the tragic history, learning about the camp’s operations and the diverse backgrounds of its prisoners. Personal accounts and multimedia elements bring the exhibition to life, highlighting the resilience and suffering of those imprisoned.
The exhibition immerses visitors in the camp’s tragic history, highlighting the resilience and suffering of its diverse prisoner population.
The outdoor area complements the indoor exhibits, featuring a model of the former campsite, reconstructed buildings, and a memorial for the children’s transports.
The exhibition offers a poignant and comprehensive look into the camp’s past.
Outdoor Area
While the indoor exhibits provide a comprehensive look into the history of Kamp Vught, the outdoor area complements this experience by offering visitors a chance to explore the physical remnants of the camp.
The outdoor area includes a model of the former campsite, a reconstructed barrack, several watchtowers, the original crematorium, and a memorial for the children’s transports of June 1943.
Visitors can walk through these authentic structures and spaces, gaining a deeper understanding of the camp’s layout and the harsh realities experienced by its prisoners.
This immersive outdoor experience adds a powerful dimension to the museum’s educational mission.
More Great Tours NearbyExhibit "If Walls Could Speak"
The exhibit "If Walls Could Speak" complements the permanent exhibition by exploring the multifaceted history of the camp site. The exhibit covers four distinct periods: the concentration camp (1943-1944), the German civilian residence, the Dutch collaboration suspects, and the Moluccan KNIL soldiers and families.
| Period | Years | Focus |
|——–|——-|——-|
| Concentration Camp | 1943-1944 | Tragic history of the Nazi regime |
| German Civilian Residence | | Deutsche citizens living on the site |
| Dutch Collaboration Suspects | | Those accused of collaborating with Nazis |
| Moluccan KNIL Soldiers & Families | | Deportation and internment of these individuals |
This immersive exhibit provides visitors with a nuanced understanding of the complex narrative surrounding the Vught camp site.
Accessibility and Amenities
The Vught Concentration Camp entry ticket offers several accessibility features and amenities to enhance the visitor experience.
The site is wheelchair accessible, and a wheelchair is available for borrowing. Companions of wheelchair users and visually impaired individuals receive free entry.
Lockers are provided for storage, and portable compact museum chairs are offered for resting. Umbrellas can be used if needed.
These features ensure that visitors of all abilities can fully explore the historical site and its exhibits. The museum prioritizes inclusivity and comfort to make the experience accessible to everyone.
Opening Hours
Visitors can explore Vught Concentration Camp during regular hours, which are Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and weekends from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Vught Concentration Camp is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and weekends from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
The special hours for Barrack 1B are:
-
Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
-
Saturday/Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
During the holidays, from December 23 to January 5, the hours are Monday-Friday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM, and Saturday/Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
The site offers free admission on May 4 (National Memorial Day) and December 8, 2024, but is closed on December 25 and 31.
Special Days
Although the Vught Concentration Camp is closed on December 25 and 31, it offers free entrance on two significant dates – May 4, which is National Memorial Day in the Netherlands, and December 8, 2024. This provides an opportunity for visitors to reflect on the camp’s history and honor the victims without financial barriers.
| Date | Occasion |
|-|-|
| May 4 | National Memorial Day |
| December 8, 2024 | Special free entrance day |
| December 25 | Closed |
| December 31 | Closed |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Nearest Airport or Train Station to the Camp?
The camp is located in Vught, Netherlands. The nearest airport is Eindhoven Airport, about 25 km away. The closest train station is Vught Station, just 3 km from the camp.
Are Guided Tours Available, and How Do I Book Them?
Guided tours are available and can be booked on the museum’s website. The tours provide visitors with deeper insights into the camp’s history and personal stories. Booking in advance is recommended to secure a spot.
Is Photography Allowed Inside the Camp?
Photography is generally allowed throughout the camp, but visitors are asked to be respectful and avoid taking photos in certain sensitive areas. Specific rules may be posted on-site or provided during the visit.
What Is the Dress Code for Visiting the Site?
There is no specific dress code for visiting the site. Guests are advised to dress comfortably and respectfully, as it’s a solemn and historical location. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for the outdoor areas.
Are There Any Restrictions on Bringing Food or Water Inside?
Visitors can bring their own food and water inside the museum. There are no restrictions on bringing outside snacks or beverages, allowing guests to comfortably explore the site. Picnicking on the grounds is permitted.
The Sum Up
The Vught National Monument Concentration Camp offers a thought-provoking and accessible historical experience. Visitors can explore the camp’s tragic past through comprehensive exhibits and personal stories, with the convenience of a flexible cancellation policy. The site’s wheelchair accessibility and audio guide in multiple languages ensure a respectful and informative visit, making it a meaningful way to learn about this significant part of history.
You can check availability for your dates here: