Stutthof Concentration Camp, Gdańsk

Stutthof Concentration Camp is one of the must-see places in Sztutowo for travellers seeking to understand the full human cost of World War II and the Holocaust. Located 35 km east of Gdańsk, this haunting site was the first Nazi concentration camp established outside German borders and the last to be liberated. Opened on 2 September 1939, it quickly grew from a small detention facility for Polish political prisoners into part of the broader Nazi extermination system. Over 110,000 people from 28 countries were imprisoned here; at least 65,000 died.

A visit to Stutthof is often visited on tours from Gdańsk, offering a sobering yet essential historical experience. Surviving barracks, watchtowers, a gas chamber, and a crematorium stand as stark reminders of the atrocities committed here. The museum's exhibitions, photographs, and testimonies provide a deeply moving insight into the suffering endured by prisoners and the camp's role in the Final Solution.

History and Significance of Stutthof Concentration Camp

Stutthof was established on 2 September 1939—just one day after the invasion of Poland—and was the first Nazi camp created outside Germany’s pre-war borders. Initially designed to detain Polish political prisoners, it rapidly expanded as Nazi occupation intensified. By 1942–43, the camp became part of the systematic extermination network and included forced labour facilities, a gas chamber, and a crematorium.

Prisoners at Stutthof included Jews, Poles, Soviet POWs, political dissidents, and people from across occupied Europe. They endured starvation, brutal forced labour, infectious disease outbreaks, overcrowding, and routine executions. The SS also conducted medical experiments and used the camp for punitive terror. In total, more than 110,000 people were imprisoned, and over half perished.

As Soviet forces closed in during early 1945, the SS initiated deadly evacuations. Thousands were forced on winter death marches, where many died from exhaustion, hypothermia, or shootings. When the camp was liberated by the Red Army on 9 May 1945, only around 100 survivors remained, surrounded by evidence of the atrocities.

Things to See and Do in Stutthof Concentration Camp

Visiting Stutthof is one of the things to do in Sztutowo that offers powerful, reflective insight into Europe’s darkest chapter. Key areas include:

• The original barracks, showing the cramped and inhumane conditions prisoners endured.
• The crematorium and gas chamber built in 1943–44.
• Guard towers, barbed wire fences, and the roll-call square.
• The commandant’s villa and administrative buildings.
• A museum exhibition documenting camp life through artefacts, photographs, and survivor testimonies.

This spot is one of the best places to see in Stutthof’s surroundings the stark contrasts between peaceful countryside and the horrors that once took place here.

How to Get to Stutthof Concentration Camp

Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport provides easy access to the region and serves as the closest major international gateway. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Gdańsk on Booking.com.

From Gdańsk Główny railway station, visitors can take onward buses to Sztutowo or connect via Elbląg and Krynica Morska services. You can easily check schedules and book tickets through the PKP Intercity website. However, for a smoother experience, we recommend using Omio, which simplifies the booking process and lets you compare prices and schedules all in one place.

Travelling by car from Gdańsk is straightforward, taking roughly an hour via national and local roads. Parking is available near the museum entrance. If you are looking to rent a car in Poland I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting Stutthof Concentration Camp

• Suggested tips: Wear comfortable shoes and prepare for a solemn, emotionally heavy visit.
• Best time to visit: Spring to autumn for easier outdoor walking.
• Entrance fee in Euros: Free entry; guided tours have a fee.
• Opening hours: Vary seasonally; typically open daily.
• Official website: Check the Stutthof Museum site for updated hours.
• How long to spend: 1.5–3 hours.
• Accessibility: Some outdoor areas are uneven; indoor exhibitions are more accessible.
• Facilities: Visitor centre, restrooms, small shop.
• Photography tip: Be respectful; avoid intrusive photography in sensitive areas.
• Guided tours: Strongly recommended for deeper historical context.
• Nearby food options: Limited in the immediate area; cafés available in Sztutowo.

Where to Stay close to Stutthof Concentration Camp

Accommodation can be found in Sztutowo and across the Vistula Spit. Hotel Tristan offers modern comfort near the coast. For proximity to Gdańsk attractions, PURO Gdańsk Stare Miasto is an excellent base. A boutique option with waterfront charm is Hotel Podewils.

Is Stutthof Concentration Camp Worth Visiting?

Yes—Stutthof is worth visiting for those who seek to honour the victims, understand the scale of Nazi crimes, and ensure that their stories are not forgotten. It is a deeply moving, educational, and essential historical site that encourages reflection and remembrance.

FAQs for Visiting Stutthof Concentration Camp

Is the site appropriate for children?
Older children may visit, but parental guidance is essential due to sensitive content.

Are guided tours available?
Yes, and they provide invaluable context.

How long does the full visit take?
Typically 1.5 to 3 hours.

Is the museum multilingual?
Yes—exhibits offer translations, and tours are available in several languages.

Can you take photos?
Yes, but respectfully and without disturbing other visitors.

Nearby Attractions to Stutthof Concentration Camp

• Vistula Spit Museum: Exhibits on local history and maritime culture.
• Katy Rybackie: A fishing village with coastal scenery.
• Frombork Cathedral: Gothic cathedral overlooking the lagoon.
• Westerplatte: Site where World War II began, near Gdańsk.
• Gdańsk Old Town: Historic centre with landmarks like the Crane Gate and Long Market.

The Stutthof Concentration Camp appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Gdańsk!

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