Berlin-Hohenschonhausen Memorial, former prison of state police Stasi during communist era.; Shutterstock ID 227299543; Your name (First / Last): Josh Vogel; Project no. or GL code: 56530; Network activity no. or Cost Centre: Online-Design; Product or Project: 65050/7529/Josh Vogel/LP.com Destination Galleries

Shutterstock / Matyas Rehak

Stasi Prison

Top choice in Berlin


Victims of Stasi persecution often ended up in this grim remand prison, now a memorial site officially called Gedenkstätte Berlin-Hohenschönhausen. Tours – often conducted by former inmates – reveal the full extent of the terror and cruelty perpetrated upon thousands of suspected regime opponents, many utterly innocent. A permanent exhibit uses photographs, objects and a free audioguide to document daily life behind bars and also opens up the offices of the prison administration.

To get to the memorial, take tram M5 from Alexanderplatz to Freienwalder Strasse, then walk 10 minutes along Freienwalder Strasse.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Berlin attractions

1. Dong Xuan Center

1.1 MILES

This sprawling cluster of industrial halls repurposed from a Cold War–era factory for carbon products is today the cultural, culinary and commercial hub…

2. Stasimuseum

1.98 MILES

The Stasi was East Germany's secret police who put millions of citizens under surveillance in order to oppress internal opposition. This exhibit in the…

3. Boxhagener Platz

2.75 MILES

The heart of Friedrichshain, 'Boxi' is a lovely, leafy square with benches and a playground. It's framed by restored 19th-century buildings harbouring…

6. Friedhof der Märzgefallenen

2.93 MILES

In a quiet corner of the Volkspark Friedrichshain, this cemetery is the final resting place of the victims of the revolutionary riots in March 1848, as…

7. Tierpark Berlin

2.98 MILES

With lovely landscaping and around 9000 critters, this zoo in the eastern district of Lichtenberg is a guaranteed hit with tots. Perennial crowd-pleasers…

8. Computerspielemuseum

3.01 MILES

No matter if you grew up with Nimrod, Pac-Man, World of Warcraft or no games at all, this well-curated museum takes you on a fascinating trip down…