Dachau

Dachau is a small Bavarian town located just 25 km northwest of Munich. While many visitors know Dachau primarily for its former concentration camp memorial site, the town itself has over 1,200 years of history and a charming old town center worth exploring.

Before World War II, Dachau was actually famous for its artists' colony that formed around 1900. Many painters were drawn to the town's beautiful landscapes and unique light conditions. The Dachau Palace, built in the 16th century, sits on a hill overlooking the town and offers great views of the surrounding countryside.

Of course, the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site stands as a sobering reminder of the atrocities committed during the Nazi regime. It was the first concentration camp established by the Nazis in 1933 and served as a model for all later camps. Today, it's an important educational site that helps visitors understand this dark chapter of history.

The town also hosts several cultural events throughout the year, including the Dachau Palace Concerts in summer. Local Bavarian cuisine can be enjoyed in traditional restaurants and beer gardens around town. With its combination of historical significance, cultural heritage, and proximity to Munich, Dachau offers visitors a complex but important glimpse into different aspects of German history and culture.