Itinerary
The former military fort Breendonk was controlled by the SS from 1940 until 1944. It served as an "auffanglager" for political prisoners, resistance members, and Jews. It is one of the best-preserved memorials and also one of the most unknown prison camps in Europe. We always think about camps in Central and East Europe, and we do not talk so much about Western Europe.
During the first year of occupation, Jews made up half of the total number of prisoners. From 1942, with the creation of the "sammellager" at the Dossin Barracks in the neighboring city of Mechelen (the place of deportation of Belgian Jews to the Auschwitz extermination camps), Breendok stayed as a camp for political prisoners and resistance fighters, until its closure in September 1944, with the liberation of Belgium by the Allied army.
During this live presentation with videos and photographs explaining the context of this hell that the Belgian and international people had to suffer with the Nazi occupation.
Highlights:
1. Learn how the military defense fort was transformed into a prison under the command of Major Philipp Schmitt.
2. Discover the stories of prisoners and executioners.
3. Explore different spaces inside and outside the camp, such as the canteen, the SS office, the "appellplatz", the prisoners' bedrooms, the toilets and showers, the isolation cells, the torture bunker, or the execution field.
4. Understand the differences between Breendonk and other concentration camps: no children, almost no women, and no gas chambers.
5. Find out what happened after the war.
** Live walking tours are not available due to poor cell reception within the fort**
How Beeyonder Works
What is a virtual tour?
All of our online tours are live and interactive. This means everyone on the tour can speak directly to the guide throughout the tour to experience the destination as if you are actually there.
How To Join A Tour
Easy to use! After booking, you get a unique link to a streaming platform, such as Zoom, to begin each tour. No other technology needed.
Preparing for your Virtual Tour
This is a private Live Presentation experience. You will be connected via Zoom and your guide will explain to you all the important information. We love curious people, so the more questions and interactions you have with your guide, the better!
You need to have the Zoom software installed on your cellphone, tablet, or laptop; and a stable internet connection, speakers, or headphones.
Also, remember always the time difference when choosing a time for your experience. We usually accept requests starting from 10.00 am to 8.00 pm (Brussels Time - CST + 1 UTC), from Monday to Sunday.
Meet Your Live Virtual Guide
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Curiositas Mundus
Curiositas Mundus
We are Curiositas Mundus, a team of three professional guides (Laura, Miriam, and Samuel) deeply in love with Belgium. Every year we receive lots of international groups that want to see the best cities and museums in this part of Europe. We work with schools, families, companies, VIPs, non-profits, seniors, special needs... in English, Spanish, and French. And now we want also to share all these amazing places, cultures, and heritage with people that prefer to enjoy a staycation or a holystay! Are you open to all the surprises that we have prepared for you?
