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Laura - Hell at the slate mountain

Laura-Häftlinge nach der Befreiung, Gruppenfoto
Laura-Häftlinge nach der Befreiung aus dem Lager Dachau

In Schmiedebach existed a satellite camp of the concentration camp Buchenwald under the code name "Laura" between September 1943 and April 1945. Inmates had to prepare the tunnel system of the former slate quarry for tests of the A4 rocket and build an underground production site for oxygen.

Authentic learning centre and international meeting place

Burial of Herman van Hasselt next to the memorial stone on the former camp ground

The memorial site is a place to inseminate knowledge about this dark chapter of German history. Intensive meetings with former inmates contribute to keep in mind the events of the past. With his last wish to find his final resting place on the premises of the camp, former inmate Herman van Hasselt set a symbolic example of prevailing over inhumanity and barbarism.

The new exhibition about historic events

In Spring 2012 the new exposition was opened to the public. In the visitor centre and the great barn it informs about the historic events. The Buchenwald foundation contributed substantially to develop the new exhibition.

KZ Memorial Site Laura

Schmiedebach, Fröhliches Tal

07349 Lehesten, Germany

 

Phone: (+49)(0) 3 66 53-26 46 75

About Us

Schüler betrachten bei einer Führung durch die KZ-Gedenkstätte das Fundament der ehemaligen Latrine.

Representative, partners and more

The memorial Laura is an institution of the District Saalfeld-Rudolstadt. In 2010 the district acquired the entire premises that had been behind barbed wire. In 2012 the district started operating the site with own personnel.

Education

Schüler betrachten bei einer Führung durch die KZ-Gedenkstätte das Fundament der ehemaligen Latrine.

Learning at an authentic place

For groups of pupils we offer guided tours. We inseminate knowledge about the events in the former Buchenwald subcamp.