Laura - Hell at the slate mountain
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
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.
About Us
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.