Stasi Pre-Trial Prison
Stasi Pre-Trial Prison
4.5
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Address
How to get there
- Rostock Central Station • 10 min walk
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177 within 3 miles
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114 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
65 reviews
Excellent
38
Very good
20
Average
5
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Sheilavehla
Alpharetta, GA842 contributions
Jul 2014 • Family
The people at the train station will mark it on a map and tell you how to get close.
Very hard to find. Even when you're there. It doesn't say Stasi museum anywhere. The building is unmarked and the inside door is unmarked. In fact I think the door inside the building had a doctor name or something else. They kept the secrecy from the era alive today.
http://coldwarsites.net/country/germany/former-stasi-pre-trial-prison-rostock is the website with a good photo of the outside of the building.
It is the building diagonally across from the Penny Market. Go in the door facing you from the parking lot. Go up one flight of stairs it is the first door on the right. You will know you're in the right place when the door opens and there's a giant cage in front of you.
They offer an audio tour in many languages. I'm sure that is adequately informative but clearly not intriguing. Ask the guide for a tour. It was awesome.
They start the basement where the truck came in with the prisoners. From there we got the whole process. We saw the initial interrogation holding cells, the living quarters, the outside cell. She made the process come to life by filling in a lot of details and answering questions as they arose. The last prisoner was taken in 1989.
Very hard to find. Even when you're there. It doesn't say Stasi museum anywhere. The building is unmarked and the inside door is unmarked. In fact I think the door inside the building had a doctor name or something else. They kept the secrecy from the era alive today.
http://coldwarsites.net/country/germany/former-stasi-pre-trial-prison-rostock is the website with a good photo of the outside of the building.
It is the building diagonally across from the Penny Market. Go in the door facing you from the parking lot. Go up one flight of stairs it is the first door on the right. You will know you're in the right place when the door opens and there's a giant cage in front of you.
They offer an audio tour in many languages. I'm sure that is adequately informative but clearly not intriguing. Ask the guide for a tour. It was awesome.
They start the basement where the truck came in with the prisoners. From there we got the whole process. We saw the initial interrogation holding cells, the living quarters, the outside cell. She made the process come to life by filling in a lot of details and answering questions as they arose. The last prisoner was taken in 1989.
Written September 3, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janet S
Martinez, CA12 contributions
Jul 2017 • Solo
Its important that we not forget the lives of these people pre-1989. We were given directions to cross the car park by the supermarket, and not be put off by the uninviting doorway and stair! Inside there was information in English to read, but best was the FREE audio guide available from the office by the door. Just ask! It made the visit so much more interesting.
Written August 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pamela F
Powell River, Canada1,361 contributions
Jun 2016 • Couples
During the Cold War East Germany had a secret police force called the STASI that monitored the general population and apprehended those they considered to be a threat to the state. Many citizens just disappeared behind the doors of this prison and were held in isolation for lengthy periods of time awaiting trial. The prison, now a museum and documentation centre, provides an insight into the brutality suffered by those who spent time here. A visit here is not uplifting but it is a graphic reminder of what atrocities man can inflict on fellow man. Sobering. For the price of admission you get an audio guide; in addition there are English explanations printed throughout the prison if you look for them.The prison is not that easy to find as it is in a residential area separate from the old town that draws tourists. It's only a short walk though and worth it.
Written June 28, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris C
Lakeville, MN316 contributions
Aug 2015 • Family
This documentation center and memorial museum in the former Stasi pre-trial prison is absolutely fascinating for anyone who has even a rudimentary interest in the Stasi secret police or the oppressive Communist regime of East Germany. My 13-year old son and I took the train from Warnemunde, and following directions we pieced together from Google maps and a Rick Steves guidebook, we walked to the museum in about 12 minutes. It took a bit of searching once we were in the area, however, as the signage for the museum is very vague and small. Look for the signs indicating the University of Rostock building and the Documentation Centre and Memorial across the parking lot from the Penny grocery store.
There are no guided tours available unless you are part of a group, but there is an audioguide available in a few different languages, including English. The museum consists primarily of former cells, some of which have been left in their stark, prison state. Others have been converted to displays with photos and information describing many facets of the prison and those who were unlucky enough to end up there. The displays are very open about the inhumane treatment of the prisoners held there.
People who were held here were arrested primarily for "subversive" activities, including speaking out against the government, making political jokes or signs, or trying to leave the GDR. This was a pre-trial prison because those arrested and held there were awaiting trial, and many of them were subjected to psychological pressure and interrogation tactics that were intended to break them. Their coerced confessions were then used against them in the sham trials.
The center was also a storage place for information gathered from unofficial informants, often friends and family members of people of interest to the State. Fascinating stories about these informants and the information they provided are included in the displays. The Stasi also forged official stamps and seals from countries around the world, and they used the documents they created to make fake documents they used as evidence against prisoners. The unethical practices the Stasi used are described in clear, unrelenting fashion. This museum pulls no punches.
If in the area, you owe it to yourself to check out this museum if you have any interest in life behind the Iron Curtain. You'll learn a lot and see things that are exceptionally interesting. I appreciate the fact that the citizens of Rostock chose to share this place and all of its secrets with the public instead of burying it. Both myself and my son enjoyed our visit a lot.
There are no guided tours available unless you are part of a group, but there is an audioguide available in a few different languages, including English. The museum consists primarily of former cells, some of which have been left in their stark, prison state. Others have been converted to displays with photos and information describing many facets of the prison and those who were unlucky enough to end up there. The displays are very open about the inhumane treatment of the prisoners held there.
People who were held here were arrested primarily for "subversive" activities, including speaking out against the government, making political jokes or signs, or trying to leave the GDR. This was a pre-trial prison because those arrested and held there were awaiting trial, and many of them were subjected to psychological pressure and interrogation tactics that were intended to break them. Their coerced confessions were then used against them in the sham trials.
The center was also a storage place for information gathered from unofficial informants, often friends and family members of people of interest to the State. Fascinating stories about these informants and the information they provided are included in the displays. The Stasi also forged official stamps and seals from countries around the world, and they used the documents they created to make fake documents they used as evidence against prisoners. The unethical practices the Stasi used are described in clear, unrelenting fashion. This museum pulls no punches.
If in the area, you owe it to yourself to check out this museum if you have any interest in life behind the Iron Curtain. You'll learn a lot and see things that are exceptionally interesting. I appreciate the fact that the citizens of Rostock chose to share this place and all of its secrets with the public instead of burying it. Both myself and my son enjoyed our visit a lot.
Written September 2, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Breanna0628
Ottawa, Canada41 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
We were looking forward to visiting this museum as we had a cruise ship stop in Warnemunde. Unfortunately we didn't find out until we got there that it's currently closed until fall 2018. I'm sure it would be super interesting inside but would have liked to know beforehand that we wouldn't be able to go in!
Written May 26, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
longhorn74
Arlington, VA20,493 contributions
Jul 2015 • Couples
We had had a private tour of the Stasi HQ in Berlin many years ago and, based on our interest in Cold War history, we knew that we'd want to visit the Stasi Pre-Trial Prison during our stop in Rostock on a recent Baltic Sea Cruise.
We walked from the Rostock train station and using a city map and knowing that the prison was next to the Penny supermarket parking lot, we had no trouble finding it. We arrived in the early afternoon and found ourselves as the only visitors. While guided tours are not offered (except for groups), there are audiotours available (in English and many other languages) for free. Admission to the prison is also free.
Having a knowledge of German history, the Cold War and Stasi itself was useful to us, but the audiotour did a good job of describing what it was like to be a prisoner here. The audiotour also described some of the excellent displays in the hallway between the cells. You may enter many of the prison cells, some of which are left as they looked in the 1960s and 1970s and some of which have displays of photos and documents. (Not everything had a caption in English.)
Our visit lasted around 75 minutes which was enough time to listen to all of the entries on the audiotour and explore both levels of the prison. I recommend a visit here to anyone with a interest in German or Cold War history.
We walked from the Rostock train station and using a city map and knowing that the prison was next to the Penny supermarket parking lot, we had no trouble finding it. We arrived in the early afternoon and found ourselves as the only visitors. While guided tours are not offered (except for groups), there are audiotours available (in English and many other languages) for free. Admission to the prison is also free.
Having a knowledge of German history, the Cold War and Stasi itself was useful to us, but the audiotour did a good job of describing what it was like to be a prisoner here. The audiotour also described some of the excellent displays in the hallway between the cells. You may enter many of the prison cells, some of which are left as they looked in the 1960s and 1970s and some of which have displays of photos and documents. (Not everything had a caption in English.)
Our visit lasted around 75 minutes which was enough time to listen to all of the entries on the audiotour and explore both levels of the prison. I recommend a visit here to anyone with a interest in German or Cold War history.
Written August 7, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jānis Bērziņš
Riga, Latvia4 contributions
Jul 2019 • Solo
For now the museum is closed because of repairs. There are no info or directions to the museum and its entrance, it can be very difficult to find the museum and especially the entrance.
Written July 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martin P
Dundee, UK290 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
If you have any interest in the former DDR you must visit this city centre museum situated halfway between the railway station and the university square.Its an ugly new building welded onto the rear of the court opposite a Pennies supermarket resembling a british DWP building plus bars at the windows! They call it a pre trial prison but detention could be as long as two years with frequent interrogations making more properly named a torture centre!
Unfortunately its closed for refurbishment and will open later in 2018
Unfortunately its closed for refurbishment and will open later in 2018
Written June 17, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MancTeacher
Manchester, UK335 contributions
Oct 2016 • Couples
I took the English speaking tour to the museum. This took about two hours, including a documentary at the beginning.
The prison itself is chilling and you are taken into the cells and you can see how claustrophobic it is. The guide explains what conditions were like and how the prison changed hands, leading to a different experience for the inmates. You also receive a great deal of information about the context of how people ended up there.
If you visit the wall also, everything becomes linked, but it is disturbing and provocative. I absolutely loved the tour and found it really stimulating. But for some, it might be a tad too grim.
But, if you go expecting to be informed, given back stories and to see what the experience was like - then you will find this immersive experience to be one of the highlights of your trip to Berlin.
One of the major things I took away from the tour was how many people did not really know the prison existed. There were rumours but the prison vans were often disguised as fruit and veg vans, so passers by would have no idea. The lengths that the Stasi went through to get information and taunt people is unbelievable to our society.
But, that's why you need to visit because it did happen and the more we are reminded, the less likely it is to happen again.
At 6 Euros per person, this tour is a must. But I would not bring young children. A highlight of my trip to Berlin.
The prison itself is chilling and you are taken into the cells and you can see how claustrophobic it is. The guide explains what conditions were like and how the prison changed hands, leading to a different experience for the inmates. You also receive a great deal of information about the context of how people ended up there.
If you visit the wall also, everything becomes linked, but it is disturbing and provocative. I absolutely loved the tour and found it really stimulating. But for some, it might be a tad too grim.
But, if you go expecting to be informed, given back stories and to see what the experience was like - then you will find this immersive experience to be one of the highlights of your trip to Berlin.
One of the major things I took away from the tour was how many people did not really know the prison existed. There were rumours but the prison vans were often disguised as fruit and veg vans, so passers by would have no idea. The lengths that the Stasi went through to get information and taunt people is unbelievable to our society.
But, that's why you need to visit because it did happen and the more we are reminded, the less likely it is to happen again.
At 6 Euros per person, this tour is a must. But I would not bring young children. A highlight of my trip to Berlin.
Written October 30, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carlo R
Milan, Italy330 contributions
Apr 2016 • Solo
This pre-trial prison operated by the Stasi is located in a low-profile building very close to the centre of Rostock. The entrance is in front of a store. You would never say it is a prison even when you come inside, just a very shabby GDR building. It reveals itself as a far from innocent building when you finally come to the area where the cells are.
The place can be visited free of charge with an audioguide in English. The exhibition is well presented and in-depth.
The place is really sad and comparable to the Stasi prison in Hohenschoenhausen (Berlin), even though this is smaller and served another function. The atmosphere is really oppressive, with a pervasive smell of still air and warm old plastic. Really grim and sad.
Public parking nearby.
The only thing I regret is that some minor parts of the prison (including punishment cells) are only accessible with guided tours, which are only for groups.
The visit may take about an hour, including an interesting exhibition on the "sea border" of the GDR, i.e. the Baltic coast, which just like the land border with the GFR was accurately patrolled, and some people trying to escape by sea lost their lives in the attempt.
The place can be visited free of charge with an audioguide in English. The exhibition is well presented and in-depth.
The place is really sad and comparable to the Stasi prison in Hohenschoenhausen (Berlin), even though this is smaller and served another function. The atmosphere is really oppressive, with a pervasive smell of still air and warm old plastic. Really grim and sad.
Public parking nearby.
The only thing I regret is that some minor parts of the prison (including punishment cells) are only accessible with guided tours, which are only for groups.
The visit may take about an hour, including an interesting exhibition on the "sea border" of the GDR, i.e. the Baltic coast, which just like the land border with the GFR was accurately patrolled, and some people trying to escape by sea lost their lives in the attempt.
Written April 30, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mintymuzza
Windsor and Maidenhead, UK3 contributions
Does anyone know when this will re-open?
ldavis32
Grimsby, Canada5 contributions
Looking to go this July. What will the hours of operation be?
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