With GPS through history: memory of the forced laborers in Bruttig

With GPS through history: memory of the forced laborers in Bruttig

In the small community of Bruttig on the Moselle, a new geocaching project was launched, which should not only address those interested in history but in particular younger people. The GPS-led tour addresses the former KZ outer warehouse Cochem and is reminiscent of the forced laborers who had to suffer from inhumane conditions there. This initiative illustrates how important it is to learn from history and to keep the memory of the victims alive.

an interactive memory experience

This innovative commemoration project, which was launched by Manfred Ostermann, a former mayor, and experienced geocacher Jens Dlugaiczyk, leads the participants to various historical sites in Bruttig. At five marked points you can scan QR codes, which you lead to further information about the terrible events in 1944. Over 1,500 forced laborers from the Natzweiler concentration camp were brought here to work on a disused railway tunnel - a perfidious practice that described the Nazi rule as "annihilation through work".

make history tangible

geocaching, a modern form of schnitzel hunt, offers the participants the opportunity to immerse themselves in history by solving tasks and finding hidden containers. Ostermann is very important to pass on the knowledge of the camp to younger generations in order not to be forgotten the experiences of the survivors. Many of these contemporary witnesses have told impressive stories about the trauma, which they suffered in the camp, which Ostermann deeply touched.

a memorial stone as a memorial

An important support on the geocaching route leads to a memorial stone in the cemetery in Bruttig. Here seven of the 49 documented victims are buried who lost their lives in the camp. This shows that every station of the route is not only part of an exploration tour, but also an opportunity to pay respect for the victims and to think about the horrors of the past.

an appeal to the present

The geocaching tour leads the participants along the traces of everyday camp and ends at the former entrance of the railway tunnel. Here are still structural remains that impressively testify to the cruel machinations of the National Socialists. Ostermann emphasizes how important it is that the people from the past learn: "We see where political developments can lead. We have already experienced everything!"

conclusion: education through experience

With this unique approach, the support association of the memorial hopes to keep the memory of the events in the outskirts of Cochem concentration camp and to raise awareness of the dangers of extremism and intolerance. Each individual has the opportunity to not only gain knowledge by participating in this geocaching tour, but also actively to participate in the memory of the victims.