Archaeological investigations on the site of the former Gusen concentration camp

Since mid-August, preliminary archaeological excavations have been taking place on the site of the former Gusen concentration camp as part of the ongoing redesign of the Gusen Memorial. The areas under investigation include the site of the former roll call square, around the stone crusher, the grounds of the former SS junior officers’ quarters and outside the entrance to the ‘Bergkristall’ tunnel system.

The aim of the excavations, which are being carried out by ARDIG in consultation with the Burghauptmannschaft Österreich, is to gain a better understanding of the existing structural remains. Knowledge gained from these excavations will help to ensure that any historical findings are integrated as effectively as possible into the new memorial site at Gusen.

Initial construction measures are expected to begin during the implementation phase from 2028. This has been preceded by an 18-month participation process. The results of this process were incorporated into a master plan, which now serves as the basis for the new memorial site to be completed by 2031. Further information on the expansion and redesign is available here: Development – Gusen Memorial