FAQ
Where does the International Commemoration and Liberation Ceremony take place?
The International Commemoration and Liberation Ceremony will take place on 11 May 2025 at the Mauthausen Memorial (Erinnerungsstraße 1, Mauthausen). Driving up to the concentration camp memorial site is not possible until the end of the International Liberation Ceremony. A free shuttle bus will take you from the Donaupark Mauthausen to the concentration camp memorial. The route to the shuttle bus station will be signposted on 11 May 2025. You can find a location map for orientation online.
When does the International Commemoration and Liberation Ceremony start?
The International Commemoration and Liberation Ceremony starts punctually at 11:00 am. In order to have enough time to take the shuttle bus to the memorial site, we recommend arriving at the concentration camp memorial site between 10 am and 10.30 am. Before the International Liberation and Commemoration Ceremony, numerous commemoration ceremonies will take place at the national monuments and memorial plaques. The exact dates can be found in our programm here.
How can I get there?
It is not possible to drive to the memorial site by car. You can reach Mauthausen railway station by train via Linz or St. Valentin. The entrance to the free shuttle bus is about a 10-minute walk from Mauthausen railway station. If you are travelling by car, there are plenty of parking spaces available at the Donaupark Mauthausen. The shuttle bus runs directly to the memorial from 7.30 am to 4 pm.
How long does the ceremony last?
The International Commemoration and Liberation Ceremony ends at around 13:00. Before and after the main ceremony, commemorative ceremonies will be held at many national monuments and memorial plaques. Further information can be found in our programm.
Do I need a ticket to attend the International Commemoration and Liberation Ceremony?
No, an admission ticket is not necessary. Participation in the International Commemoration and Liberation Ceremony is free for everyone.
Do I have to register as a visitor?
It is not necessary to register for the International Commemoration and Liberation Ceremony; all visitors are welcome to attend.
Registration is only necessary if you wish to attend as a national or international delegation and lay a wreath in remembrance during the ceremony. In this case, please contact the MKÖ office at info@befreiungsfeier.at for further information.
Do I have to register as a delegation?
Yes, if you would like to take part in the International Commemoration and Liberation Ceremony with your national or international delegation as part of the commemorative procession, please register. The MKÖ will send you a registration link in the weeks before the International Commemoration and Liberation Ceremony. If you have not received this, please contact the MKÖ office at info@befreiungsfeier.at.
What should I bring with me?
We recommend sturdy and comfortable shoes, seating is only available for older people and people with disabilities. We also recommend bringing sun or rain protection and plenty of drinking water. The Mauthausen memorial is a very exposed site, so the weather conditions may be different from those at your departure point. Packed lunches and drinks can also be purchased at the bistro in the memorial's visitor center.
What is the schedule of the International Commemoration and Liberation Ceremony?
What does my delegation need to consider?
The line-up of delegations for the commemorative procession starts at 10.20 am. Please be on site at this time. The delegations will line up in alphabetical order (following the german names of the delegations) along the former camp road.
Detailed information for delegations (PDF)
Please contact the MKÖ's stewards, who will be happy to support you. They will inform you of your exact position in the memorial procession. With regard to the military ceremonial, we ask all military personnel and organisations present to limit this to carrying the flag during the joint ceremony. No weapons of any kind are permitted at the International Commemoration and Liberation Ceremony. The International Commemoration and Liberation Ceremony is governed by rules and regulations which must be observed.
How do I behave at the memorial?
The Mauthausen Concentration Camp Memorial is a place of remembrance, a cemetery and a place of learning. Over 200,000 people were interned in the Mauthausen concentration camp and over 100,000 people were murdered there by the National Socialists. In order to enable a dignified commemoration, we ask all visitors to behave respectfully in the concentration camp memorial. Do not leave any rubbish, cigarette butts or similar behind. Treat the memorials with respect. Do not disrupt commemorations at the national monuments and memorial plaques. Do your part to ensure a beautiful and dignified commemoration. Observe the site regulations.
My delegation wants to lay a wreath. Can I hand in the wreath in advance?
Yes, wreaths will be accepted until 4.30 pm on the Saturday before the ceremony and can be handed in at the main gate by 7.30 am on Sunday. These wreaths will then be presented to you during the procession at the former "Appellplatz", directly behind the main gate. It is important that the wreath clearly indicates which delegation it is to be presented to. If you are unable to hand over the wreath by 7.30 a.m. on Sunday at the latest, you can carry it yourself during the line-up and the procession.
Is it possible for the highest representatives of the delegations to drive to the concentration camp memorial site?
Very limited parking spaces are available at the Mauthausen Memorial for the highest international and national representatives of the delegations. We ask for your understanding that the number of parking spaces determined by the Memorial cannot be exceeded.Please let us know when you register whether you require a parking space (this only applies to the highest-ranking representatives).We will inform you after your registration whether parking spaces are available.You will need a delivery card to deliver the wreaths.With this you can drive to the memorial site by 7.30am at the latest, parking is not permitted.With a parking card you can drive to the memorial and park there at any time. To apply for a parking or delivery card, please contact info@befreiungsfeier.at.
Will photos and videos be taken of the International Commemoration and Liberation Ceremony?
Yes, the International Commemoration and Liberation Ceremony will be streamed internationally by the Mauthausen Committee Austria on YouTube and at www.befreiungsfeier.at. Photos will be taken by the MKÖ of each delegation in the commemorative procession. These photos will be available for free download in the photo gallery a few days after the ceremony.
How can I make a contribution?
As in previous years, the costs of organizing and holding the International Commemoration and Liberation Ceremony are far from being covered despite the financial support from public authorities. We therefore invite you to make a donation to help us continue our work. Your donation will go directly towards the commemoration and remembrance work.
The Mauthausen Committee Austria works daily for a "never again". Every donation has a direct impact and supports our work.
Our donation account at BAWAG:
IBAN: AT62 1400 0100 1067 4528
BIC: BAWAATWW.
Your donation should be made by stating your first and last name, date of birth and the reason for payment "Donation Liberation Celebration 2025" is tax deductible.