It was located 35 kilometres (22 mi) north of Berlin, which gave it a primary position among the German concentration camps: the administrative centre of all concentration camps was located in Oranienburg, and Sachsenhausen became a training centre for Schutzstaffel (SS) officers (who would often be sent to oversee other camps afterwards).
El era situat la o distanță de 35 km nord de Berlin, ceea ce-i oferea o poziție importantă printre lagărele de concentrare germane: centrul administrativ al tuturor lagărelelor de concentrare se afla în Oranienburg, iar Sachsenhausen a devenit un centru de formare pentru ofițeri Schutzstaffel (SS) (care erau trimiși adesea pentru a supraveghea alte lagăre ulterior).