For History Lovers – Visit Auschwitz Concentration Camp in Poland

Auschwitz was a Nazi-controlled concentration camp where over 1.1 million people died. It is one of the most depressing periods in European history. Auschwitz-Birkenau is near Krakow, Poland, which is now one of the most important cities in Europe. Although it is not a typical holiday activity, visiting Auschwitz is critical for learning about our history and, more importantly, preventing humanity from repeating the same mistakes.

What exactly was Auschwitz?

Initially, Auschwitz was intended to be a detention facility for Polish anti-Nazi activists, politicians, and others who were arrested when Germany took over the country in 1939.

The Nazis were a German mass movement led by Adolf Hitler that promoted anti-Semitism.

Hitler was adamant that the only way to solve his problem was to exterminate all Jews. As a result, the “Final Solution” was implemented, which deported all Jews, as well as artists, educators, Gypsies, Romas, homosexuals, and the handicapped, who lived in Germany and countries annexed by the Nazis, to concentration camps. A long list of nations, including Hungary, Poland, the Netherlands, France, Italy, and others!

What occurred at Auschwitz?

By the 1940s, Jews were living in Ghettos, believing that they were being relocated to give them a second chance and a fresh start. Before boarding a train to an unknown destination, each person was permitted to bring a suitcase weighing up to 25 kg. As many as 150 people were crammed into a cattle car with only one toilet and no food or water; terrible considering the train journeys ranged from 4 to 10 days!

Auschwitz gas chambers

After a horrifying journey, people arrived at Auschwitz dirty and needed to clean up in the showers. The guards’ secret selection divided the people into groups. Those presumed unfit for work, such as young children, pregnant women, and the elderly, were ordered to shower. Unfortunately, these showers turned out to be gas chambers. Their bodies were then cremated in crematory ovens.

“75% of each transport to Auschwitz were killed when they arrived and took a shower.”

Why was Auschwitz created?

Auschwitz was the ideal location for Hitler’s plan of mass extermination. For starters, it was centrally located in all German-occupied countries, and its proximity to train lines made transporting the detainees simple.

A visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau

Today, Auschwitz I and II (Birkenau) have been turned into museums as a memorial to those who died there.

The gates with the infamous sign “Arbeit Macht Frei” (“work sets you free”) are the first thing visible when visiting. This was something that everyone who entered Auschwitz was told. The unfortunate reality was that most never made it out; in fact, less than 10% of those who passed through the gates survived.

Suitcases, shoes, and hair

Some of the prison blocks have been restored to display evidence such as personal belongings and photographs discovered at Auschwitz-Birkenau.

When the Soviet Union liberated the camp in 1945, they discovered starving prisoners as well as horrifying evidence demonstrating the context of the operations at Auschwitz.

Millions of clothing items and other items, such as jewelry and suitcases, belonged to men, women, and children, for example. Furthermore, the Red Army discovered 6,350kg of human hair after prisoners were shaved and their hair was used to make textiles.

The tour includes a visit to the gas chambers

You will be able to enter a gas chamber and get up close and personal with the place where many lives were taken at Auschwitz I. It is requested that visitors pass through the chambers in complete silence as a mark of respect for those who lost their lives here.

Birkenau (Auschwitz II)

After a short bus ride from Auschwitz I to Birkenau, the tour continues (Auschwitz II). Birkenau is a memorial, whereas Auschwitz is a museum. The majority of the killings took place at Birkenau, where the Nazis industrialized death.

The railway track runs through the center of the property. This is where prisoners from all over Europe would have arrived before being led directly into one of the four gas chambers to’shower.’ Others who were able to work slept in the barracks, which resembled a horse stable and had bunk beds in which prisoners were packed together.

Evidence destruction at Birkenau

When the Red Army arrived in 1945, the Nazis destroyed the majority of Birkenau’s buildings in order to conceal the evidence. The collapsed buildings where the gas chambers once stood can still be seen today.

Auschwitz – Birkenau Tour Tickets

At Auschwitz, you have a few tour options, but remember to book your tickets far in advance! The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is open every day at 8 a.m. Your tour options are as follows:

1 – Tour with guide

A guided tour of Auschwitz is required to fully comprehend its history. You can join a 3.5-hour tour in your language and listen to the story through a headset. This allows you to wander around a bit and not have to stick with your guide for the entire tour. The 3.5-hour guided tour costs 75 ZL (16.5 EUR) and includes the bus ride from Auschwitz to Birkenau. Because of its popularity, reservations must be made well in advance.

2 – Full tour, including transportation from Krakow

During your visit to Auschwitz, you will most likely be staying in Krakow. The most convenient option is a fully organized tour that includes transportation from Krakow (1.5 hours one-way). The prices for these tours begin at 30 EUR.

3 – Free self-guided tour

If you’re on a tight budget, you can get a free ticket without a guide from the Auschwitz website. However, keep in mind that these tickets are only valid for afternoon timeslots.

Are photos allowed at Auschwitz?

Yes, you are permitted to take photographs. Just remember to turn off your flash, as it may damage the items displayed.

How long is the Auschwitz tour?

The Auschwitz-Birkenau tour lasts 3.5 hours. However, if you are traveling from Krakow, you should allow an additional 3 hours for transportation.

Getting to Auschwitz-Birkenau

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is approximately 1.5 hours away from Krakow. There are several ways to get there.

Tours that are organized

The most convenient option is to take a guided tour. The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, including 3 hours of driving time. You can easily book your tour online here.

Using public transportation

The train ride from Krakow Glowny to Oswiecim takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes and costs 16 ZL (3.5 EUR). The station in Oswiecim is about 2 kilometers from Auschwitz; you can take a local bus or walk there.

Alternatively, take the train from Krakow to Krzeszowice and then transfer to a bus bound for Oswiecim. This trip should take about 2 hours.

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