Auschwitz from Krakow tour
Whenever people say they are visiting Auschwitz from Krakow, it tends to put you in a spot. As you can’t really tell them ‘Enjoy your trip' or 'have fun' or 'I'm really pleased you're visiting Auschwitz. Everything sounds awkward.
So, in this article we are not going to explain the history or various facts and figures of Auschwitz. In any case you will learn about the Auschwitz concentration camp from our expert guide and educator at the museum.
All we can tell you is that both camps are worth visiting, whatever your nationality and whether the horrific events of WWII directly affected you or not. It’s a deeply engaging place, but at the same time, depressing.
Auschwitz consists of several camps near the Polish town of Oswiecim. The 2 major complexes are:
- The concentration camp Auschwitz I
- Auschwitz II Birkenau extermination camp
Auschwitz I
Today, Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II have been converted into a museum and memorial to commemorate all those who lost their lives there. While visiting Auschwitz I, the first thing visible is the gates with the infamous sign 'Arbeit Macht Frei' (work sets you free). Inside, a few prison blocks and buildings are restored in order to display the evidence i.e., personal belongings and pictures found at the camps. For example: you will find millions of clothing items, shoes, jewellery and suitcases that belonged to men, women, and children. You will also get an opportunity to explore the gas chamber and see the place where many lives were taken. As visitors pass through the chambers, they maintain complete silence as a mark of respect to the people who lost their lives here.
Auschwitz II
Auschwitz-Birkenau is located a few km from Auschwitz I. This camp is bigger in size and was built in 1941 to house the large number of deportees from different parts of Europe. In January 1945, just before its liberation, the Germans Nazis blew up most of the barracks and crematoriums to hide their crimes, but it’s still worth a visit. As you explore the site, its sheer size will make you realise how big this operation was. And it can be a very unsettling experience. The tour ends at Auschwitz-Birkenau, and if you arrive by a private tour, you will be taken directly back to Krakow from here.
Finally, a visit to Auschwitz will leave you shocked and saddened - quite likely for a few days after your visit. It's best to organise your tour for the first full day after you arrive in Krakow. In this way, you can spend your remaining time touring the castles and gardens of restored Krakow itself, and this might go a long way in restoring your faith in humanity.
Rosotravel has more than 5 years of experience in organizing tours of the Auschwitz Museum and Birkenau Camp near Krakow.
So, don’t wait any longer, visit us at www.rosotravel.com and book one of our Auschwitz from Krakow tours today!!