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Unless you are on a specially organized coach tour, most visitors will approach Auschwitz from Cracow. The simplest way of getting to the museum is by bus from the main station. Trains are less frequent but take roughly the same amount of time; about one and a half hours. The latter is the more unsettling choice, and although trains no longer run to the camps themselves, the railway line is still clearly visible at Birkenau, right up to where the crematoriums once stood.
The bus journey, especially if you are on the Krzeszowice road, is itself thought provoking. After leaving wealthy Cracow behind, it soon becomes apparent the extent to which Poland is still recovering from the war and its ramifications. By and large this is an impoverished land.
Background
Prior to the war, the camp territory had housed a Polish artillery barracks. After Poland's defeat, the Nazis set about converting it into a concentration camp. The liquidation of the Polish intelligentsia was a key element in Nazi policy, and the first inmates were sent here in June 1940; 728 Polish political prisoners from the old Renaissance town of Tarnow. By Spring 1942 a much larger campaign had been set in motion, a campaign to eradicate Jews from across Europe.
Jews were sent to Auschwitz from occupied countries, and the creation of two more camps, Monowitz (a vast industrial plant) and Birkenau, made this area the greatest focus for Nazi murder. Prisoners of war from across Europe were amongst the casualties, particularly Soviets. Gypsies and homosexuals were also targeted by Nazi policy. Many victims died of exhaustion or torture whilst thousands more were shot. A gas chamber and crematorium were operated here, as were much larger ones at Birkenau. This factory-like method of execution saw the Jews as its largest victims in what was an unprecedented campaign. It is estimated that between 1,100,000 and 1,500,000 people died at the Auschwitz camps, the vast majority - over 90% - being Jews who perished in the gas chambers.
The Museum
A short film, drawing on archive footage of the liberation of the camp in January 1945, serves as a small introduction. From here you enter the camp proper, with its immediately recognizable gateway, inscribed with the words 'Arbeit Macht Frei', 'Work Makes Freedom', a notorious welcome if ever there was one.
The camp is spread over a relatively compact area, with neat rows of blocks containing just under forty buildings. There is a lot to take in. Hiring an English speaking guide is not a bad idea, but it is certainly important to reserve some time to explore the camp by yourself. There are many individual exhibitions, including those devoted to each of the major victims of the camps, first and foremost the Jews, and also Poles, Russians and Gypsies. There is the gas chamber with its crematorium - the insignia of the old German firm, Topf und Sohne, still being readable. There are also the cells and former living quarters of the inmates. These are stark, and looking through the keyholes is a peculiar experience. Finally there are the plain exhibits of what was found here on the liberation of the camp. Here there are rooms of clothing, general belongings and even hair of victims. These are amongst the most powerful exhibits of the camp.
Some parts of Auschwitz have been reconstructed after war-time damage so not every building is as it was in 1945. But few could argue that the museum is not faithful, and the exhibitions will speak for themselves.
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 | | "I have recently visited Auschwitz and Birkenau. The experience was profound and moving. In my thoughts are all the people who lost their lives; the vast number of Jews and also those others, who, for whatever reason, we do not hear so much about; homosexuals, gypsies, Jehovah's Witnesses, Russians, Polish people among others. The lessons are there to be learnt if only we would take the time to learn them." | Jen Lewis
United Kingdom
Apr.09.2008
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "I´m about to visit the camp in april 2008. I´ve never been there but have been very interested in that entire period in europe. I think we all know and recognize what went on there, unfortunately it is more then often used as a precedent for the current situation in the middle east.Has anybody ever been in Palestina, seen how those people suffer and have been pushed away from their lands. The nazi´s didn´t start with the extermination camps until 1941, and from 1933 until 1939 have tried to force jews to leave germany but in fact, nobody in europe wanted them. The maximum quota for the USA was 10.000 per year... Entire trains were turned back on the Dutch border in 1939 even. If there is blaim, there is plenty to go around, ALL european nations (and Poland as nr.1 with an anti-semite government and teachings in that period, the idea to exterminate jews originated from there). The USSR was probably treating their jewish population worse then the germans if possible, and this went on AFTER the war, from one camp in germany to the next in Siberia...
No excuse for anything, but it is time for a shared, collective guild and one that can also be put in history, so behind us, as has been done with the crusades, middle ages progroms, the boer war, etc etc." | Patrick
Netherlands
Apr.05.2008
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "I have to say anyboby visiting Poland should take time to go to Auschwitz. It is definately an eye opener and an experience you will never forget. We had a tour guide during our visit, but I do believe that your better off going round the concentration camp at your own leisure. We were only in Poland for a few days so we didn't have a lot of time.
Certainly makes you feel different about life. " | Sarah Harrison
United Kingdom
Mar.28.2008
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "I have always been interested in the holocaust trying to understand how people could inflict such horror on other human beings. I am about to visit auschwitz for the first time and i am currently 5 months pregnant which makes it all the more poignient knowing that if i was of that generation being sent to Auschwitz i would have been either gassed or experimented on. I feel that although it would have been an emotional journey now carrying my first child i feel extremely nervous about going but feel i need to to understand the atrocities carried out there fully." | Ally
United Kingdom
Mar.25.2008
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "i have aushwitz camp twice in 2006 a guided tour, and 2007 i spend a full day on my own.Not a day goes buy but i think of the place and all the people murdered there. EVERY TIME I EAT I THINK OF THE INMATES WHO DIED OF STARVATION.I hope to go back there again in the next year.yes a very sad place but a place everybody should visit." | brendan cahill
Ireland
Mar.08.2008
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "I,ve just come back from Auschwitz/Berkenau.
All I can say is, that is was an experience I think everyone with a sympathetic heart should visit.
I didnt know exactly what to expect to be honest, but I wouldnt of missed going for the world.
The atmosphere was extremeley intense from everyone that visited and unless you,ve been there there are no words that can express the true feelings that goes through you.
It was an experience I will never forget, and to be honest I dont want to forget.
I hope that whoever visits Auschwitz/Berkenau will remember all that went on in that dreadful full place and come away feeling how lucky we are.
" | Krissy
United Kingdom
Mar.04.2008
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "i am about to visit Auschwitz and am feeling apprehensive, it is going to be something i remember for ever, and yet, because of my jewish heritage i am dreading the reallisation of the damage that was caused.
Its a depressing thought that so few people realise the true horrors that occured." | sophie
United Kingdom
Feb.20.2008
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "My children, age 15 and 16, along with my parents, who are fluent in Polish visited Auschwitz in July 2007. My parents came to America when they were young children. This was not my first visit to Auschwitz but my 2nd. My first visit was when I was young. I am glad my kids were old enough to appreciate this visit. This is a very sobering journey. Truely, you can feel the aura of those that suffered in this camp. In many buildings throughout Auschwitz it is so quiet you can here a pin drop. This is something that can never truely be explained, it has to be felt. If you ever have the chance to visit, do not think once, but twice, and consider what you will never again experience in your lifetime. It is by acknowleding the past, we can prepare for the future." | Lydia K
United States
Jan.22.2008
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "I,m visiting Krakow in March 08.
I will be visiting to auschwitz and Birkenau.
So why do I feel nervous?
I know what went on in this place and places like it, however hard it is to believe and imagine that such cruelty did and could happen.
I have read other peoples reviews and although I,m excited about going ( if excited is the right word to use, I apologise if its not! ) I cant believe how nervous I am.
Last year I visited another place that is recognised in Amsterdam, and although it was a sad place to visit I could honestly say I didnt feel the atmosphere I thought I would.
I,ll let you know what I think when I get back.
Wish me luck xx" | Krissy
United Kingdom
Dec.28.2007
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "thats such a horrible thing that happend what sick person would want to do that! " | aimee
United States
Dec.18.2007
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Nothing can prepare you for this place. I couldnt imagine anyone not being profoundly shocked and disturbed by this place- really it is just terrifing. Were only back a couple of days so it hasnt all sunk in- but already I know its somthing that will stay with me forever. We paid 300 Zlotys for a Taxi from Crakow and took the offical tour. We only stayed about an 1.5hrs- maybe we should have taken longer, but on the other hand maybe it was long enough. If you've ever make/made or laughed at a Racist 'joke' Auschwitz will make think about just how dangerous these can be. " | Dave
Ireland
Dec.16.2007
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "very sad story fortunately most of the natzies are dead now" | nick
United States
Nov.28.2007
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "i think it is very evil wot the nazi done to the jews ect they would not like it if that hampend to them when i learnd about mind camp i was about crying" | meaghan
United Kingdom
Nov.28.2007
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "I think what the Nazis did was terrible but learning about this at school is really interesting. " | ashleigh
New Zealand
Nov.27.2007
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "wat a sickening place.
it discusting 2 think of wat ppl went thru there.
i read a book caled the boy in the striped pyjamas and it is now one of my favourites.
quite depressing for a skool book tho.
xxx" | meg
Ireland
Nov.22.2007
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "The Auschwitz is an incredible place. It reminds us the power that one individual can poses, and it teaches us to work together and to stand up to the power Hungary individuals who live in our world. " | jen m
Canada
Nov.19.2007
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "i cant belive the Jews had to look at these signs everyday!" | Hannah
United Kingdom
Nov.19.2007
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "My visit to Auschwitz in June this year was an experience that will remain with me forever. Even having read much about the history and horrors of this place I was not prepared for what I saw or the emotions I experienced during my visit." | Raylene Mathew
New Zealand
Oct.10.2007
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "I visited Poland in the summer of 2007 and one of the most astonishing and haunting places I have ever visited was Auschwitz. I am still deeply affected. It was an unforgetable experience." | F. Vazquez
United States
Oct.02.2007
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Myself and a party of 7 went to the camps on 14 Sept a very good knowledgable experience very sad that the murder of so many people is just to unbeleiveable to understand without visiting both camps you do not understand what took part here." | Brian
United Kingdom
Sep.16.2007
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Travelled to Auschwitz via a bus which leaves from the main bus station and takes you directly to the museum. Once there we joined an English tour group. Auschwitz is one of the most interesting places I have ever been to and has left a profounding effect on me." | katy
United Kingdom
Aug.31.2007
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "I went to the camp in october 06. It was very interesting and my parents told me to be prepared. I wasn't sure what they meant buit when i got there and saw the film i knew what they mean't. I am now doing my school project on the death camps and it's going to be great. I want my fellow students to learn about the tough times Jews had everyday." | H forgan
Australia
Jul.25.2007
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "I was visiting the camps a few weeks ago and since then every single day I think over and I realise the impact it had on my life. Really everybody should visit a concentration camp -at least once in their life- to avoid further nacionalism or identity differences." | P Colomer
United Kingdom
Jul.10.2007
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Make sure your means of transportation is affording you sufficient time to explore both camps ( Auchswitz and Birkenau ), providing transportation between both , and lasting the best part of a full day . Everyone's reaction to the place is personal and unique , but , cetrainly , it is a tour you will keep in your heart and mind forever ." | John O NeillI
Ireland
Jun.19.2007
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "i visted twice,march 2006 and oct 2006 and think of it almost every day.i feel a connection there. imagination?,maybe. to be there in the snow and to sit and think of what happened is something that will never leave me. the whole world should go there and learn.tom" | tom reynolds
United Kingdom
Jun.17.2007
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "great site, very educational." | myra
United States
Apr.22.2007
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "I would suggest you get the local train (return about 28zlotty - £6) to Auschwitz. only ten 15 min walk to camp from station in village. Official tour is about 160 to 180 zlotty (£35 - £40 ) by booking via you hotel.
Also allows you to look around camp on your own at your leisure and not in a group with no option but follow your 'guide'. A REAL EYE OPENER OF A VISIT - REALITY CHECK OF A PLACE TO VISIT." | Drew Duncan
United Kingdom
Mar.31.2007
rates this page 3/5 |
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