Auschwitz (Krakow)

Located just one hour from historic Krakow are the notorious Nazi concentration camps of Auschwitz and Birkenau. It is arguably the most heart rendering and evocative place in Europe, and attracts almost one million visitors each year of all faiths and ages. Much of it was systematically destroyed at the end of the war by the retreating Nazis and the Allies, but this huge site still displays lots of its original buildings and plenty of harrowing, thought provoking displays. On cheap city breaks to Krakow, you should plan for the best part of a day to fully experience Auschwitz, which is easily accessible by train or by public buses from the city centre.

 

The preserved camp buildings display hundreds of photographs, documents and film reel, and perhaps the most thought provoking exhibits of all are the everyday personal effects such as the mountain of hair, shoes and suitcases. Many of the displays pull no punches, and some people on a Krakow short break will find it traumatic. The Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum, as it is officially known, is a UNESCO world heritage site and includes an imposing International Monument to the Victims of Fascism, the evocative Museum of Martyrdom and the Auschwitz Jewish Centre and synagogue. 

 

Due to its popularity, visitors are required to join an official guided tour of the camp during the summer months, which normally last up to four hours and is the best way to experience this immense site. At quieter times, you can explore at leisure and entrance is free to all. A free bus links to the adjacent camp of Birkenau, which is usually left out of many Krakow short break itineraries, due to limited time or because for many people it is simply too harrowing. This is the site of the extermination camps and gas chambers and only here do you really get a sense of the sheer scale of tragedy. A tour of Auschwitz is an inspiring and evocative experience that is simply impossible to forget.