Where is Auschwitz ? | Auschwitz Concentration Camp

Are you planning to visit the Auschwitz concentration camp? But not sure where it is? What to expect? How to get there? Which tour to choose from?

We have answered all these questions in this guide, read on and find out.

Why is Auschwitz an important Place?

Of all the concentration camps in history, Auschwitz and Auschwitz-Birkenau were the deadliest. It was part of the Nazi’s ‘Final Solution to the Jewish Question’ and became another word for the ‘Holocaust’.

The estimated death toll in this camp was between 1.1 and 1.5 million, and 90 percent were Jews, the second largest groups of victims were the Poles, followed by the Roma’s, Gypsies, artists, educators, and homosexuals who lived in Germany and other countries annexed by the Nazis.

The tragic history of Auschwitz death camps lasted between 1942 to the end of summer 1944. Jews living in almost every country of Europe were transported there by trains. Most of the victims died due to back-breaking work, inhuman experiments conducted on them or in the gas chambers.

The clever Nazi policy was not to reveal any information about this camp to the people of Germany or the rest of the world.

Visiting Auschwitz concentration camp may not be a typical holiday activity, but it’s important for us to learn about our history and, more importantly, to prevent humanity from repeating the same mistakes.

Recommended Tours : Skip-the-Line Auschwitz-Birkenau Camp Tour with Transport

Where is Auschwitz Located?

Auschwitz concentration camp is located in Oświęcim. It’s a sleepy industrial town situated in the south of Poland near Krakow. Oświęcim was a part of Poland that was annexed by Germany at the beginning of World War II. It actually had three camps in one i.e. a prison camp, a death camp, and a slave-labor camp.

The Nazi’s chose to build Oswiecim as the main concentration camp, as it was in the middle of Europe, and would serve as a central point, and the prisoners could be transported efficiently to their destination.

Select Auschwitz Concentration Camp Tours in Krakow

Where is Auschwitz-I?

Auschwitz-I is situated in the south of Oswiecim. But its history began much before the Second World War, the Nazis made use of the abandoned barracks which were previously used by the Polish and Austrian army, as a place for transient workers. In 1940 the camps sole purpose was to house political prisoners. The first inmates at the camp were 300 Jewish residents of Oswiecim.

Between 1940 and 1941, the residents of the surrounding areas and villages of Oswiecim were forced to leave. The Nazi’s plan was to build a modern residential area for Germans which would include playing fields and schools. Not everything went according to their plans, however, several hundred apartments were built and around 5000 Germans were relocated to Oswiecim.

This was not the end, and the construction of Auschwitz- II (Birkenau concentration camp) began in October 1941.

Where is Auschwitz-II and how was it Different?

Auschwitz-II is set on the eastern side of Oswiecim, and to the left of Auschwitz-I. Auschwitz-II is also known as Auschwitz-Birkenau, this is because 3 kilometers further, village Brzezinka was chosen as a place, where four crematories, a reception building and several other buildings and barracks were built.

According to the Nazi plans each barrack was designed to house between 550 to 750 prisoners. These barracks served as ‘waiting rooms’ for prisoners before they were killed. As the number of prisoners began to rise the camp was further expanded and it became the largest concentration camp spread over 175 hectares. Today, both Auschwitz-I and Birkenau concentration camps are open to visitors.

How to Visit Auschwitz

There are few facilities for tourists near Auschwitz concentration camp, therefore most tourists stay in the city of Krakow and visit Auschwitz on a day’s trip from Krakow.

Auschwitz is 70 kilometers (43 miles) east from Krakow. A round trip to and from Krakow is at least 3 hours. Further, your tour of both camps (Auschwitz-I and Auschwitz-II) will last at least for 4 hours. So you will need an entire day to visit Auschwitz concentration camp, and a day’s tours will take 7 – 8 hours.

There are three ways to reach Auschwitz

1) Visiting on your own: If you plan to visit Auschwitz death camp on your own then there are certain things you should know. First, book your entrance slot in advance.

Second, you should know how to get to Auschwitz. There are two ways to get there.
1) By Bus: A bus trip from Krakow to Auschwitz takes 2 hours, this is the cheapest way to travel.

2) By Train: There are frequent trains from Krakow Glowny Main station to Oswiecim. The Oswiecim station is situated between the two camps. This means you will either need to walk or take a bus or taxi to the first camp – you can then use the free shuttle bus to visit the second camp.

While entry at both Auschwitz concentration camps is free. You must get a ticket to join the 3.5 hour guided tour to enter Auschwitz-I. Headsets are provided so you can hear your tour guide, even when you are at some distance from them.

Apart from at certain times in the day, it is not necessary to join the guided tour. This is the best way for those who want to explore the museum at their own pace. If you decide not to join the guided tour make sure you buy the guide book. It marks the route clearly and explains the importance of each area you visit however, even if you visit Auschwitz at a time when the entry is free. You still need a free ticket to enter.

Read More : Can you visit Auschwitz today ?

You can book your ticket online three months in advance. If you are planning to visit Auschwitz on your own it’s recommended to book your tickets at least 2 weeks before your trip. All tickets are timed. It’s important that you turn up at your allocated time or else you will not be allowed entry.

The above guidelines do not apply for Auschwitz-II (Birkenau concentration camp) which is always free to visit without a ticket.

2) Booking an Organized Tour

The easiest option is obviously booking an organized tour to visit Auschwitz from Krakow. By doing so your transportation and tickets will be taken care of and all you have to do is turn up at your departure location at the right time.

Besides this, your tour operator will take care of your timed Auschwitz entrance tickets as well, and you do not have to worry about reserving your ticket in advance.

Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp is a place you must visit with a guide. As these guided tours are extremely informative and are generally led by guides who have a certain connection with these camps.

3) Private Auschwitz Tour

If you don’t like to spend the whole day with a group of strangers, then it’s best to opt for a private tour of Auschwitz. Besides all the benefits of a group tour, you will have the added benefit of a private driver who will pick you up straight from your hotel.

A private tour is more flexible in terms of its duration and gives you more flexibility in terms of sightseeing as well as snack breaks.

If you happen to be travelling with a bigger family or a group of friends a private tour will not be more expensive than a group tour.

You will have two options: Hire a private driver (transport only to Auschwitz and back) or hire a private driver along with a guided tour. A private tour also includes pre-booked tickets.

Why you should choose a tour operator for your trip to Auschwitz – Birkenau

A tour at Auschwitz – Birkenau lasts for under 4 hours. There are multiple tours offered during the day in several languages such as English, Polish, German, Italian, French, Czech, and Slovak.

If you’re booking tickets online, this must be done at least a month in advance. This ensures you get the time slot you want, and in the language of your preference. But during peak season it may be difficult to book tickets online or you may not get your preferred time slot and language of your preference.

Though you can buy your tickets on arrival at the main entrance, the risk is that you may end up waiting in line for a long time, several hours before you arrive, or worst not get tickets at all. During weekends and peak seasons, it’s impossible to buy tickets on the spot.

Therefore it’s strongly recommended to book your tour and buy your tickets in advance with a tour operator. The advantage is it saves you from waiting in the ticket line, you get your preferred time slot, and in your language of preference with ease.

Booking from a tour operator in advance is strongly recommended if you want a tour in any other language than English. This saves you from many hassles and unpleasant situations and makes your tour pleasant and comfortable.

Know more: Katowice: Auschwitz and Krakow Old Town Private Guided Tour

What to Expect at Auschwitz – Birkenau concentration camps?

The tour of Auschwitz concentration camp is divided into two parts: Auschwitz – I and Auschwitz-Birkenau. On a guided tour with a guide, it takes about 2 hours to visit Auschwitz – I and 1.5 hour to visit Birkenau with a 15 minute break in between. Your tour begins with a quick security check followed by a short line to get your audio guide. The audio guide is a pair of headphones that allows you to hear the guide for the next 3.5 hours.

Auschwitz-I

Your Auschwitz concentration camp tour starts with a walk through the gate ‘Arbeit Macht Frei‘ which means ‘Work sets you Free’. And we all know this was a big lie.

Auschwitz-I is the original concentration camp. The walking tour takes you around the barracks, a museum where you will view black and white photographs taken when the camp was in operation, the prison cells, and learn about some harrowing tales, tragedies and statistics.

Auschwitz – Birkenau concentration camps

Auschwitz-I and Birkenau are set apart by a few kilometers. If you are on an organized tour or private tour you will be shuttled between the two sites. If you are traveling on your own, there is a shuttle bus that runs between the two sites every 10 minutes, and it’s free.

Built-in 1941, Birkenau is spread over a large area to house a huge number of deportees from Europe. In January 1945, just before its liberation, the Germans blew up most of the barracks and the crematoriums to hide their crimes. Even then, there is a lot to see and explore at this camp.

The sheer size of the camp will give you a sense of how big of an operation this was, and for some, it may be a very unsettling experience. Your tour will end at Birkenau.

If you have arrived on an organized tour or a private driver you will be taken directly back to Krakow from here. If you have arrived by bus or train, you will have to take the shuttle back to Auschwitz-I and then get to the bus or train station.

Tips for Visiting Auschwitz Concentration Camp

Opening Hours: The museum can be visited on all days of the year, except on January 1st, December 25th, and the first day of Easter. The camp opens at 8:00 am, but the closing time varies depending on the time of the year.

Security: It is strict at Auschwitz-I. The contents of your bag will be checked and do carry your Identity Card.

Backpacks and Handbags: Your bag cannot exceed 30 x 20 x 10 cm (size of paper), so basically you cannot carry anything other than a small purse. There are lockers available for a small fee or you can leave your bags in your car.

Disability-Friendly: Both camps have very limited disabled access hence it will be very difficult for anyone with mobility issues to get around.

Facilities: There are washrooms available at both camps, carry some change as there is a small entry fee to use them. Only Auschwitz-I has a restaurant and a fast-food counter. It’s recommended to bring your own snacks and water (leave it in your car as – eating and drinking inside the camps are not allowed). There are book shops in both camps.

Photography: You are allowed to take photographs in many areas of the camps, but no flash photography is allowed inside the buildings. There are certain areas where photography is completely forbidden.

Clothing: Dress respectfully, and bring a jacket even in the warmer months. Use plenty of sunscreen in summer, as there is little shade in either camp.

Footwear: For the most part of your tours you will be outdoors. Wear comfortable footwear – as you will be walking long distances.

Auschwitz with Kids: Children under 14 years of age should not visit the museum.

Before You Visit: If you’re not familiar with what happened in Auschwitz and other concentration camps. It’s recommended you read a bit about the holocaust before your trip.

Have you visited the Auschwitz concentration camps and would like to share your experience? Or are you planning a trip to Auschwitz and have a few questions? Connect with us & we will answer your queries.

Where is Auschwitz?