If you are planning to visit Auschwitz, the former Nazi concentration and extermination camp, from Berlin, Germany, traveling by train is a convenient and popular option. This blog post will guide you through the process of getting from Berlin to Auschwitz, ensuring you have a smooth journey.
Step 1: Departing from Berlin
The place you start is Berlin. Berlin has several stations for the train but the most popular for the train to Auschwitz is Berlin hauptbahnhof that is Berlin central station. Here’s how you can get there:
If you are already in Berlin, then you can only use the buses, trams, or subway in getting to Berlin Hauptbahnhof. It is needful to look at the web site of the local transportation authority for the latest on routes and timetables.
If you are planning to arrive Berlin by flight then you can travel through Airport Express from Berlin Tegel Airport or Berlin Schönefeld Airport to Berlin Hauptbahnhof. Airport express is a straight train that is frequent and is intended for travellers going to and from the airport.
Step 2: Choosing the Route
Whenever you find yourself at the Berlin Hauptbahnhof station, you have many choices in terms of transport to Auschwitz. The easiest way is to take a train to Krakow and then possibly take the train or a bus directly to Auschwitz. Here are the two possible routes:
Route 1: Berlin to Krakow by Train
One is from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Krakow Central Station with a train. There are two main train routes between Berlin and Krakow: the direct non-stop Intercity Express that takes 5h 30 min and the second is connecting trains that take about 7,5-8 hours. Pre-booking of tickets is recommended in order to ensure that you get affordable prices besides choosing your favorite seat.
By arriving at Krakow Central Station you can continue to your next step.
Route 2: Berlin to Krakow by Bus
Apart from planes and trains, you can also use a bus to get to Krakow; FlixBus or PolskiBus will take you from Berlin Central Bus Station (Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof or ZOB). There is a frequent bus connection between Berlin and Krakow, which takes approximately 8-10 hours drive time, with traffic conditions in between two cities.
When you get to Krakow, you can proceed to the last part of your tour.
Step 3: Krakow to Auschwitz
Auschwitz is situated in the town of Oswiecim to the west of Krakow, about 66klm away from Krakow From Krakow, there are many ways of getting to Oswiecim where the camp is located. There are two main transportation options for this leg of the journey:
Option 1: Train from Krakow to Oswiecim
You can also put up on a regional train from Krakow, the nearest railway station to the Auschwitz camp is at Oswiecim. The duration is approximately 1 hour, while the ticket price ranges from few euros. It is approximately 70 kilometers or an hour and thirty minutes’ drive from Krakow, Auschwitz can be reached by train from Oswiecim station and then take a bus or a taxi.
Option 2: Bus from Krakow to Auschwitz
If however you prefer using bus, there is a bus from Krakow to Auschwitz. This route can be covered by different bus companies, it will approximately take 1-2 hours depending of a kind of bus that you would choose and the traffic condition as well.
In whichever mode you choose, ensure that you confirm the operation time and time table most especially for the return trip.
Tips for Visiting Auschwitz
Auschwitz is visiting the horror and knowledge. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit:
Plan your visit in advance: Aber Auschwitz ist ein beliebtes Reiseziel und es ist ratsam Tickets für die Ausstellung und Führungen im Voraus zu buchen. This will save your time most importantly to avoid missing on those important details.
Respectful attire: Also, as a visitor, to the Auschwitz as it is a memorial site, should dress smart and appropriately. Don’t dress sensually or inappropriately and do not wear anything that can offend others in some way.
Allow enough time: When planning your trip to Auschwitz make sure that you spare enough time for the visit. The museum exhibitions and the tours provided by a guide may take few hours, so travellers should come prepared.
Listen to the guides: The guides at Auschwitz: The guides are all very well informed and offer much information. The intervention strategy suggested hearing the person fully and then clarifying the facts if they were unclear.
Take breaks if needed: When visiting Auschwitz you can feel disoriented and emotionally strained. However, do not underestimate the power of a rest when you feel wishy-washy – switch to a break.
Remember the victims: Unlike other museums and galleries, when visiting the site, one should forget its beauty and elegance but think of the victims, who were killed there. Try to be quiet and polite when you visiting the place.
Several recommendations will help you to have a meaningful and quiet visit and avoid an impunity at the place of tragedy for many people.
Conclusion
It is very easy to travel from Berlin to Auschwitz by train or bus Since Auschwitz is a station, one is just required to change from train to bus to get to the camp. When planning, it is easy to get there whether you pass through Krakow first or go directly to Oswiecim. Make sure that you get the tickets in advance, do not take flash photography and set aside time for reflection.
