Experiencing Auschwitz The visiting of the Auschwitz concentration and extermination camp is an experience that may not be easy on the heart but important for any one who would wish to understand the holocaust. This post is aimed to enlighten people who are in Berlin and desire to organize an efficient trip to Auschwitz.
By Plane
To reach Auschwitz there are no direct flights from Berlin to the camp, the closest big city is Krakow and from there it is easy to reach the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.
Once you arrive at Krakow Airport, you have several options to reach Auschwitz:
Option 1: Bus
You are able to catch a direct bus to Auschwitz from Krakow Airport. The trip approximately lasts about 1.5 hours and there are many buses on the road. The bus stop is only a few minutes’ walk away from this exhibit that marks the entry to the Auschwitz concentration camp.
Option 2: Taxi
If you would like to travel less but for a few more dollars more, then you can always hire a taxi from krakow airport to auschwitz. This journey on average lasts for 1 hour.
By Train
Another favorite method of travelling is by train from Berlin to Auschwitz. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Berlin to Krakow by Train
From Berlin Hauptbahnhof (main railway station) take a train to Krakow Glowny (main railway station). The whole journey is approximately 6-7 hours depending on the train and connections.
When traveling by train, the tickets should early booked and it is also important to check at what time the trains operate.
Step 2: Krakow to Auschwitz by Bus
When you get to Krakow Glowny, you are able to capture one of the many buses to Auschwitz. The journey lasts about 1.5 hours. There is a bus stop located near the entrance to the museum and located in the Auschwitz.
By Car
However, if you fancy being in control of how you get around, you can hire a car in Berlin and drive to Auschwitz. It will take between 8 and 9 hours typically depending on traffic on the road and the route to take. However, one should mention that there are parking facilities around the territory of the museum.
Tips for Visiting Auschwitz
Plan your visit in advance: During the tours, many people visit Auschwitz, hence reaching the entrance with your tickets booked online will assure a specific time slot you wish to visit.
Respect the solemn atmosphere: Auschwitz is precisely the place of memory, and thus it deserves to be revered. Keep the body language correct when making your visit hence avoiding arguments or disrespecting the elders.
Wear comfortable shoes: Some sections of the site are very far from each other; therefore, you will be walking a lot, and you need comfortable footwear for your comfort.
Guided tours: Visiting Auschwitz on your own might not be enough, so you might consider booking a guided tour to get further details on the place. Inexperienced guides may only pose potential risks while they can be informative and offer background information.
In Conclusion
Auschwitz is not easy to reach from Berlin; however, taking the time to see this horrible historic place is well worthwhile. Regardless if one wishes to travel by plane, by train, or rent a car, the place of Auschwitz is quite easy to get. Please do not forget to come prepared, order your tickets in advance and make sure you respect anyone and anything you are going to witness there. The victims should be remembered and the world should be reminded of the crimes took place in Auschwitz.
