If you are planning your vacation to Germany and were able to include one of the most historically significant places in EU such as Auschwitz the infamous concentration camp then it is quite natural to have a doubt as whether there is a train link from Berlin. In this blog I will describe all the possibilities that are at your disposal and offer some advice on how to get to the camp from Berlin.

Train Routes and Connections

Unfortunately, there is none, but you can still take a train to the nearest town of Oswiecim and then take another ‘train’ to the camp which is only some 5km From the town.

A journey from Berlin to Oswiecim

In order to get to Oswiecim starting with Berlin you have to start with taking a train to Krakow which is the largest city in Poland. If you are in Berlin you can travel by train and it takes about 9 to 10 hours, depending on the train type and coach to Krakow.

Deutsche Bahn and Polskie Koleje Państwowe (Polish State Railways) have their tracks along the railway line from Berlin to Krakow. As is said and advised, it is advised to book your tickets well ahead of time in-order to get good seats and especially during festive seasons.

When in Krakow, it is important that you then find organized means of transport that will take you to Oswiecim. Local transport which include buses or local trains are available frequently from Krakow to Oswiecim and it too will take 1:30 to 2 hours maximum.

The trip to Auschwitz from Oswiecim

When you get to Oswiecim you can use the local transport which includes bus or even taxi and head to the Auschwitz- Birkenau Memorial and Museum. The site consists of two main parts: Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II or Birkenau camps.

Tourism to the Auschwitz is a sensitive bar which serve to inform people about the Holocaust. You should consider spending several hours visiting the exhibitions and considering all the memorials and the buildings saved.

Other Transportation Options

It may however; not be everyone’s ideal to travel through the train, there are other means of transport if preferred.

Flights

To get there faster you can try to take a flight form Berlin to Krakow. Currently there are several airlines that offer direct flight from one city to the other; making it faster to travel. When in Krakow, you can use the same means to get to Oswiecim which is located close to Auschwitz.

Private Transportation

If convenience is your priority it may be suitable to hire a private car or payroll for a tour. Several companies are specialists in providing transfers, guides and an entire itinerary for this trip from Berlin to Auschwitz. This option enables you to make a stress free visit and make the best use of your time on the site.

Tips for Your Visit

Here are some handy tips to ensure a smooth and meaningful visit to Auschwitz:

Visit the park’s website for information on operation hours and make ahead bookings especially during a busy year.

Due to walking and standing for most parts of the healing process, ensure that you wear appropriate dress code and comfortable shoes.

The site should be considered sacred, and the released should avoid violating any of the set visitor rules.

Package with a professional tour guide if you seeking to get more information and understanding on reasons as to why and how Auschwitz was constructed.

In Conclusion

Contrary to some misconceptions, there is no direct train possible through Berlin to get to Auschwitz but you can travel to the nearest town which is Oswiecim and then you will have to make a quick train ride to the; Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial and Museum. There are direct trains from Berlin to Krakow, then by bus or by train to Oswiecim.

Visits of a similar nature may also be recommended for flight or tour to totally avoid the confusion of an individual visit. Please always check the timetables of the means of transport you want to use to get there, as well as ensure that you spend ample time while inside Auschwitz to appreciate its history.

Travelling to the Auschwitz concentration camp is one of the powerful chances to remember victims, to learn history, and to know the destiny of people during the Holocaust. It doesn’t matter how you get there: it is a venture that is unforgettable, that’s for sure.