Welcome to our comprehensive guide on visiting Auschwitz from Berlin. If you are a beginner looking to embark on this journey to pay your respects and learn about one of the darkest chapters in human history, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll provide you with all the essential information you need to plan and prepare for your visit.
Why Visit Auschwitz?
The Auschwitz camp placed in Oświęcim of Poland was the biggest German concentration and genocide camp in the Second World War. Auschwitz is among the most visited concentration camps in the world and anyone visiting, has the chance to learn first hand about holocaust, its victims and events that occurred there. It is a tragic message of how human history should be presented and how the today societies should respect the other.
Planning Your Trip
Choosing a Tour
While planning the trip, the organizing of which can be a real challenge, travelers should pay special attention to choosing a proper tour operator providing guided tours from Berlin to Auschwitz. These tours are intended to have historical background, professional leading, and to avoid any disrespect. Search a relevant company, check out the reviews and compare the programs that are organized to find the most suitable one for you.
Booking in Advance
In high demand years, and possibly seasons, options may be scarce, although Auschwitz is a well-visited site. Thus, do not waste time and book your tour long before you want to take it. This way, you are sure that you have a confirmed reservation, and the rest of your planning relies on that.
Duration of the Tour
A majority of taking tours from Berlin to Auschwitz take the whole day. It approximately takes about 4 and 5 hours to cover the distance by bus from Berlin. Generally, the guided tour itself takes approximately from 3 to 4 hours, which is sufficient enough to freely walk around the camp and the corresponding exhibits as well as the memorial.
What to Expect at Auschwitz
Seeing the Polite Invitation – Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is divided into two parts: There was Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. Auschwitz I Main camp has exhibition and remaining Barracks. Auschwitz II-Birkenau is a large area that contains areas that remained in ruins and the other of the gas chamber and crematoria.
As you go round the place during your guided tour you will come across real life situations that the prisoners went through during holocaust. This is a highly emotionally engaging place with exhibits that exhibit clothing, photographs, and even speech from survivors. Engagement and decency are required from you as a guest throughout the service.
Guided Tours and Audio Guides
The majority of visits to Auschwitz involve a guided tour and a guiding word from those who know it well. These guides provide important information regarding the early history of the camp and make the visit most comprehensive. Also, most and probably the best – the scales that added to audio guide service in the multiple languages deepen understanding and are pleasant for those people who prefer individual and independent sightseeing.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Comfortable and appropriate weather related dress code should be worn as much of the tour will be conducted on foot.
Don’t forget to take a bottle of water and snacks you might possibly not get time to get other meals while you’re on the tour.
They do not trespass the relics of the church or take pictures as they hold unsavory poses.
Expect that it will be emotionally draining. Also one needs to make pauses and give the mind a time to digest the given information.
Should also take a pen or any writing material with him/her to write any thoughts or any impressions that may develop on a tour.
Make others aware about the holocaust and the need to remember once you are out from the place.
Conclusion
Coming to Auschwitz from Berlin means a chance to honor the innocent perished souls, familiarize with the history of the Holocaust, and do our best to remember it. So, if you are preparing for your visit pick your reputable tour and come with respect and serious attitude and no doubt that after your visit, you still will have memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Oh sure, the lessons of Auschwitz apply to all the world as needed lessons to become more accepting and tolerant of others.
