Auschwitz
- Address:ul Wiezniow Oswiecimia , Oswiecim
- Admission:Free
Cultural Experience, Must-Do Experience, UNESCO Heritage Site, Cemetery, Monument - Historical, Museum
1:55 AM Sunday, May 27
Clear. Cool.
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The Auschwitz concentration camp was established in April 1940 in the prewar Polish army barracks on the outskirts of Oświęcim. Originally intended for Polish political prisoners, the camp was 'repurposed ' as a dedicated center for the wholesale extermination of the Jews of Europe. For this purpose, the much larger camp at Birkenau (Brzezinka), also referred to as Auschwitz II, was built 1.25miles (2km) west of the original site in 1941 and 1942, followed by another one in Monowitz (Monowice), several kilometers / miles to the west. It is now estimated that in total this death factory eliminated some 1.6 million people of 27 nationalities, including 1.1 million Jews, 150,000 Poles and 23,000 Roma.
Auschwitz was only partially destroyed by the fleeing Nazis, and many of the original brick buildings stand to this day as a bleak testament to the camp's history. Some 13 of the 30 surviving prison blocks now house museum exhibitions, either general or dedicated to victims from particular countries or races that lost citizens at Auschwitz.
Latest Reviews All Auschwitz Reviews »
The tour was great and the guides were very friendly and knowledgeable. The video on the bus sets the scene on the way there. We read reviews on this site and took our own sandwiches which was great advice. I found Auschwitz very moving so be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster.
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Our guide did a fine job transitioning from our hotel to the tour site. And inside, our guide provided an outstanding representation of what we were experiencing. He brought home the emotion of the experience and the importance of how the events can never be forgotten from generation to generation. Excellent job Viator, thanks so much.
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Our guide was excellent, with the right level of knowledge and sentiment throughout our visit.
i went with a group of 4 and all of us were so impressed with his manner throughout the visit.
The microphone and individual headset system added to the exerience as we could all hear clealy what was said without having to rush to be near him.
Practical Info
Auschwitz is located in Oswiecim, a town not far from Krakow. There are buses between the two. The name Auschwitz is commonly used for the whole Auschwitz-Birkenau complex. In 2007, UNESCO altered the world heritage listing for Auschwitz from 'Auschwitz Concentration Camp' to 'Auschwitz-Birkenau', at Poland's request. Both Auschwitz and Birkenau are open to the public as Auschwitz is located in Oswiecim, a town not far from Krakow. There are buses between the two. The name Auschwitz is commonly used for the whole Auschwitz-Birkenau complex. In 2007, Unesco altered the world heritage listing for Auschwitz from 'Auschwitz Concentration Camp' to 'Auschwitz-Birkenau', at Poland's request. Both Auschwitz and Birkenau are open to the public as the State Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau . The museum's visitors center is at the entrance to the Auschwitz site. Note that visitor numbers from May-October are so great, that entry between 10am and 3pm is only with a guided tour. These should be booked at least two weeks ahead. Auschwitz II can be visited without a guide.
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