We are going to Krakow in a few weeks and would like to visit Auschwitz - Birkenau.
Has anyone been to Krakow and what is the best way to visit Auschwitz?
I'm not too keen on regimented tours but if a tour company is recommended then I'd think again.
Any advice woukd be appreciated. We are only there for four nights.
My wife and I stayed in Zakopane to the South of Krakow some years ago.
We went to Krakow by bus, stayed in an Hotel for the night, went by train (you can see the original trains in the yard before you arrive at the station) to Auschwitz, then Bus to the "Museum"(That's what it's referred to) and went on our own tour.
I planned to walk through the forest along the old railway track to Birkenau (yes there are 2 camps) but ran out of time.
Don't miss out on a visit to Wieliczka the salt mine.
Regards James
------------- In the beginning there was darkness.
Then I bought a tent.
I'm not destitute, I'm just poor.
Thank you James and Bessie. I'm realling looking forward to going. My OH doesn't really want to visit Auschwitz but I'm trying to persuade him. I don't really want o go on my own.
Hi path whilst what happened was horrific, we all 4 of us didn't find it as upsetting as we expected.
I think that was more to do with the fact it was a nice warm sunny spring day, if it had been bitter cold and wintery I think it would of hit home just how harsh it was.
We went to Krakow in April 2917 and visited Auschwitz- Birkenau
We booked our trip at a small office in Krakow Square We had a seven seat air conditioned car the driver stayed with us and made sure that we were taken to the correct guide at Auschwitz After that tour he then took us to Birkenau waited for us then returned us to Krakow Square all of that for 150 Zloty each ( there were four of us)
Would highly recommend this visit if it does one thing it makes you realise how lucky we are
Did as mari buiscuit did. Couldn't do Birkenau after Auschwitz it emotionally drained me, I cried all the way round. BUT so glad I did it as it reminded me how bad humans can be if they believe in stereotype and get swayed by those in power. Krakow is beautiful. visit cloth hall in the central square.
------------- Lyn xxx
Harbury Fields March
Moreton in the Marsh March/April
Hawthorn Cottage April
Lamb Cottage April
Somers Wood May
Maxstoke Hall June
Houghton Mill June
Lamb Cottage August
Somers Wood September
The Meadows, October
High Path, my wife suggested we went to Krakow last year for a long weekend break to see all the sights too. I didn't want to go. I'm ex forces and have seen some bad things over time as well as a directly affected life in Northern Ireland ( father murdered by IRA). We stayed in a budget hotel very very close to the square. We went to the camps on a organised tour walked to Schindlers factory (10 min from hotel). All I can say is I am very glad my wife made me go. Yes it is sad to see very sad. I stood directly on the train line into the camp and tried to feel all the history of dead pass under my feet and shed a tear during thought. I now recommend this as a trip to anyone, not as a holiday but an educational trip. The camps are about 1 1/2 hours away from Krakow centre but worth it.when you return he will be glad he went!
People suggest not forgetting what happened in hope this would never happen again. But sadly it does happen especially what we are seeing with ISIS etc. As people we never learn but most of all the affected NEVER FORGET.
We done the western front this year too and we're off to Germany next year to see what we can learn their side. Doubt we will see much to be honest as all was denied ever happened.
On a upside the food and beer are very cheap in the square and there are many things there to take the days tour off your mind.
Please get him to go but most of all enjoy.
We had a tour and benefited from the fact the old lady (60-70) knew ALL the facts, that in itself is priceless and worth the money.