City Guide to Krakow, Poland: Part 3 | Visiting Auschwitz Concentration Camps & A Photo Essay

Disclosure: We may receive a commission for links on our blog. You don’t have to use our links, but we’re very appreciative when you do. Thanks again for your support, we hope you find our posts and information helpful!

---

Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau

The effects of World War II and the systematic capture and killing of innoccent men, women, and children by German Nazis can be seen across Europe. Historically, Poland was one of the more strongly affected countries and is where two of the larger and more well-known concentration and death camps are located. While we were in Warsaw, we visited areas of the Jewish Ghetto and witnessed memorials and sections of the walls that were built during German Nazi occupation. We also visited Krakow, which is about an hour and a half drive from Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau concentration and death camps. Like many visitors to Krakow, one of our main goals was to visit the two concentration camps.

Most visitors to Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau know the history of the two camps, likely from the multitude of books, documentaries, and other educational pieces that have been created. Instead of discussing the history, we’re going to take this opportunity to share our experience at the camps through our pictures, as there are no words that will fully capture the meaning and emotions behind the camps and the atrocities that took place there. 

You can find general information about the Auschwitz Memorial and Museum by visiting the memorial's website, or for visiting information such as, temporary exhibit closures, guided tours, or opening hours check out the memorial’s visitors section.

Getting to the Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau, as well as reserving tickets takes a bit of planning in advance. Therefore, before visiting you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the options for visiting the camps, as well as what to expect. Don’t miss City Guide to Krakow, Poland: Part 4 | Visiting Auschwitz Concentration Camps, Travel Tips & Tourist Information

---

Auschwitz I

View fullsize

Standing in front of the entrance to Auschwitz Concentration Camp can be an emotional experience. Be prepared for the infamous entrance gate, rows of barbed wire, watchtowers, and lines of brick buildings.

View fullsize

The feeling of terror and death could be felt at the Death Wall, where victims passed through the gate to face their fate of execution in front of the wall. 

View fullsize

It's asked that all visitors respect the memories of the victims executed at the concentration camp, as well as the other visitors. In particular, when entering the gas chamber (bottom image) silence is requested.

View fullsize

Between the watchtowers that surround the camp and the bleak interiors, it's hard to escape the despair that must have once enveloped the camp.

View fullsize

The displays in the museum are elegantly presented and informative. 

View fullsize

On display are the personal belongings of the prisoners, including dishware, glasses, shoes, and suitcases.

View fullsize

Clockwise (from the top): The cans that held the pesticide used in the gas chambers, a hallway lined with photos of victims, the restroom facilities available to victims, the outside of Block 14. 

View fullsize

Tours are a common way to visit the camps, although in our experience there wasn't much more information provided than what could be read on the displays.

---

Auschwitz II-Birkenau

View fullsize

There's a free shuttle to Auschwitz II-Birkenau, or your tour will make the short drive there. Clockwise (from the top, left): The notorious train tracks that led to the entrance of the camp, the ruins of where the gas chambers used to be, the entrance to one of the most feared parts of the camp - where prisoners knew they were soon going to be killed.

View fullsize

The Auschwitz II-Birkenau site is extremely large and many of the buildings are now left in ruins. The living situations were stark and it was difficult to even begin to reflect on how terrible it must have been.