Auschwitz Concentration Camp

As every person knows, Auschwitz concentration camp is an example in it most horrid form of man's inhumanity to man. The camp is located 50km from Krakow at Oswiecim Birkenau. At least one million one hundred thousand people died here according to the State Museum, 90% of who were Jews.

As there are many very good accounts of the atrocities and the operation of the camp, I will not duplicate those here. Please have a look at the Wikipedia section that I believe gives the most factual accurate information regarding the actions during the war.

I have visited the site many times, whatever your beliefs or culture it is difficult not to be moved by the atmosphere which still hangs over the place. Very few punches are pulled in the exhibits in the camp. I would suggest not taking younger children; many of the exhibits may startle for little people.

There are tours organized from several different agents in Krakow, or ask at your hotel. You will need a minimum of two hours just to see around the camp although there is no restriction and many people take much longer, sometimes for reflection and spiritual meditation.

Auschwitz is a UNESO World Heritage Site and is certainly worth visiting, it is not the usual tourist site but is in its own right very interesting and moving. Here is the official web site