Auschwitz and salt mines, alone?

mummytofour

Hi,
I really want to go to Auschwitz and the salt mines in Dec either on my own or with my son aged 9, perhaps.
I really could do with help on the inns and out of this as I am not used to travelling alone , Dh is normally there to hold my hand :-( I want to feel safe so perhaps a tour? I hope you can help as this will be a treat to myself after a hard term at uni.

Mummytofour

mystic_trev

Where are you staying - Krakow? If so those trips are easy to arrange there. I've been to Auschwitz twice and I really don't think once is enough to appreciate the whole place i.e. Birkenau as well - it's certainly a sobering experience. I thought the Salt mines were a waste of money. A lot of the stuff that's been carved is recent and just for the Tourist, although the Church is fairly impressive.

maxi_isa

My wife and I visited last year and would recommend both. We took a bus to Auschwitz (about 1hr) and a minibus to the salt mines. It will cost at least double to go with a tour but you may prefer that.
If you go to tripadvisor.co.uk, krakow, forums you will get plenty of info.
In fact someone has asked a similar question, see ....

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g274772-i961-k2372447-Auschwitz_and_Salt_Mines-Krakow_Southern_Poland.html

If you put in a search eg for auschwitz trips or salt mines you would get loads of previous queries and answers.

Edinburghlass_2

Have a read of this thread from the Ireland board...

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1026077

I did email the company mentioned at one point as I too am keen to go but I decided I'd wait until Springtime, I found them very helpful.

pboae

They are both easy to arrange as DIY trips, but if you want the convenince and security of a tour, that's very easy to arrange as well. There are tour companies everywhere and they all charge similar amounts.

When we go to Krakow we stay in the Grodzka apartments http://www.grodzka.net.pl/ they are my favourite place to stay there. Right on the main square and really helpful. (I recommend them a lot on here, but I have no connection with them, other than as a satisfied customer). They also have a tour company, the office is in the Grodzka building, and do reasonably priced airport pickups too.

It's a beautiful city, enjoy your well earned break.

maryjane01

I haven't been to Auschwitz, but I have been to the salt mines, they are really good. As long as you can get yourself to the saltmines there is no need for a tour because you have to go in with a guided tour anyway. If you do not feel confident getting a bus or taxi across town to get to the mines you may prefer to do a tour though.

dwileflunker

We booked both trips through our hotel reception (we stayed at the Ibis in Krakow) without any difficulty and had English speaking guides both trips. Both trips are good although if you have mobility problems then the Salt Mine might not be a good idea as there are lots (and lots) of steps. In my opinion Auschwitz is somewhere everyone should go at some point in their life, although whether a 9 year old would be able to appreciate the enormity of it I'm not sure, but even so I wouldn't let that put you off taking him as there were lots of children there when I went.

Lemmy_Caution

When I went to the Salt mines (about 10 years ago) it was possible to get there by train from Krakow. The tour is included in the entrance fee. Have to say, I agree, the only really interesting bit is the church.