Krakow & Auschwitz museum.

joerugby

the_devil_made_me_do_it wrote: »

I'm wondering whether it would be better to go through a travel agent for this mini break?

We travelled independently

Rented a car, stayed one night in Oswiecim (Auschwitz), two nights in Krakow

There was enough to do without visiting any salt mines e.g. Krakow cathedral, massive medieval square, remains of the ghetto, Schindler's list factory etc etc

Hobsons_Choice

Krakow is a relatively small city, easy to walk around, easy to get to Auschwitz, I've been four times now (love it), and they're using zlotys rather than euros.
Personally I would get a cheap flight (Ryanair etc) and book accommodation after checking Trip Advisor or the like. My friends did the same trip that we did but went through Newmarket Travel. They paid more, but it's an option if you want.

elantan

would deff say get the bus to auschwitz, i think it worked out £5 return for us 1.5 hours or so each way there is also a bus that takes you between auschwitz and birkenau you get it as part of your ticket price, well worth a visit

slat mines are deff worth a visit as well we took the train to their and it was very cheap and on time,

krakow has a fantastic tram system, it makes travelling much easier, we stayed at the qubus which was close to schindlers factory, it was out of the way and required a good bit of walking but we were very happy with it, dont think i would stay there again though

you will love krakow, i plan on returning someday

hearts

Aye the bus is the way. Pay a fraction of the price of the Organised thing for basically the same product, getting there.

ani_26

Krakow is one of my favourite cities of all time, ( i'm not a city person.)
I can't recommend a hotel as i stayed in a backpackers, but Wieliczka is definitely worth a visit, too.

I did all my " touristing " independently, and before Poland joined the eu, and i definitely wouldn't recommed paying for an organised tour. Both Auschwitz and Wieliczka are easily accessible by public bus, and its far cheaper to " do your own thing ", ( and more fun, too.) Plus you're not limited to the length of time you can spend there.

I personally think you can't visit Krakow and not visit Auschwitz. The experience will remain with you forever.


There also was this fantastic little cafe which sold exclusively pancakes. Any sort of filling you could imagine, for about 10p, i think, at the time. I sure it was called pink banana or pink elephant, or something like that. I can't seem to find it on tinternet. Maybe its not there, anymore, but it was on the outer perimeter, ( in that no go zone, ) towards the university, ( the west side?). Definitely worth a visit. I think it was in the lonely planet guide. Mind you, it's around 15 years ago since i visited

hamsterfan1

If you are in Krakow you will not be able to walk around town without people offering trips to Auschwitz. I must say well done for doing this , even the thought of going there makes me cry (we didn't because I would have found it far too distessing)

Mr_Wang

hamsterfan1 wrote: »

If you are in Krakow you will not be able to walk around town without people offering trips to Auschwitz. I must say well done for doing this , even the thought of going there makes me cry (we didn't because I would have found it far too distessing)

I went with my 9 year old son and it was every bit as harrowing as I expected.
There is nothing subtle about either camp and it is literally laid bare and I question anyone that doesn't get effected by what they see.
But it is an important part of history not just for the millions that were effected but also for others to appreciate and understand the plight of the Jewish people during the War.

It is incomprehensible on every level and will probably never be fully understood.

My son made this video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hh2P7PGnG0c

Seen through the eyes of a 9 year old, following the life and untimely death of a young Jewish girl.

signol

We went on the train to Oswiecim (Auschwitz). Plenty of trains, but there are 2 stations in Krakow and some go to/from Glowny (Main) station, others to/from a random small station in the suburbs, near a tram stop that goes to the centre.
Well worth a visit. The Auschitz I camp is walking distence from the Oswiecim station, and the visit includes a bus to/from Birkenau camp - the big one that you see the images of wooden huts in rows.

signol

debtfreeby2013

Sorry to bump this thread but was wondering if Thedevilmademedoit has been to krakow and what he thought?

We booked to go the other day and are going for 3 nights on the 16th September and I am looking at a trip to auschwitz and the Oskar Schindler factory and possibly the salt mines.

Truth be told me and the OH booked krakow on account of the price as we are both quite tight on funds but just needed a getaway so I don't really want to spend £20 getting back and for auschwitz.

The cost of the museum is 40pln (about £7?) and if everyone's estimation of the bus is right its another £5 which is much more reasonable.

What I really want to know though is where is the Oskar Schindler factory in comparison to the town? Also, how much does it cost to get in and what are the costs for travel and entry into the salt mines?

Thanks.

joerugby

You can walk to the factory from the city centre via the old jewish ghetto area

When we went a few years ago it was not possible to get inside but you got a pretty good view from the outside

Edit: Google is your friend

http://www.krakow-info.com/schindler.htm