Tour of Auschwitz

ianh1956

Some good pointers here, thank you. Hopefully going to Krakow later in the year, I've heard the trains are best to get to Auschwitz rather than the bus?

andrewf75

Gloomendoom wrote: »

Like I said, each to their own. I remain unconvinced that the morbidly curious don't make up the majority of the visitors to death camps and associated relics of atrocities of the past.

A simple memorial I can cope with but dark tourism isn't for me.

Maybe there is an element of morbid curiosity to it, but these places are extremely sobering and while not exactly an enjoyable experience it is extremely rewarding. I would recommend everyone to go there, it is extremely worthwhile

But I tried to do the salt mines on the way back and the last tour had already left so don't think both is advisable.

eamon

I visited Dachau in the early 1980's. Even though I knew plenty about the horrors of the holocaust I still found it a sad and miserable experience. I reflected deeply on what I seen there and still can't believe that we are capable (and still capable) of doing such horrors to fellow human beings.

For any readers that are visiting Munich, Dachau can be reached on one of the S2-Bahn route from Munich Hauptbahnhof.

MysteryMe

What a thought provoking thread. Thanks to those who have posted their experiences of visiting the concentration camps. Although not an easy subject I would certainly go if I had the opportunity.

pollypenny

Gloomendoom wrote: »

Nor me. Each to their own, but I can't even imagine why anyone would want to visit such a place.

To bear witness, the same reason that we walked Hellfire Pass in the midday heat of Thailand last year.

Rockman

sarah69696pink wrote: »

We went last year and did the two camps in the one day. No way I could have gone on to do the salt mines afterwards. I thought we were well prepared for what we were going to see, but definitely just needed some reflection time afterwards. Wouldn't have fancied going on to another thing to do/see.
We booked a local taxi and really glad we did - it probably wasn't the most money saving, but was really easy. They organised our tickets for us (no charge, but you do need them to get in) and picked us up in a lovely mercedes, so super comfy. Got us there really quickly and then waited and took us to the other camp when we were ready (we took almost 2 hours longer than they suggested in camp1 but they didn't mind at all) and then took us back into Krakow.
Really glad I went, no words to describe what we saw, but fascinating insight into what happened in our very recent history.
Personally glad we didn't have a proper tour, enjoyed is the wrong word but liked going at my own pace with lots of time to think things through, or go more quickly when needed.

Thanks Sarah. Do you know which taxi company you used

gt568

Thing that struck me about Dachau was how small it was.

Rockman

Thanks for all your helpful comments. I think I will not try and do both in the one day and as suggested do the saltmines first under my own steam.


Can I ask another question> We are staying at the Modern Studios in Old City Krakow, Krakow. Are we best to get a taxi from the airport or is it possible to use public transport?


Thanks

zagfles

Rockman wrote: »

Thanks for all your helpful comments. I think I will not try and do both in the one day and as suggested do the saltmines first under my own steam.


Can I ask another question> We are staying at the Modern Studios in Old City Krakow, Krakow. Are we best to get a taxi from the airport or is it possible to use public transport?


Thanks

You can get a train to the central station, the stop (won't call it a station, it's just a platform) is about 300 meters from the airport but I think there's a free shuttle bus to it if you have lots of luggage. Buy your ticket at a machine in the airport, IIRC there's no machine at the stop.

Don't know if your hotel is near the central station.

Hobsons_Choice

Walk out of the airport, turn right, follow the signs on the fence to the railway station (very short walk). Train goes direct to Krakow Central, walk out into the square. Before you go check via a map on Trip Advisor or somewhere to see exactly where Modern Studios are, then get a taxi, tram or walk (whichever is convenient) to your apartment.

Taxis are very cheap btw (but the train from the airport to central Krakow is cheaper)!