Auschwitz is one of the most infamous concentration camps during the Second World War. It has become a symbol of the atrocities committed by the Nazis against millions of people during the Holocaust. Today, Auschwitz-Birkenau is a memorial site that attracts millions of visitors each year. If you’re planning to visit Auschwitz, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about Auschwitz tours, including things to do in Auschwitz and important information about the history and significance of the site.
About Auschwitz
About Auschwitz was established by the Nazi regime in 1940, near the Polish town of Oswiecim. The camp was built in several stages, and it eventually became a complex of several concentration and extermination camps. The prisoners were subjected to brutal treatment, forced labor, and mass executions. Millions of people, including Jews, Roma, homosexuals, and political dissidents, were imprisoned in Auschwitz. An estimated 1.1 million people were killed in the camp, most of them Jews.
The camp was liberated by the Soviet Army in January 1945, and it became a symbol of the Holocaust. In 1947, the Polish government established the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum, which preserves the site as a memorial to the victims of the camp.
Things to Do in Auschwitz
Auschwitz-Birkenau is a vast site that includes several buildings, monuments, and exhibits. Here are some of the things you can do in Auschwitz:
Visit the Main Camp
The main camp, also known as Auschwitz I, was the first part of the complex to be built. It was initially intended to house political prisoners, but it later became a place for all kinds of prisoners. The camp is now a museum that houses exhibits, photographs, and artifacts that illustrate the history of the camp.
Explore the Birkenau Camp
Birkenau, also known as Auschwitz II, was built in 1941 as an extermination camp. It was the largest camp in the complex, and it was designed to hold more than 100,000 prisoners at a time. Today, Birkenau is an open-air museum that includes the remains of the gas chambers and crematoria, as well as the barracks where the prisoners lived.
Visit the Memorial and Museum Exhibition
The Memorial and Museum Exhibition is located in the former gas chamber and crematorium building at Auschwitz I. It houses exhibits that document the history of the camp and the Holocaust, as well as artifacts and personal belongings of the prisoners.
See the Wall of Death
The Wall of Death is a symbolic monument that marks the spot where thousands of prisoners were executed by the firing squad. It is located near the entrance to Auschwitz I.
Attend a Guided Tour
Guided tours are available in several languages and cover various aspects of the history and significance of Auschwitz. The tours are conducted by trained guides who provide a detailed account of the camp’s history and answer questions from visitors.
Important Information about Auschwitz Tours
If you’re planning to visit Auschwitz, here are some important things you should know:
Visiting Hours
The Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum is open every day except for January 1st, December 25th, and Easter Sunday. The opening hours vary depending on the season, so it’s best to check the museum’s website for the most up-to-date information.
Admission Fees
Admission to the museum is free, but there are fees for guided tours and other services. The prices vary depending on the type of tour and the size of the group.
Dress Code
Visitors to Auschwitz are expected to dress appropriately out of respect for the victims of the camp.
