Travelblogs usually write about destinations that are beautiful, exotic and fun. The destination in this post is none of those things. It can better be described with words like impressive and confronting. Concentration camp Auschwitz reminds us about a piece of history which must not be forgotten. It should make its visitors realise that the freedom we experience nowadays is not something to take for granted. In this post we describe our visit and tell you more about doing a trip from Berlin to Auschwitz.

The origin of Auschwitz

Before World War II, Oświęcim was a peaceful and unknown town in the south of Poland. Nobody could’ve expected that this town would be the home for the largest German concentration camp during World War II. After the Germans invaded Poland in 1939, they needed concentration camps to keep the political enemies locked up. In April 1940 the German leaders decided that Oświęcim would be the most suitable location. Shortly after, the Polish name Oświęcim was changed into the German Auschwitz. Nowadays, the name Auschwitz is still symbol for the horror and terrifying events during World War II.

The camps were surrounded by barbwire
The camps were surrounded by barbwire

Auschwitz I

The concentration camp Auschwitz was separated in two parts. Auschwitz I was opened in 1940 and this camp can be recognised by the lugubrious words Arbeit Macht Frei above the entrance. These words are proof of the horrifying lie which was told to the prisoners: “When you work hard enough you will be free again“. Although Auschwitz I was only built to resident 10.000 prisoners more than 70.000 people died here during the war.

A Polish man called Wiesław Kielar was in the very first group of prisoners of Auschwitz. Wiesław ended up being one of the only prisoners who survived 5 years in Auschwitz and he wrote a book about it “Anus Mundi: Five Years in Auschwitz“.

Auschwitz - Arbeit macht Frei
Auschwitz I and the lugubrious words above the entrance: Arbeit macht Frei

Auschwitz II – Birkenau

Even though daily executions were taken place the capacity of Auschwitz I was not sufficient for the plans of the German leaders. Therefore Auschwitz II – Birkenau was opened in 1942. This camp had a capacity of 100.000 prisoners and during World War 2 almost one million people died here. Auschwitz II – Birkenau is located about 3km from Auschwitz I. Free shuttle-busses drive up and down between both concentration camps.

The entrance of Auschwitz 2 Birkenau
The entrance of Auschwitz 2 Birkenau

How to get from Berlin to Auschwitz

Back in the war Auschwitz was chosen because the town was easy to reach. It’s located between Katowice and Krakau and the train station was not far. The concentration camp Auschwitz is located 550km from Berlin and the most logical ways to travel are by car, bus or train.

By Train

The best way to reach Auschwitz from Berlin is by train. The ride is about 8 hours and the scenery along the way is impressive. The train starts at Berlin Ostbahnhof (EC57) and you need to switch trains only one time in Katowice. Tickets are available for around 40€ if you order a few weeks in advance.

By Car

From Berlin to Auschwitz by car is attractive because it’s very flexible and it’s also the fastest way. You can leave whenever you want and about 5-6 hours later you should be in Auschwitz/Oświęcim. If you want you can make some stops along the way in nice polish cities. The costs will depend on the fuel-prices but 550km by car should usually cost between 60-90€.

By Bus

Another way to travel to Auschwitz would be taking the bus. This will take you about 12 hours but it will only cost you about 30€. There are also overnight buses which will save you some time and the time will fly by if you are able to sleep.

Train Auschwitz Birkenau
In a train carriage like this, about 70 prisoners were transported

A confronting tour past the horrors of Auschwitz

The tour in Auschwitz gives you an image how hard the life in Auschwitz must have been. You get to see the spot where the prisoners arrived and where the selection process took place for example. Families were ripped apart here. It’s devastating to imagine. Besides that you see the barracks, the prison and the gas chambers. It’s all very confronting.

The small train carriages transported around 70 prisoners a time. After a horrifying ride between dead corpses and faeces the prisoners had to participate in a selection process which would decide if they would die straight away or were allowed to work under disastrous circumstances.

Bunk Beds in Auschwitz
The “beds” in the barracks in Auschwitz

The added value of a guided tour

It’s highly recommended to take a guided tour if you visit Auschwitz. Without the stories and the insider-information you will not experience the concentration camp the way you should. You can choose between guided tours starting at 2,5 hours and going as long as 8 hours. You have to make a reservation for a guided tour at least one month in advance. The prices for guided tours depend on the amount of people who will join but you can already get a guide with 10 people for 2,5 hours for around 10€  per person. More information can be found here.

In the camp prison you see cells which are only one square meter large. In these cells up to 4 people were locked up. After working for 11 hours visitors were locked up here and could not even lay down because of the lack of space. Many prisoners died of exhaustion.

Traintrack Auschwitz
Traintrack Auschwitz

Practical Information

Auschwitz is open 7 days a week and 362 days a year. The only days it is closed is the first of January, December 25th and Easter Sunday. The concentration camp opens everyday at 07.30 and closes at different hours depending on the month of the year (e.g. December 2PM and June till August 7PM). For a full list of the opening hours of Auschwitz, you can check the official website.

Auschwitz prisoners
Auschwitz prisoners

Summary – A confronting experience

During World War II, about 1,3 million people got deported to concentration camp Auschwitz. Almost all of them, 1,1 million to be precise, never returned back to their family, friends and hometown. Partly because of these numbers, walking around in Auschwitz is something confronting. I visited with 5 friends after a week of partying all over Europe and I have never seen my friends so silent for 8 hours. We will all never forget the tour and experience.

Auschwitz Personal Belongings - Shoes
Auschwitz Personal Belongings – Shoes
Auschwitz Personal Belongings - Suitcases
Auschwitz Personal Belongings – Suitcases

Frequently asked questions

If the text above did not answer your question about Auschwitz yet, you will hopefully find your answer below.

When were the first prisoners deported to Auschwitz?

In June 1940, the first transport of prisoners arrived in Auschwitz. The first organised kills in gas chambers took place in August 1941.

What is the best way to get from Berlin to Auschwitz?

The quickest way is by car and will take you about 5-6 hours. The most convenient way would be by train and will take about 8 hours.

How much does it cost to travel from Berlin to Auschwitz?

The cheapest way to get from Berlin to Auschwitz would be by bus and will cost about 30€ if you reserve a seat a few weeks in advance. The train costs about 40-50€.

Can I visit Auschwitz without a guide?

Yes it is allowed but only during certain hours. During the main season you are not allowed to visit the camps without a guide between 10.00 and 15.00.

How much does the entrance to Auschwitz cost?

No entrance fees are charged in the Auschwitz Memorial Site. You only pay for the guided tours, audio-guide headphones or watching the documentary. Keep in mind that during the main season and the most busy hours you are only allowed into Auschwitz with a guide.

Author

My Name is Job and originally from the Netherlands. In 2012, a girl I met in Australia motivated me to move to Berlin. I love to share the best places, activities and events in Berlin with you on my blog.

8 Comments

  1. We are in Dallas. Want to go to Amsterdam, but also see Auschwitz. Should we fly direct to Berlin from here and rely on trains to get to Auschwitz and then a commuter flight to Amsterdam?

    • Berlin-Enjoy Reply

      Hi Juliet,

      Thanks for the comment.

      It is best to arrive in Auschwitz early in the morning so it would be better to sleep in Krakau or another city in Poland the night before. It will not be easy to reach Auschwitz from Berlin.

      Good luck!

  2. i,ll be coming from australia to england then to germany next year for the RAMMSTEIN concerts….and yes i,ll be sightseeing,… what will be the best way to travel from berlin to auschwitz. cheers matty j

    • Berlin-Enjoy Reply

      Hi Matty,

      Sounds like a great trip. Travelling from Berlin to Auschwitz would be not advisable: You have to arrive early and therefore it is too far away. I would suggest staying a few nights in Krakow in Poland.

      Good luck!

  3. Please can anyone please tell me how much it will cost in sterling to travel to Auschwitz and be able to see the museum thank you Kevin

    • Berlin-Enjoy Reply

      Hi Kevin,

      I am not completely sure anymore. It is about 1,5 years ago I have been there. But it was defenitely not expensive.

      Have you checked the websites I mentioned in the article?

      Good luck!

  4. Hi Job,

    Can you tell us how to travel from Berlin to Krakau? Day trip? night train? By bus?

    Thanks

    • Berlin-Enjoy Reply

      Hi Denise,

      I was on a roadtrip when I visited Ausschwitz, so never took that exact trip before. There are some trains going to Krakau. Then I would sleep there for one night and leave early in the morning to Auschwitz with a bus or train. Train has something special because of the history.

      Car is also very easy. Maybe you can rent one?

      Good luck!

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