27 Oct 2023
Booked a tour beforehand but was cancelled by operator the evening before. Mad dash to find another as this was one of the main reasons for coming to Krakow.
Managed to find another with private transfers.. most definitely worth the extra cost!
Auschwitz-Birkenau tour itself is busy!!! Possibly a bit too busy but maybe I like to take my time to understand what I am observing.
Lots and lots of groups converge at the start and you have headphones so your guide can share information ( this is pretty good). You move around to specific parts of the site in groups.. sadly I feel that I missed much of the valuable information due to not going into all of the available areas. It’s like the groups are doing alternate routes rather than taking time to allow you to absorb the enormity of the horrific treatment that the people endured. I also feel that it depends on your guide too.
Birkenau- a few km transfer from Auschwitz 1. I don’t think, unless you visit, can’t even begin to comprehend the enormity of the place. Again our guide seemed to race us around to the points of interest but to be honest the information boards painted enough of a picture of what happened.
1. Wear a jacket/ hoodie and good footwear as uneven surfaces and lots of mucky puddles.
2.Read the information boards or take pictures so you can read later. Honestly I’m glad we did because you can’t process it all.
3. Pay attention to the model in Auschwitz I as it makes more sense when you get to Birkenau
I think it will be a good while before I stop thinking about this experience.
I’m glad this is a UNESCO site.. and we should never ever forget what these poor souls endured.