About
Auschwitz is a town in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship of southern Poland. It is best known today as the site of the Nazi concentration and extermination camp complex that operated during the Second World War, and for many visitors that history is the reason to come.
The town itself is modest in size. Its importance lies in what happened on its outskirts, where the camp complex stood. A visit is a serious and sobering experience, and it is best approached with time set aside and an open mind about what the place asks of you.
What a visit involves
- The former camp grounds, preserved as a memorial site, where the scale of the complex is still legible in its buildings and open spaces.
- Exhibitions that document the camp's history and the lives of those held there.
- Guided visits, which many people find helpful for understanding the layout and the sequence of events.
Planning your trip
Because the site is a memorial and a place of remembrance, it is visited quietly and respectfully. Check the current visiting arrangements before you travel, as they can change. Comfortable shoes are useful, since the grounds are extensive, and allowing a full morning or afternoon will give you room to take in the exhibits without rushing.
Many travellers combine the visit with a trip to nearby Kraków, the regional capital, which offers a wide range of historic sites, museums and restaurants. Pairing the two gives a fuller picture of the region and a chance to reflect at a more measured pace after the visit.