Visit the concentration camps near Krakow: what you need to know!

What are the concentration camps near Krakow?

Many camps were set up near Krakow, but there were four official concentration camps. Auschwitz-Birkenau is the best known, as it was here that the majority of prisoners were held. There were three camps in this area, as well as some forty sub-camps. The Nazis also used another camp at Plaszow, which housed prisoners from all over Europe.

1. Visiting the Plaszow concentration camp from Krakow

The Plaszow concentration camp was ideally located in the southern suburbs on the outskirts of the city. It was a forced-labor camp, where the majority of prisoners were Jewish. In fact, some 20,000 prisoners were held there and tortured by Major Amon Göth. Amon Göth was known as the "Butcher of Krakow", due to his extreme cruelty and unfair treatment of prisoners. In fact, his punishment techniques have been immortalized in books and films. For example, some of his actions are described in the film Schindler's List. History of Plaszow concentration camp The Plaszow concentration camp was the final destination of many Europeans in captivity, as well as the scene of many tragic stories. Construction began in 1942 near the Jewish quarter, under the false promise that it would be a working area. Today, all that remains are the ruins of the old buildings, which have been scarred by tragedy. It's a curious fact that most people tend to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau, which is why this camp is rarely visited by tourists . We recommend booking one of the best guided tours of Krakow's Jewish Quarter, where you can learn about Jewish history in detail. What to see at Plaszow concentration camp Before visiting the Plaszow concentration camp, you should know that you can still see the ruins of former buildings. These were used by the Nazis and therefore have a rich historical connotation. During your visit, you can also pass by : - The Red House, also known as Amon Göth's residence. Although privately owned, it can still be seen from the outside at 22 Heltmana Street. - The Grey House, where you can see the Nazis' administrative offices and a small prison in the basement. - The KL Plaszów Museum is an area run by the Historical Museum, offering information posters and permanent exhibitions. However, not all areas are yet accessible. - The Plaszow Field is completely empty, but you can find a free exhibition between Kamieńskiego and Jerozolimska streets. In addition, during the tour you can find areas with photographs and survivor testimonies. The monument to the victims includes five figures in honor of Jewish men and women. There is also one in honor of soldiers and policemen. Remember, it's important to show respect. - The Schindler factory : if you choose a combined tour, you may pass this factory. During the Second World War, it belonged to Oskar Schindler, who infiltrated Plaszow and managed to save over 1,200 people. To prevent them ending up in concentration camps, he gave them work and a home in this production area. How do I get to Plaszow concentration camp? If you prefer to get there on your own, you can use streetcar lines 3, 11, 24, 73, 76 and 77, which will take you to the Dwuorcowa stop. The Komunikacja map makes it easy to locate the transport network around you in real time. Plaszow concentration camp timetable The concentration camp site is located at Henryka Kamieńskiego 97, 30-555. Today, it's a public park, so it's open 24 hours a day. You can visit whenever you like, but we advise against walking alone at night for safety reasons. Practical information - Price: guided tours of the Plaszow concentration camp in Krakow start at €28, and usually include a visit to the Schindler factory. The tour lasts around four hours. - Means of transport: if you opt for a guided tour, you can choose between tramway or private transport. Advantages: a guided tour can cover the cost of admission to the Schindler works museum. Disadvantages: not recommended for children, as sensitive images are involved.

2. Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau from Krakow

A visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps in Krakow is a must. This was a key location for the Nazis, as it was here that they implemented most of their plans. There were three camps divided into two concentration camps and an extermination center, as well as gas chambers. Please note that you will need identification to enter the camp. History of Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp Auschwitz is a region of Poland between the cities of Krakow and Oswiecim, inhabited in 1940 by German army groups. After the invasion of this region, the construction of concentration camps began, as Polish prisons were overcrowded. These camps were not new, as the Nazis had more than 30 throughout Europe. The real surprise for the citizens was that, at first, it was just a forced-labor camp. Later, it became the largest extermination camp on the continent. It's important to note that Auschwitz is often referred to as Auschwitz-Birkenau, as the camps were divided into Auschwitz I and Birkenau (or Auschwitz II). To reach the prisons, people were transported in poor conditions, and many died on the way. On arrival at headquarters, the strongest were sent to labor camps, while the weakest ended up in the gas chamber. Prisoners came from Germany and Poland, but also from all over Europe, including Hungary, France, the Netherlands, Greece, Italy and Norway. What you'll see at Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp If you're planning a trip to Auschwitz from Krakow, you need to know that this is a very large concentration camp. In fact, it was divided into several zones during the Second World War. So here's what you'll see on your visit: - Auschwitz I: this is the main camp, located near Oswiecim. It's a huge building, with the barracks hospital on the ^10th floor, where medical experiments were carried out on prisoners. - Auschwitz II or Birkenau: built later, but with more prisoners. In fact, it was subdivided into a dozen sections. The gas chambers were also located here. - Auschwitz III: better known as Buna or Monowitz, this is the lesser-known camp where prisoners worked in a rubber factory. - Subcamps: there were around 44 subcamps, where prisoners had to work in coal mines, in agriculture and in the arms industry. How do I get to Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp? There are numerous excursions to Auschwitz from Krakow, making it quick and comfortable to get there. The final choice will depend on your budget, as some options allow you to combine the trip with other destinations. The address of the camps corresponds to Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, Więźniów Oświęcimia 20, 32-600, Oświęcim. If you want to know how to get to Auschwitz from Krakow on your own, you can opt for: - Private transport : this is a safer option, as many public buses leave from the center, but they run at full speed. If you're going in a group, the trip will be fairly cheap and pleasant. - Bus: every 20 minutes or so, a bus passes through Krakow's MDA bus station, located at 18 Bosacka Street. Tickets start at €6. - Train: go to Kraków's Główny station, from where trains to Auschwitz leave every ten minutes. This option is more expensive, as you'll have to take another bus from Oświęcim station. Note that Auschwitz and Birkenau (also known as Auschwitz II) are a long way apart. You can either walk or take the local bus, which runs every hour. Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp opening hours If you'd like to know the opening hours of Auschwitz, here's all the information you need. It's open from Monday to Sunday, with closing times varying from month to month. December is the month when the camp closes earliest, while in June, July and August, opening hours are extended. Practical information - Price: Tickets start at €14, but you can also find guided tours of Auschwitz from Krakow for around €31, which usually include queue-free access and headphones to hear the audioguide better. What's more, if you go alone between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., you don't have to pay anything. The tour lasts around seven to eight hours. - Means of transport: you can usually travel in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles if you choose this option. Advantages: this tour can be taken even during the rainy season. Disadvantages: You need to be in good physical condition, as this is a long tour. For this reason, it is not recommended if you plan to visit Krakow in just one day.

What are the guided tours of the concentration camps near Krakow like?

The tour of the Auschwitz camps is quite dense, as there are many areas to explore. There are gas chambers, experimental hospitals, labor camps and extermination camps. The Plaszow camps, on the other hand, offer a quieter visit, where you can see the ruins of what was once a torture camp. Nearby, you'll find various monuments to the event and its victims.

How long does a visit to a concentration camp near Krakow last?

The length of the tour depends on the camp you choose, as the Auschwitz tour is longer. As there are more camps, we recommend including it in your itinerary if you plan to visit Krakow for at least 4 days. The visit to the Plaszow concentration camps is more leisurely. Today, virtually nothing remains of the structure used during the Second World War. However, we recommend that you spend at least four hours visiting the museums and buildings that have been preserved.

How much does it cost to visit the concentration camps near Krakow?

Prices vary according to the season and the concentration camp, but the cheapest tickets start at 14 euros. Don't forget that you can enter the Auschwitz concentration camp free of charge if you visit at certain times: from 10 am to 3 pm . Please note that the price may increase if you add other services such as a guide, transport, etc.

What's the best way to get to the concentration camps near Krakow?

The best way to get to the concentration camps near Krakow is to take a guided tour, which usually includes transportation. Note that the train is the most complicated option, as you have to take another bus from the central station to your destination. The most efficient means of transport are undoubtedly the bus and the private car. If you want to arrive on time, it's best to get up early, so you have the whole day for your concentration camp tour.

Tips for visiting the concentration camps near Krakow

1) Tips for visiting the Plaszow concentration camps - Avoid visiting the camps with children, as the tour may involve sensitive images. If you want to take them with you, keep an eye on the areas they can visit, depending on their age. - Book in advance the best guided tours of Krakow's Jewish Quarter to learn about the history of Jews during the Second World War. - Don't forget that the Plaszow concentration camp is a public park, so you can enter at any time. However, it is advisable to book a guided tour from Krakow or to visit the KL Museum in Plaszów, where you will be accompanied through the permanent exhibits. 2) Tips for visiting the Auschwitz concentration camps - If you're planning something to do in Krakow in summer, the Auschwitz concentration camps are the busiest. There are also many tourists on weekends and at Easter. - Admission is free between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.. This is also the only time when you can visit alone. To enter during normal hours, you must be accompanied by an authorized guide. - Organize an itinerary of visits to the Auschwitz concentration camps to see all the sites. We recommend booking a tour to Auschwitz from Krakow, as there is usually an English-speaking guide. - Don't forget that it's forbidden to take photos with a flash. - Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as the tour is quite long.