Honestly, it is impossible to talk about Second World War or the holocaust without mentioning Auschwitz concentration camp. Said to be set in the city of Oswiecim, Poland, Auschwitz is a symbol of one of the earth’s darkest depictions of man’s inhumanity to fellow man. As we already know that Oswiecim is a Polish city nearest to the Auschwitz, many people also want to know about the nearest German city to this place.

The Historical Context

Maybe before going any deeper into the closest German city it would be important to know a little about Auschwitz. Poland suffered the war being occupied by Nazi Germany and the camp Auschwitz-Birkenau was built in 1940. The camp became the largest extermination center and the place where nearly one and a half million people died in vain.

The Closest German City

Strange but the nearest German city when entering through the Auschwitz gate is Krakow. Krakow is located in southern Poland and is only approximately 37 miles (60 kilometers) from Auschwitz. Because of this factor, anyone planning a visit to Krakow should make a detour to acknowledge and learn about this mournful history at Auschwitz.

Visiting Krakow

Krakow is one of the top largest cities of Poland, it was the capital of the polish republic and has rich history and tradition. It is noted for its middle aged construction, remarkable Old Town and lively spirit. When arranging a tour to Krakow one gets not only a possibility of seeing this beautiful city but as well gets a shot at studying the occurrence of the World War II.

Krakow as well as Other Places of Interest in the Region: How to get to Auschwitz

It is quite easy acquiring transports from Krakow to the Auschwitz camp. Self tours are possible but most people hire tourist coaches which are available at cheap cost and takes tourists from Krakow to; they also offer details and facts concerning important places to visit in Auschwitz. When conducted, these tours also incorporate a visit at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum for the most informative experience.

However, if you will be more comfortable to wander on your own, you can ride a local train which is available at Krakow Glowny station going to Oswiecim. The journey takes about two hours and it is a twenty-minute car or bus drive from Oswiecim railway station to the Auschwitz camp memorial.

The Importance of Remembering

It is beyond question that visiting Auschwitz is emotionally stirring. It is also memorable as a symbol of the horrors during the World War II and the holocaust. This paper discusses remembering as an essential process of giving memory a purpose so that these horrors can never happen again.

Today, Auschwitz represents hope and perseverance after the unthinkable happened. Studying the past will help to make progress towards the future’s optimistic goal of acceptance, empathy, and cohesion.

Conclusion

While analysing the historical context of Auschwitz it is important to mention the nearest German town which is Krakow. Tourism offers people a chance to make offerings, examine this part of the history, and help maintain memory about the events.