And welcome to our guide on how much it costs to see Auschwitz Concentration Camp. Auschwitz is one of the world’s most important historical landmarks from a historical and cultural perspective. Auschwitz is in Poland, it allows anyone to come pay their respects to those who died by the millions during the Holocaust.
The Significance of Auschwitz
Auschwitz-Birkenau (or Auschwitz concentration camp) was the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp in a period of World War II. It is solemn reminder of atrocities by Nazis, especially including Jews’ burning, but also Romani people, Poles, Soviet POWs, etc.
Auschwitz I was the main camp, Auschwitz II-Birkenau was originally established to house forced labor, torture, and mass killings. Between 1940 and 1945, Auschwitz claimed between 1.1 million people, mostly Jews.
Planning Your Visit
To visit Auschwitz is important to realize the memorial site. When visiting learn to be respectful, sensitive, and willing to learn.
Book Your Visit in Advance
Since it is historical and well known as a tourist destination, you are strongly recommended to book your visit beforehand to Auschwitz. The memorial is free to enter, but there are some rules to follow to best honour the dead.
You can book your visit at the official Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum website. With different ticket options such as guided tours, individual visits and educational programs, they offer.
Choosing a Guided Tour
You can certainly visit Auschwitz free of charge (and that is an amazing place to see), but if you’re looking for context and a guide to enhance your understanding of place, then a guided tour can be a way to get there. You will be able to take a look at the camp in multiple languages as guided tours are provided, and led by knowledgeable and experienced guides who can answer questions and impart insight into the camp’s history.
The costs for guided tours are usually from $10 to $20 per person and usually, it is according to the duration and language. But rates might differ, so it’s better to look at the official website for current rates.
Additional Costs
If you go to Auschwitz, then you have to know about the guided tour fee and a few more things.
Transportation
Auschwitz is about 50 kilometres west of Kraków, Poland. Wanting to visit Auschwitz, if you are staying in Kraków you can reach Auschwitz by car, by public transportation or joining a guided tour which includes transportation.
If you are not fond of public transportation, not to worry, there are buses and trains from Kraków to Oswiecim, the town where Auschwitz is situated. This takes about 1½ to 2 hours, depending on when and how you choose to take it.
On average, you’re going to spend $10 to $20 on transportation, depending on what mode you travel.
Meals and Refreshments
You may wish to bring snacks, or purchase meals and refreshments at on site café and food stands during your visit. The prices are also reasonable, food and drinks are at the budget of $10 to $15 dollars a head.
Conclusion
When you do go to Auschwitz, keep in mind the clear reason for this visit — to honor the victims and learn about the history of the Holocaust. Visiting the site of Auschwitz is very cheap – much cheaper than the educational or emotional value it brings.
Keep in mind that a visit to Auschwitz Concentration Camp is not as affordable as you would hope because you will need to bear additional costs, such as transportation and meals, in addition to booking your visit in advance and selecting a guided tour. When you approach your visit to this important part of world history with the appropriate respect and sensitivity, remember to do so.
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