Reader, if you are considering a trip to Berlin and would like to visit the Memorial and Museum of Auschwitz in Poland you might be interested in knowing how best to get there. Transport having become very central in the delivery of services, in this article, we will take you through the various forms of transport that are available so that you can be able to make the right choice.
1. Train
Another common and perhaps one of the most comfortable means of making the journey is by train from Berlin to the Osweiecim camp or Auschwitz. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- First, go by train from Berlin and spend some time in Krakow. There are many operators who ply this route, and the journey takes between 4-5 hours on average.
- When planning your visit to Krakow take a train or a bus to Oswiecim, the nearest town to the camp. The distance between Krakow and Oswiecim is approximately 1- 1.5 hours of car drive.
- From Oswiecim there is a taxi ride or a bus to get to the Memorial and Museum of Auschwitz. The total duration of the journey is about 10 to 15 minutes.
Ensure you check the train timetable before boarding a train especially since the trains are seasonal. As we saw earlier on the itinerary, it is wise to purchase the train tickets and booking of the museums in advance.
2. Guided Tours
If you do not like confusing option, and you wish to have a nice guide to lead you around, you might consider joining a guided tour. Several companies organize one-day visits from Berlin to the concentration camp in Oświęcim. Such tours may cover transportation, guide, as well as the cost of entry to the museum.
By hiring a guided tour, there is no need to plan how and where to go, or which bus or train to take. History is explained by the tour guide, you get the opportunity to ask questions and the tour is seamless from beginning to end.
3. Car Rental
If you like going by car and if you like driving then it will be better to rent a car. Here are the steps to reach Auschwitz from Berlin by car:
- Rent a car in Berlin. When it comes to car rental, one has endless choices including those ones located at the airport and downtown.
- Proceed to visit the Auschwitz after âriding’, or better still, âdriving’ to the place. They will take about 5-6 hours to complete depending on the traffics and the type of route chosen by the travelers.
- PARKING NEAR THE HOLYW WATER OF AUSSCHWITZ MEMORIAL AND MUSEUM. That is why, there are other trace marked parking lot zones that one can take when visiting the area.
Personally I prefer to have a car because it allows independence in terms of travel within these places. However, make sure you are Okay with traffic rules of that particular country if you are planning to drive possibly there would be some extra troubles.
4. Bus
There is another way to get to Auschwitz from Berlin and it is using the long distance bus. Here’s how:
- Search for those bus companies that provide their bus services from Berlin to Krakow. The trip normally lasts approximately between 8 to 9 hours.
- When you are in Krakow, there are local trains as well as buses available that will take you to Oswiecim and from there and there are local taxis, buses to the Auschwitz Memorial and Museum.
Buses are often cheaper in comparison with other vehicles but one should know that traveling by bus can take hours. Do also make sure to pay attention to the bus timings and try to book your tickets a day earlier.
Important Tips:
- Do not fix your itinerary of the Memorial and Museum around the week or day, but choose your preferred date time well in advance if you live in a country that has seasonal tourists rush or major traveling periods.
- As this museum involves, to a certain extent, the practice of a sightseeing tourism, wear comfortable shoes.
- The visitor must always observe the etiquette in regards to rules and regulations of the memorial site. Taking photos is permitted at some of the zones; however, always remember the seriousness of the place.
- Recommend going with a tour that will have a guider to explain the general knowledge and history of Auschwitz camp to the tourists.
In Conclusion
The trip from Berlin to Auschwitz is a symbolic one, which helps people to pray and turn to the tragedy that happened in this world. No matter if you decide to go by a train, a tour, by renting a car or a bus, do not plan your schedule too tight and allow enough time to explore the Auschwitz Memorial and Museum.
Just a reminder before you shoulder your bag and prepare to tour Auschwitz, doing this needs tact and honor. In this case spend the time to remember and appreciate all the lives lost during this period in human history.
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