Many tourists consider it a holocaust odyssey when they go on a tour to visit the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland. This guide will give you all you need to know if you are in Berlin looking to visit Auschwitz and pay your respect to those who were massacred during the Second World War.
About how to get to Auschwitz from Berlin
1. By Train:
One of the most comfortable and favourite means of transport to get to Auschwitz from Berlin is by train. Firstly, one must take a train from Berlin Hauptbahnhof which is the main railway station in Berlin. Check the trains going to Krakow or even Katowice as both cities have a direct link to the concentration camp.
It is recommended to purchase your train tickets before your visit since during the high tourist season the prices will be higher and there will be no guarantee that you will be able to get a seat. Some of the easily accessible webs which contains booking tickets system includes; Deutsche Bahn, Polrail Service.
After getting to Krakow or Katowice it is possible to get a local train or bus to Oswiecim where Auschwitz is situated. One takes approximately 1.5 hours from Krakow while from Katowice one takes approximately 1 hour.
2. By Bus:
Taking a bus also is a comfortable and cheap way in getting to Auschwitz from Berlin. For long-distance travel from Berlin to Krakow there are several bus companies and some of the buses tour directly to Oswiecim where the Auschwitz camp is situated.
There are daily FlixBus and Eurolines services from Berlin for Krakow. After getting into Krakow, you are able to acquire a local bus or train in order to get to Auschwitz.
Useful Tips and Recommendations:
Always get the times of the trains or buses in order to ensure that you can adhere to the correct time. Few routes are operational during certain times, hence the need to know the time of departure and arrival.
It may be wise to devote an evening in Krakow or Oswiecim to a visit to Auschwitz to avoid going through it in a hurry. Different types of accommodation that tourists may find in the two cities include: Hotels & Motels of different classes.
Please ensure that you order for a timed-entry ticket for Auschwitz which can be over the sachsenhausen tours.
Always honor the fact that the place is a memorial. While paying a visit to Auschwitz, one should dress properly and be very careful how one behves or conducts oneself. Indeed, this has to be a place for remembering and as such has to be respected.
It can therefore be useful to make arrangements to hire the services of a tour guide. A professional guide is even more helpful because you get to learn from him/her and confirm that you understand the importance of the site as well as its history.
Conclusion
A trip from Berlin to Auschwitz may be an educational as well as a moving one. Regardless of which mode of transport you decide is most suited to your needs and ability, advanced planning of your journey will go a long way towards making your trip as smooth as possible. Do not forget to book your timed-entry tickets and fully appreciate your visit exploring the memorial by learning about its background and honouring the victims of the Holocaust.
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