Memorial and Museum Auschwitz II-Birkenau — Attraction in gmina Oświęcim

One of the most powerful eye opening experiences I've ever had.

It was sad, chilling, cold and very emotional. But never the less a pilgrimage I've ALWAYS want to take ever since I was younger after sitting and listening to the horrors of the war told by my grandparents whom lived through it all and fought to stop monstrosities like this from happening here in our country.

Auschwitz concentration camp according to historians saw the Nazis send at least 1.3 million people to Auschwitz, About 1.1 million of them were killed, Most of them Jewish, Slaughtered and murdered there. These included nearly all woman, pregnant woman, children, Elderly and anyone deemed unfit to work, None of them knew they were being led to there deaths and instead were told they will undergo delousing and a shower, Stripped of there belongings including clothing all of which would be used by the Nazis and then bundled naked into the chambers where they would be dead within 2 minutes, Even after death they would be off use to the Nazis, There hair shaven and used to make material, clothing, uniforms and gold teeth pulled out and melted down to be sold, before there bodies are burnt and ashes used as fertilizer.

I have to mention our guide, He was an amazing person, He knew his history inside and out as sadly his grandfather was executed at the site for trying to stop this madness from happening. His name was Michael and he took the English speaking tour, Lovely guy and willing to help and answer...

How can one describe the deep emotions that you feel when visiting Auschwitz? The movies, photos, stories and documentaries suddenly become horribly real the first time you see the "Arbeit macht frei" sign and the infamous building leading to the railway selection area. Tears, anger, sorrow, bewilderment, guilt - some of the emotions you can expect to feel. Note the beauty of the surrounding countryside, especially around gas chambers 4 & 5 and Bunker 2.

The horrors of seeing the scratch marks on the walls and around the Zyklon B vents of the gas chamber in Auschwitz 1 is particularly disturbing.

The guided tour is rushed and limited to certain areas - it's not optional - you have to take a paid tour costing 90Zloty. However, you're free to return after 4pm to roam around Auschwitz 1 and take your time. You can do the same after your tour ends at Auschwitz 2 Birkenau at around midday. Personally, I would recommend this if you want to cover both camps at your own leisure, allowing yourself the time to reflect.

So, in conclusion, I would recommend that everyone, regardless of race or creed, visit Auschwitz to honour those who were murdered and to realise that if we're not careful, it can, and will,...

Bad points first: I have visited many times over the last 30 years and I'm sad to say the guided tour has gone down considerably. You are rushed through the visit and no consideration for the disabled that can't keep you. You loose the radio signal from the guide and they have moved on to the next exhibit before you've seen the previous one. It's all about how quickly you can get the numbers through. And we were trying to keep up and the next group is behind us trying to push through. As I've said I've been many times and much of the exhibit was missed or rushed past with no explanation. I had to guide my disabled friend with my better knowledge than the guide. I guess now it is less about the memorial and heritage site and more about the money. The good points, well, those that were there have gone because most of the particular history is missed. No chance to ask questions just keep moving so you'll see I have lost the good points. Quite a bit of the exhibition was closed while the renovate and total blocks just not taken to. I was disappointed for my guests as I had hyped the venue and it just didn't come up to previous...