Oswiecim (Auschwitz)

In the Polish town of Oswiecim, or Auschwitz, a Nazi concentration camp (Konzentrationslager) was established in 1941. It - Auschwitz I - was quickly filled beyond capacity, so they built Auschwitz II - Birkenau (or Brzezinka), which was much larger. The two camps were connected by three kilometers of railroad tracks. The sheer size of these two places together surprises, especially when you consider that the majority of people who were sent here were executed as soon as they arrived.

Outside of Auschwitz I, you can view footage on what was found by Soviet troops when they liberated the camp in 1945 - about 7,000 prisoners survived. You enter the camp by walking through the gate that says "Arbeit Macht Frei" (Work Makes Free). Inside are the blocks where the prisoners were kept - about 30 remain - as well as watch towers and the crematorium. A dozen or so of the cell blocks feature different exhibitions: living conditions, personal effects taken from the prisoners (huge piles of glasses, shoes, luggage...), the experimentation performed on some prisoners, the "Death Block" #11 and the Death Wall next to it, where prisoners were executed.

You can walk or take a shuttle to Auschwitz II - Birkenau. It is much larger than Auschwitz I, even though much of the camp was destroyed - including the gas chambers - by the Nazis.

Entrance to both camps is free, although donations are welcome. The film footage and shuttle between the camps have nominal fees.