Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp

If you are planning a visit to Krakow it is imperative to leave yourself time for a day trip to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp. Located 50 kilometers west of Krakow (in a suburb of Oswiecim) sits the remains of Nazi Germany's largest concentration camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau

It is estimated that the Nazi's killed 1.1 million people at the camp during two and a half years of murderous operation.

Leaving Krakow early in the day is important in order to have enough time to explore Auschwitz-Birkenau. On a three and a half hour tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau you have the chance to visit the wooden baracks, crematoriums and gas chambers, as well as powerful exhibits that display belongings of the camp's victims such as eyeglasses, luggage, shoes and clothing (including small children's and baby clothes).

I found two exhibits in particular to be most astounding. First, there is an exhibit that contains roughly 7,000 kilograms (15,400 lbs) of human hair cut from an estimated 140,000 victims. This only accounts for a small fraction of the victims -- the rest is said to have been destroyed or sent to the Alex Zinc Company to be made into various products (including clothing, blankets and womens stockings). Secondly, there is an exhibit that contains a large heap of artificial legs and crutches. Our tour guide explained that a great number of the victims who had artificial legs were likely injured during WWI. These men could have very well fought alongside the men that were now Nazis.

The final photograph is of what is known as "The Black Wall" this is where thousands of political prisoners, mostly Polish resistance fighters were executed by gunshot at close range.
It is nearly impossible to process what you see at Auschwitz-Birkenau and it can be an extremely emotional journey for many visitors. However, the importance of visiting such a place cannot be overlooked. As Elie Wiesel writes, "I decided to devote my life to telling the story because I felt that having survived I owe something to the dead, and anyone who does not remember betrays them again."