Auschwitz

  Auschwitz, located about 70 kilometers west of Krakow, serves as a haunting reminder of the atrocities committed during World War II. Established in 1940, it was the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp, where over 1.1 million people lost their lives. Today, the site operates as the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, where visitors can explore preserved barracks, the infamous gas chambers, and exhibitions that recount the history of those who suffered there. The museum is open year-round, but visiting in April or October provides a chance to experience fewer crowds. Guests can take guided tours, which offer deeper insights into the tragic history, or explore the grounds on their own to reflect on the somber past.