Auschwitz-Birkenau

Our first stop in Poland was at Auschwitz-Birkenau. It was by far the most somber part of our trip. Auschwitz-Birkenau was the largest of Nazi Germany's concentration camps. Its remains are located in Poland approximately 50 kilometers west of Kraków and 286 kilometers south from Warsaw. The camp took its name from the nearby town of Oświęcim (Auschwitz in German). Birkenau, the German translation of Brzezinka, refers to the many birch trees surrounding the complex.

Our guide highly recommended the book "I Was Doctor Mengele's Assistant" for those who are interested.

The entrance to Auschwitz I was—and still is—marked with the sign “Arbeit Macht Frei”, or “work makes (one) free”.

Map in the Auschwitz Museum detailing catchment area for Auschwitz across Europe.

Memorial at a former execution wall in Auschwitz I.

A stop sign in Auschwitz I.

Rows of barricks in Auschwitz I.

Gallows in Auschwitz I where camp commandant Rudolf Höß was executed on April 16, 1947.

The crematorium of Auschwitz I. This facility was much smaller than those of Auschwitz II.

Now at the Birkenau site.

Memorial at the far end of Birkenau.

Main entrance gate to Birkenau in the distance.

Ruins at Birkenau, with brick chimneys belonging to wooden barracks being prominent.