Auschwitz Subcamps from Krakow

Visiting Auschwitz is often a profound experience, but it’s easy to stick only to the main camp museum and overlook the network of subcamps that played a significant role during WWII. This tour from Krakow offers an opportunity to venture into these lesser-visited sites, revealing stories that rarely make the headlines. Organized by All in Krakow, it promises an 8-hour journey—part guided exploration, part bus ride—focused on uncovering the untold stories of prisoners and the sites that supported the main camp.

We appreciate that this tour takes you beyond the usual, including stops like Juden Rampe and Auschwitz III Monowitz. These are places where human suffering and Nazi industrial efficiency intersect in ways that help us understand the full scope of the Holocaust. However, a word of caution: the experience can feel a little rushed and is primarily aimed at those already somewhat familiar with Auschwitz’s history. If you’re looking for a comprehensive, leisurely tour of the entire Auschwitz complex, this might not be the best fit. But for those with a keen interest in the network of subcamps and their stories, it offers a valuable, focused perspective.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a focused, insightful exploration of Auschwitz’s peripheral sites and are comfortable with a packed schedule. It’s also ideal for those who value guided narration and want to understand the broader system of Nazi concentration camps rather than just the main museum exhibits.

Key Points

• Focus on Subcamps: Visit sites not included in the main Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum.
• Guided Insights: Learn the history of Nazi concentration system from knowledgeable guides.
• Emotional Reflection: Reflect on the cruelty and resilience captured at each stop.
• Limited Main Camp Coverage: Not the full Auschwitz experience—mainly the subcamps.
• Value for Money: Offers a unique perspective at a mid-range price.
• Time-Effective: Covers multiple sites in a single day with transportation included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect During Your Tour

The tour begins at Straszewskiego 14 in Krakow, where you’ll meet your guide and board a comfortable private bus. Expect to spend about 75 minutes traveling out to the sites—bring your patience and perhaps a snack or water for the journey. The schedule is tight, so punctuality and comfortable shoes are essential, as you’ll be doing a fair amount of walking and standing.

Visiting the Untold Stories of Auschwitz Subcamps

This experience is built around two main elements: the guided tours of key sites and the stories that they hold. You’ll visit:

• Juden Rampe: The infamous loading ramp where prisoners were often selected for extermination or forced labor. It’s a place that hits hard and offers a stark reminder of human cruelty.
• Auschwitz III Monowitz: An industrial complex that highlights the Nazi’s exploitation of concentration camp prisoners for forced labor. You’ll see the Auschwitz III Monowitz Exhibition, which gives context to this grim chapter.
• SS Canteen and Women Subcamp Bor-Budy: These stops are designed to give a broader picture of daily life and the system of control and exploitation.

The guides work hard to tell these stories with sensitivity, but reviews suggest the tour can sometimes feel rushed. As Beccie notes, “it felt a bit rushed and we were disappointed for the amount of money we paid.” With a total cost of $99, it’s not the cheapest option, but it covers many sites and includes all entrance fees. Keep in mind, the tour does not include admission to Auschwitz-Birkenau main camp, which is an extra expense if you wish to visit that too.

The Itinerary in Detail

The day unfolds with a mix of transportation and site visits. After meeting at the starting point, you’ll take a 75-minute bus ride to the first stops, including a guided tour of Juden Rampe. This area is especially impactful because it’s where prisoners first arrived, often facing the most brutal selections. Next, you’ll explore the Potatoes and Cabbage Warehouse, an industrial site that symbolizes Nazi efficiency.

Following this, you’ll visit Memoriale Auschwitz III Monowitz, which sheds light on the labor camp and its connections to the larger Auschwitz system. The guided tour here lasts about an hour, providing enough detail without dragging on. After another bus ride of roughly 105 minutes, the tour concludes back at the starting point.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the price are the guided tours of all the sites mentioned, entrance tickets, and transportation from Krakow. The transportation is a key benefit, freeing you from logistical concerns and ensuring a smooth day. The guides are live and in English, which helps bring the stories to life.

However, admission to Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum itself is not included, meaning if you want to visit the main camp, you’ll need an additional ticket. Also, lunch and personal expenses are extra, which is worth planning for, especially on a long day.

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Practical Tips for the Day

• Arrive 15 minutes early at the meeting point with your ID or passport (and student ID if relevant).
• Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. The visit involves walking and standing, often outdoors.
• Be prepared for emotional moments, especially at sites like Juden Rampe, which can evoke strong feelings.
• Since the tour is somewhat condensed, don’t expect a leisurely pace—focus on absorbing the stories rather than sightseeing at every site.

Real Feedback from Travelers

Reviewers give this tour a modest 2 out of 5 rating, mainly because of the rushed nature of the experience. One traveler, Beccie, said, “it felt a bit rushed and we were disappointed for the amount of money we paid.” She also pointed out that the tour covers four sites of the subcamps but does not include Auschwitz I or II—the primary camps most visitors associate with the Holocaust.

Despite this, some appreciated the value for money, especially if you’re interested specifically in the subcamps rather than the entire Auschwitz complex. The guides’ efforts to tell stories and provide context received praise, with the tour offering insight into parts of history that aren’t always in the spotlight.

Is This Tour Worth It?

In terms of value, $99 is a reasonable price considering the number of sites visited and the guide-led commentary. However, because of the time constraints and exclusion of the main camp museum, it’s best suited for those with some prior knowledge of Auschwitz or for travelers who want a focused look at the subcamps. If you’re after a broader, more comprehensive Auschwitz experience, you might want to look at other tours that include the main camp.

This experience offers a meaningful, if somewhat condensed, perspective on the Nazi camp system. It’s a good choice if you prioritize specific sites and want to hear detailed stories that aren’t always part of the standard Auschwitz visit.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for history enthusiasts eager to explore the network of Auschwitz subcamps in depth. It’s also suitable for those with limited time who want a guided, structured visit without the hassle of organizing transportation or tickets. If you prefer a more rundown, or if you’re traveling with children or sensitive individuals, consider whether the emotional weight and pace of this tour are appropriate.

The Sum Up

This Auschwitz Subcamps tour offers a valuable glimpse into parts of the Nazi camp system that are often overlooked. It’s a thought-provoking experience that combines guided storytelling with site visits, making it easier to understand the scope and brutality of the Holocaust beyond the main Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum.

While some may find the schedule a little hurried and the price a tad high for what’s included, many will appreciate the focus on lesser-known sites that tell powerful stories. If you’re seeking an authentic, meaningful, and well-organized way to learn about the Nazi concentration system’s wider network, this tour is worth considering.

However, if your priority is a comprehensive visit to the Auschwitz complex, or if you’re seeking a more relaxed experience, you might want to explore other options that include the main camps or offer more time at each site.

FAQs

Does this tour include the Auschwitz I and II main camps?
No, this tour focuses exclusively on the Auschwitz subcamps. The main Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum requires an additional ticket if you wish to visit.

How long is the bus ride?
The bus ride between sites lasts about 75 minutes in the first leg and 105 minutes on the return, providing a break between site visits.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes guided visits to multiple subcamps and related sites, entrance tickets, and transportation from Krakow.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly restricted, the emotional intensity of the sites and the tour’s pace might be challenging for young children.

How do I prepare for the emotional impact?
Be mentally prepared for sights and stories that can evoke strong feelings. Arrive with an open mind and take time to reflect.

Can I get a refund if I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothes are a must, as you’ll walk and stand outdoors for extended periods.

Is this tour available in languages other than English?
No, the tour is conducted in English, with no mention of other language options.

In the end, this tour offers an opportunity to see some of the lesser-visited, but historically significant, sites of Auschwitz. It’s a focused, guided journey that will suit travelers eager to explore beyond the main camp, provided they’re prepared for a somewhat brisk pace and emotional depth.

You can check availability for your dates here: