I went to Auschwitz from Krakow as a day trip, by train (the polish name of Auschwitz is Oswiecim) and then walked to the site (although there's also a local bus). Then we went from the Auschwitz site to Birkenau (there's a shuttle bus). I'm sure you can also get there from Krakow on some kind of tourist bus if you like that kind of thing (I don't). Apart from the memorial sites there's not much to see or do in the city, so I recommend staying in Krakow which is close and beautiful. and has tons of hostels.

Check out their website for all relevant information: http://en.auschwitz.org.pl/m/

i visited the site driving from gliwice. auschwitz gives the immediate impression of being peaceful and almost like a rustic college campus. little red brick buildings with pebble lined walkways and nicely kept grass. hard to believe that such atrocities took place in such a peaceful setting (today)

I recommend getting a guide in Auschwitz. A good guide magnifies the experience. I went there with a group and we had a fantastic guide who came with us to Birkenau as well. I didn´t organise it, but I guess he worked for the memorial site itself, at least he is from Oswiecim. I also guess you would have to book a guide in advance.

Hi Gautham,

I did it as a day trip from Krakow by bus. It is convenient and not time consuming. It is definitely a site worth visiting, imho.

Let me know if you need further info.

Cheers,

H

Thanks a lot for pitching in guys. really appreciate this. Will keep this forum updated about my plans.