Auschwitz Subcamps

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We create one-, two-, or three- (or more) days programmes tailored to the needs of each group. Each programme is individually designed. We collaborate with numerous museums, cultural institutions and organizations. You can choose the places that interest you the most and create your own programme, or take advantage of our suggestions.

In addition to historical programmes, we also offer tours of Krakow and its surroundings (WIELICZKA, ZAKOPANE, ENERGYLANDIA) in cooperationwith ALL IN KRAKOW .

We combine history, education with entertainment.

In Auschwitz

Auschwitz-Birkenau

Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp, has become a symbol of the Holocaust and the genocide of World War II. Located in Oświęcim, Poland, the camp operated from 1940 to 1945 and was the site of the deaths of over one million people, primarily Jews, but also Poles, Roma, Soviet prisoners of war, and other groups persecuted by the Nazi regime.

The Auschwitz complex consisted of three main parts: Auschwitz I, the main camp; Auschwitz II-Birkenau, the largest extermination camp; and Auschwitz III-Monowitz, a forced labor camp. Today, Auschwitz-Birkenau serves as a memorial and museum, visited by millions of people worldwide who come to pay tribute to the victims and to understand the scale of atrocities committed by the Nazis.

Judenrampe

Judenrampe at Auschwitz-Birkenau was where deportation trains from across Europe unloaded their passengers. Between 1942 and mid-1944, SS officers decided the fate of arrivals at this ramp. Most, including children, the elderly, and the sick, were sent directly to gas chambers, while others deemed fit for labor became prisoners.

The ramp witnessed countless scenes of human suffering, as families were torn apart and individuals faced unimaginable fear and uncertainty. Many deportees arrived after days of brutal transport in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, further weakening their bodies and spirits. The sight of prisoners working amidst their tragic fate serves as a grim reminder of the brutality of the Nazi regime and its systematic cruelty. Today, the Judenrampe stands as a powerful symbol of the need to remember and educate future generations about the horrors of the Holocaust.

Kartoffellager

Special food storage facilities in the Auschwitz Subcamps played a key role in the prisoner supply system. In those warehouses, potatoes were stored, which constituted the staple diet of the camp. Despite strict rationing and often insufficient food supplies, potatoes provided essential calories, allowing the prisoners to survive in harsh conditions.

These storage facilities highlight the stark contrast between the systematic organization of camp logistics and the inhumane treatment of prisoners. The reliance on potatoes underscores the minimal and nutritionally inadequate rations provided to inmates, contributing to widespread malnutrition and suffering. Yet, even these limited provisions became a lifeline for survival in an environment designed to dehumanize and destroy. Today, these facilities serve as a reminder of the harsh realities faced by those imprisoned in Auschwitz.

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SS canteen

The SS canteen in Auschwitz was a place where SS officers and camp personnel could satisfy their dietary needs. Located adjacent to the main camp of Auschwitz I, the canteen was stocked with food and beverages according to the privileges and privileged position of the SS staff in the camp. This place was one of many symbols of the privileges and distance that the SS maintained from the prisoners of the camp, whose daily existence was a struggle for survival.

While the prisoners endured starvation and deprivation, the SS enjoyed relative comfort and abundance, further highlighting the dehumanizing conditions of the camp. The canteen served not only as a physical space for nourishment but also as a stark representation of the power dynamics and cruelty that defined the relationship between the Nazi officers and the inmates. It remains a symbol of the severe inequality and the suffering imposed on the victims of Auschwitz.

The Brzeszcze coal mine

The Brzeszcze coal mine has been managed by HGW in Katowice since 1940. It had privileged access to resources, equipment, and labor. Recognized for its wartime significance, the mine underwent extensive expansion. In August 1942, HGW made an agreement with the SS Main Economic and Administrative Office for Auschwitz to provide 6,000 prisoners for labor in the mine to meet coal production demands.

The use of forced labor at the Brzeszcze mine was part of the Nazi regime’s broader exploitation of prisoners for industrial production. Prisoners working in the mine endured harsh conditions, with grueling labor, inadequate food, and brutal treatment by the guards. The expansion of the mine and the involvement of Auschwitz prisoners in this labor highlight the intersection of Nazi industrial ambitions and the systematic abuse of human lives during the war. Today, the history of forced labor at Brzeszcze serves as a reminder of the exploitation and suffering that defined much of the wartime economy.

Female Subcamp Budy/Bor

 

The Female Subcamp Budy/Bor was one of many subcamps of Auschwitz, located in occupied Poland. Established in 1942, it served as a place of forced labor for women, primarily Jewish, but also Polish and women of other nationalities. The women were compelled to perform strenuous work in infrastructure construction, agriculture, and various industrial tasks.

The labor was exhausting, and the women often had to work long hours without proper breaks, clothing, or protective footwear. Conditions in the subcamp were harsh, with inadequate food and constant abuse from the guards. The forced labor at Budy/Bor exemplified the dehumanizing conditions faced by women in the Nazi labor system, where survival was a daily struggle against both physical exhaustion and the brutal treatment of the SS. The subcamp’s history remains a powerful reminder of the suffering endured by these women during the Holocaust.

Jawiszowice camp

Jawiszowice camp was one of many forced labor camps operating in Poland during World War II. Located near the Brzeszcze-Jawiszowice coal mine, it was part of a network of camps exploiting prisoners for heavy labor in support of the German war industry. Living conditions in the camp were harsh, with overcrowding, inadequate food, and lack of basic sanitation. Prisoners endured brutal treatment by the guards, facing constant physical abuse and exhaustion from the grueling labor.

Jawiszowice camp stands as a painful testament to the inhumane treatment of people during the Nazi occupation. Many prisoners, including Jews, Poles, and others, were worked to the brink of death in the service of Nazi industrial and war efforts. The camp’s legacy serves as a reminder of the suffering inflicted on countless individuals during the Holocaust and the brutality of the Nazi regime.

Exhibition „Frames of Memory. Labyrinths” in Harmęże 

The exhibition „Frames of Memory. Labyrinths” in Harmęże showcases drawings by Marian Kołodziej, a former Auschwitz prisoner numbered 432. Over the course of 16 years, he created 260 powerful drawings that depict his trauma and resilience experienced in the camps. Rich in symbolism, the exhibition offers a deep reflection on the moral choices individuals face in the face of extreme suffering. It serves as an important educational tool, drawing visitors from around the world to reflect on the horrors of the Holocaust and the strength of the human spirit.

The Auschwitz III Monowitz Exhibition

The Auschwitz III Monowitz Exhibition provides a detailed exploration of the history and significance of the Monowitz camp, a lesser-known yet critical part of the Auschwitz complex. The exhibition focuses on the camp’s role as a forced labor site for industrial giants like IG Farben, which profited from the exploitation of prisoners under horrific conditions.

Through photographs, documents, and personal testimonies, visitors gain insight into the daily lives of the prisoners, who were subjected to grueling work, malnutrition, and abuse. The exhibition also highlights the collaboration between the Nazi regime and German industries, showcasing how the war effort and corporate interests were intertwined with the suffering of Holocaust victims.

By shedding light on the events at Monowitz, the exhibition aims to educate visitors about the broader system of exploitation and inhumanity within the Auschwitz complex and its connection to the wartime economy. It serves as a poignant reminder of the atrocities committed and the resilience of those who endured unimaginable hardships.

The Remembrance Museum of the Land of Oświęcim Residents 

 

The Remembrance Museum of the Land of Oświęcim Residents  is located in the town of Oświęcim, close to the Auschwitz concentration camp. The museum is dedicated to preserving the memory of the local community, particularly the Jewish population that once lived in the area, and their tragic fate during the Holocaust.

The museum highlights the history of Oświęcim and its inhabitants before, during, and after World War II. It includes exhibitions on the Jewish community, their culture, and daily life before the Nazi occupation, as well as the horrors of the Holocaust, including the deportation of local Jews to Auschwitz and other camps. The museum also commemorates the suffering of the townspeople and the impact of the camp on the region.

Through photographs, documents, and personal stories, the museum educates visitors about the importance of remembrance and the lessons of history. Its mission is to honor the victims of the Holocaust, preserve the memory of the Oświęcim residents, and promote reflection on the values of tolerance, human dignity, and peace.

In Kraków

KL Płaszów

KL Płaszów was a Nazi concentration and labor camp that operated from 1942 to 1944 on the outskirts of Kraków. Initially established as a forced labor camp for Jews from Kraków and surrounding areas, it later became one of the primary centers for the persecution of Jewish people. Prisoners were forced to perform hard labor, including the construction of camps, roads, and other infrastructure projects. The living conditions in Płaszów were extremely brutal, with insufficient food, exhausting work, and frequent executions.

The camp was commanded by Amon Göth, a notorious SS officer known for his extreme cruelty. Göth’s brutal actions included the mass execution of prisoners and the implementation of inhumane conditions in the camp. In 1944, as part of the Nazi policy of camp liquidation, Płaszów was closed, and its prisoners were deported to other camps, including Auschwitz.

The Jewish Quarter of Kazimier

The Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz, located in Kraków, Poland, is a historic district with a rich cultural and religious heritage. Established in the 14th century, it became a thriving center for Jewish life, with synagogues, schools, and businesses forming the heart of the community. Before World War II, Kazimierz was home to a vibrant Jewish population that contributed significantly to the cultural and economic life of Kraków.

During the Holocaust, the Jewish community of Kazimierz was devastated, with many residents forced into the Kraków Ghetto and later deported to concentration camps. Despite this tragic history, Kazimierz has undergone a revival in recent decades. Today, it serves as a cultural hub, hosting Jewish festivals, museums, and restaurants that celebrate Jewish traditions. Landmarks such as the Old Synagogue and Remuh Synagogue stand as testaments to the enduring legacy of Jewish life in the district, attracting visitors from around the world who come to learn about its history and culture.

The Jewish Ghetto in Podgórze

The Jewish Ghetto in Podgórze, Kraków, was established by the Nazi regime in March 1941 as part of its campaign to isolate and persecute the Jewish population. Located in the Podgórze district, on the southern bank of the Vistula River, the ghetto became a place of immense suffering for the Jewish community of Kraków. Approximately 15,000 Jews were forced into an area designed to hold far fewer people, leading to severe overcrowding, hunger, and disease.

The ghetto was surrounded by walls, some of which were shaped like tombstones, symbolizing the impending fate of its inhabitants. In 1942 and 1943, mass deportations to concentration camps, including Auschwitz and Bełżec, decimated the population. The ghetto was eventually liquidated in March 1943, with those who remained executed or sent to labor and extermination camps.

Today, remnants of the ghetto walls, as well as memorials like the „Empty Chairs” installation in Ghetto Heroes Square, serve as powerful reminders of the suffering endured by Kraków’s Jewish population and the horrors of the Holocaust.

The Schindler Factory

The Schindler Factory, located in Kraków, Poland, is one of the most significant historical sites connected to the Holocaust. During World War II, it was managed by Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who is credited with saving the lives of over 1,200 Jews. Schindler employed Jewish workers in his factory, initially producing enamelware and later munitions, under the pretense of supporting the Nazi war effort. However, he used his position and resources to shield his workers from deportation to concentration camps, often bribing Nazi officials to ensure their safety.

Today, the factory houses the Museum of Kraków under Nazi Occupation, which offers an in-depth exploration of life in Kraków during the war. The exhibitions detail the experiences of the Jewish community, the establishment of the ghetto, and the broader context of Nazi occupation. Oskar Schindler’s actions, immortalized in the film Schindler’s List, continue to inspire visitors to reflect on the power of individual courage and humanity during one of history’s darkest periods.

The Eagle Pharmacy

The Eagle Pharmacy, located in Kraków’s Podgórze district, played a vital role during the Holocaust as a symbol of resistance and humanity. Owned and operated by Tadeusz Pankiewicz, a Polish pharmacist, it was the only pharmacy allowed to remain open within the Jewish Ghetto after its establishment in March 1941.

Pankiewicz and his staff used the pharmacy as a haven for the Jewish population, providing medical aid, smuggling food and messages, and offering shelter to those fleeing Nazi persecution. Despite the constant threat from German authorities, Pankiewicz risked his life to help alleviate the suffering of the ghetto’s residents.

Today, the site serves as a branch of the Historical Museum of Kraków, with exhibitions dedicated to the Holocaust and the courageous actions of Tadeusz Pankiewicz. The museum preserves the memory of the ghetto’s victims and honors the extraordinary bravery of those who chose to stand against oppression.

Pomorska Street

Pomorska Street in Kraków is a location of great historical significance as it was the site of the Gestapo headquarters during the Nazi occupation of Poland in World War II. Situated in the building of the former „House of the Polish Gymnastic Society Sokół,” it became a center of terror, where the Gestapo conducted interrogations, torture, and executions of resistance members, political prisoners, and others suspected of opposing the Nazi regime.

Many individuals who were detained here were later sent to concentration camps or executed. The building’s basement, where the Gestapo cells were located, still bears inscriptions left by prisoners, serving as haunting reminders of the suffering endured by those who were detained there.

Today, the site is part of the Historical Museum of Kraków, housing the Pomorska Street Museum, which includes exhibits on the Nazi occupation and the activities of the Gestapo. It stands as a place of remembrance for the victims and a stark reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust.

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