We visited Auschwitz and Birkenau in August 2014. We arrived at Auschwitz early in the morning, because we felt that it is better to visit the camp individually than with a guided tour. From April to October during peak hours (10 am to 3 pm) the visit is permitted only with a guide. Several of the barracks show exhibitions on specific topics or are dedicated to the victims from certain countries or ethnicities. But it is hardly possible to visit all of the them. Most poignant were the rooms with personal items: shoes, suitcases, glasses.

But I was even more shocked by the extermination camp in Birkenau, the sheer size of the area is overwhelming. Of course I've seen documentaries and read a lot and I knew about the inconceivable number of people who were imprisoned and murdered here. But it is something entirely different to see the place of these incredible atrocities with your own eyes.

In Birkenau, most of the wooden barracks were destroyed or demolished, only the brick chimneys remained, an endless number of them. We inevitably slowed down the pace when we walked along the rail track to the ruins of the gas chambers and on the gravel paths between the barracks, in silence and deep in thoughts. No words to describe my feelings.

You should visit both camps to get a complete impression and you should take your time, not only because it is a large area, but mainly because it takes time to cope with all the impressions and emotions.

The photo shows a part of a memorial in Birkenau near the the so-called "Sauna" building.

It has been argued that sites of unculture like Auschwitz should not be included on a list of cultural and natural treasures, an legitimate opinion. But although I think that the WHC should be very reluctant to inscribe such sites, I think the inscription is justified, because testimonies of the collapse of civilization are also part of the heritage of mankind. Everyone should visit Auschwitz and Birkenau at least once in his life.