"Tracks of Death (1)" Rail Spur From 93 Line To Auschwitz I Camp (Oświęcim)

 Second World War 1939-1945, railway, historic landmark

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This is the old railway spur connecting the Polish military barracks to the nearby 93 Line. The tracks brought supplies and staff to the complex. During the German Nazi regime, the complex was converted to death camp use: Auschwitz I. These tracks transported Auschwitz I convict slave-laborers who were forced to construct the "improved" death camp of Auschwitz II Birkenau which is located northwesterly across the railyard from here. Thousands of doomed civilians rode these tracks one-way to their deaths at the execution area and later the gas chamber of Auschwitz I camp.

The tracks are visible in many places, though are partly covered-over by parking areas in some places as the town tries to get on with life and hide parts of its ghastly past. Close to the railyard the line was cut by road upgrades and a traffic circle.

See also the more famous "Tracks of Death" to nearby Auschwitz II Birkenau:
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