The Road to Kulmhof

The journey from Warsaw to Chełmno nad Nerem is a passage through time, a two-hour drive that unravels the layers of history and memory. As the cityscape of Warsaw fades into the rearview mirror, the landscape transforms into a tapestry of fields and forests, each whispering secrets of the past. The road is a silent witness to the stories of those who once traveled it under vastly different circumstances.

Arriving at Kulmhof, the air is thick with a somber reverence. The remnants of the past linger in the atmosphere, a haunting reminder of the atrocities that unfolded here. The museum stands as a testament to the lives lost, a place where history is preserved and remembered. The new exhibition offers a glimpse into the harrowing history of the camp, a narrative woven with pain and resilience.

Echoes of the Past

The Granary, a structure that once served a grim purpose, now houses a short film that brings the past to life. The images flicker across the screen, casting shadows that dance across the walls, echoing the voices of those who can no longer speak. The remnants of the palace, though sparse, stand as silent sentinels, guarding the stories of those who once walked its halls.

The presbytery, once an administrative building for the Sonderkommando, is a stark reminder of the bureaucratic machinery that facilitated such horror. Each step through these spaces is a step back in time, a journey through the layers of history that have shaped this place.

The Forest of Silence

The Rzuchow Forest, a place of unspeakable tragedy, is where the true weight of history settles upon the soul. Here, the earth holds the memories of those who perished, their stories etched into the very soil. The forest is a place of silence, where the wind whispers through the trees, carrying with it the echoes of the past.

Walking through the forest, one cannot help but feel the presence of those who once walked these paths. The mass graves, hidden beneath the canopy, are a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the depths of human cruelty. Yet, amidst the darkness, there is a sense of resilience, a testament to the enduring spirit of those who suffered.

The Kulmhof Tour is not just a journey through history; it is a pilgrimage of remembrance, a chance to honor the past and reflect on the lessons it holds for the future. It is a journey that leaves an indelible mark on the soul, a reminder of the power of memory and the importance of bearing witness to history.