The main directions of the January 1945 prisoner evacuations
The outline shows two main directions of evacuation marches from Auschwitz and its subcamps. A guide selects specific memorial sites according to the time and needs of the group.
The historical routes branched and did not form one simple line. This diagram shows educational directions, not a route for independent navigation.
Auschwitz and its subcamps
Between 17 and 21 January 1945, the Germans forced approximately 56,000 prisoners out of the Auschwitz complex in evacuation columns.
Towards Gliwice
One of the principal directions, where columns were combined before prisoners continued by rail transport.
Towards Wodzisław Śląski
The other principal direction through Upper Silesia and a point for onward rail transports deeper into the Reich.
Planned: testimony and context for memorial sites
The planned audio layer is intended to add verified context to individual memorial sites. It is not yet available and requires careful source selection and ethical review.