Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
A solemn memorial and museum preserving the history of the Holocaust, offering a profound and educational experience of remembrance.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, free entry possible
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, free entry possible
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A solemn memorial and museum preserving the history of the Holocaust, offering a profound and educational experience of remembrance.
"An unforgettable, deeply moving experience that brings history home and reminds us to never forget."
Book 6+ Weeks Ahead
Tickets, especially for guided tours, sell out fast. Book online well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Consider the Extended Tour
The longer tour offers more depth and context, making it more valuable for understanding the history.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The "Arbeit Macht Frei" Gate
Auschwitz I
The infamous gate at Auschwitz I, a chilling symbol of the camp's deceptive promise of labor leading to freedom.
Victims' Shoes and Suitcases
Auschwitz I
A poignant display of personal belongings left behind by victims, a stark reminder of their lost lives and individuality.
The "Death Gate"
Birkenau (Auschwitz II)
The imposing railway entrance to Birkenau, where countless victims arrived and were immediately selected for labor or death.
Gas Chamber and Crematoria Remains
Birkenau (Auschwitz II)
The haunting remnants of the gas chambers and crematoria, the epicenter of the Nazi's systematic extermination.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets Well in Advance
Guided Tours are Highly Recommended
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book 6+ Weeks Ahead
Tickets, especially for guided tours, sell out fast. Book online well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Consider the Extended Tour
The longer tour offers more depth and context, making it more valuable for understanding the history.
Visiting Auschwitz… a few tips after a successful trip
Planning a Visit to Auschwitz
Museum Guides are Best
Opt for guides employed by the museum for their in-depth knowledge and respectful approach. +1
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across both sites, so comfortable footwear is essential.
Visiting Auschwitz Birkenau on my own
Tips
from all over the internet
Book 6+ Weeks Ahead
Tickets, especially for guided tours, sell out fast. Book online well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Consider the Extended Tour
The longer tour offers more depth and context, making it more valuable for understanding the history.
Museum Guides are Best
Opt for guides employed by the museum for their in-depth knowledge and respectful approach. +1
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across both sites, so comfortable footwear is essential.
Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 3-4 hours for a comprehensive visit, longer for the extended tours.
Respectful Attire
Dress modestly and respectfully. Avoid revealing clothing as a sign of respect for the memorial.
No Food/Drink in Exhibits
Eating and drinking are prohibited inside the museum buildings and exhibition areas.
Transportation Options
Trains and shuttle buses from Krakow are convenient and affordable ways to reach the memorial. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently describe Auschwitz-Birkenau as an incredibly powerful, somber, and emotional experience that is essential for understanding history. The museum is praised for its preservation efforts and the depth of information provided by guides. However, some visitors have found the organization and logistics, particularly around entry and navigation, to be poorly managed, detracting from the overall experience.
"A huge museum, which is being restored to this day and is still being preserved. Book the tour in advance because you can get alone and for free only after 15:00. We got a very nice girl guide, it was very interesting and pleasant to listen to.
We visited both camps, the total tour took about 4 hours. This place is very atmospheric, creepy. It is obligatory for everyone to visit, you need to know and not forget the history so that there are no more such things."
Vjatseslav Lanberg
"It's worth going here to get some understanding of the scale and suffering that Jews and others had handed out by the Nazis during their time in power.
Walking around the camp just shows what man can do to fellow man. The suffering and death on an industrial scale.
The museum does well to preserve the past so we don't forget.
There is a lot of walking involved so plan ahead especially if you take a guided tour as they move quickly but do give you lots of information about the camp and the people who went through the gates, many for the last time."
Chris Mcloughlin
"Incredibly somber and emotional experience. Seeing the scale of what happened here is overwhelming.
We visited on a nice sunny day, but I couldn’t help but feel what the conditions must have felt like for those held within the camp during the harsh polish winters.
A must see for anyone to remind us of what happened and try to ensure it can never happen again."
Steven
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common ways are by train or bus. Trains depart from Krakow Glowny station to Oswiecim, and then you can take a local bus or walk to the museum. Shuttle buses from Krakow are also a popular and convenient option, often including guided tours. +1
Yes, it's feasible to visit on your own using public transport. However, many visitors find a guided tour enhances the experience significantly due to the historical context provided.
Shuttle buses are often recommended for their directness and convenience, taking you straight to the museum entrance. Trains are also a good option, though they might require an additional short bus ride or walk. +1
The journey from Krakow to Auschwitz typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by bus or train, depending on traffic and the specific route.
Yes, taxis are available, but they are generally the most expensive option. Consider this if you are traveling in a group and want maximum flexibility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets, especially for guided tours, must be booked in advance through the official Auschwitz Memorial website (visit.auschwitz.org). They often sell out weeks or months ahead.
Admission to the grounds of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial is free. However, to enter the museum exhibitions and to join a guided tour, you need to book a timed entry slot, which may involve a fee for the tour.
While some same-day tickets might be available at the counter, it's highly unreliable, especially during peak season. Arriving very early (around 7 AM) might offer a chance, but booking in advance is strongly advised.
Opening hours vary seasonally. Generally, the memorial is open daily from early morning until late afternoon. It's best to check the official website for the most current hours.
You can visit without a guide by reserving a free time slot online. However, a guided tour is highly recommended to fully understand the historical significance and context of the site. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
A standard guided tour typically lasts around 3.5 hours, covering both Auschwitz I and Birkenau. Extended tours can be longer, up to 6 hours.
It's important to dress respectfully. Avoid shorts, short skirts, and clothing with offensive graphics or slogans. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
Photography is generally allowed in outdoor areas, but it's prohibited inside buildings and exhibition halls. Be mindful and respectful when taking photos.
Auschwitz is a somber and emotionally challenging place. While educational, it may not be suitable for very young children. Parents should consider the age and maturity of their children.
Auschwitz I was the original camp, primarily administrative and containing some of the first gas chambers. Birkenau (Auschwitz II) was the much larger extermination camp, built to implement the 'Final Solution'. They are connected by a shuttle or a 3km walk.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are cafes and a restaurant near the entrance of Auschwitz I. However, many visitors recommend avoiding restaurants immediately surrounding the museum, as they can be tourist traps.
You can bring water and snacks, but eating and drinking are not permitted inside the museum buildings or exhibition areas.
There are a few cafes and restaurants near the memorial. For better value and quality, consider eating in Krakow before or after your visit, or pack your own food.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is permitted in outdoor areas of the memorial grounds. However, it is strictly forbidden inside the museum buildings and exhibition spaces.
The iconic 'Arbeit Macht Frei' gate at Auschwitz I and the railway entrance at Birkenau are significant photographic points. However, always prioritize respect and solemnity over photography.
Yes, photography is not allowed inside any of the buildings or exhibition halls. Flash photography is also prohibited. Be mindful of other visitors and the solemn nature of the site.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Children
If you decide to visit with children, consider booking a guided tour that is age-appropriate and focus on the educational aspects of remembrance and preventing future atrocities. It's advisable to prepare children beforehand by explaining what they will see and why it's important to be respectful. Comfortable shoes are a must, as there is a lot of walking involved.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money on transportation, utilize public buses or trains from Krakow, which are very inexpensive. Packing your own snacks and water will also help cut down on costs, as food options near the memorial can be pricey. While guided tours have a fee, they are generally considered worth the investment for the historical context.
🚶 Solo Travelers
Alternatively, if you prefer to explore at your own pace, reserve a free time slot for a self-guided visit. This allows for personal reflection and the freedom to spend more time in areas that resonate with you. Public transport from Krakow is straightforward and affordable for solo visitors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Ticket System
For those who wish to visit without a guide, free entry tickets can be reserved online for specific time slots, often available after midday. It's crucial to check the official website (visit.auschwitz.org) for the most up-to-date information on booking procedures and availability. Some visitors have reported success in obtaining same-day tickets by arriving very early, but this is not guaranteed and can involve long waits.
Several third-party tour operators offer packages from Krakow that include transportation and guided tours. While these can be convenient, it's worth comparing prices and ensuring the guide is employed by the museum for the most authentic and informative experience.
The Importance of Guided Tours
Guides employed by the museum are highly trained and undergo specific courses, ensuring a deep understanding and respectful presentation of the history. They can explain the significance of various buildings, artifacts, and events, transforming a somber walk through ruins into a profound educational experience. Many visitors find that without a guide, the true impact and historical narrative of the camp can be missed.
There are different tour options available, including shorter general tours and longer, more in-depth study tours. For those traveling from afar or with a keen interest in history, the extended tours are often considered more valuable, offering more time to absorb the information and explore the sites.
Getting to Auschwitz from Krakow
Trains run from Krakow Glowny (main station) to Oswiecim. From the Oswiecim train station, it's a short walk (about 20-30 minutes) or a quick local bus ride to the memorial. Both train and bus tickets are generally inexpensive, making them budget-friendly choices.
Many tour operators also offer organized day trips from Krakow. These packages typically include round-trip transportation and a guided tour, which can simplify logistics for visitors. While potentially more expensive than public transport, they offer a hassle-free experience.
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