Auschwitz, also known as Auschwitz-Birkenau, is a symbol of the tragic history of World War II and a lasting reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust. The memorial and museum are dedicated to the millions of people who lost their lives within its walls. With so much significance, visiting Auschwitz can be a solemn yet educational experience. In this post, we’ll explore the best attractions and things to do in Auschwitz to help you make the most out of your visit. From the somber Memorial Museum to the breathtaking Gas Chamber ruins, there is plenty to see and learn about in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The 4 Best Fun Stuff To Do In Auschwitz
- Krakow Auschwitz Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine Day Trip
- From Krakow Wieliczka Salt Mine Auschwitz Guided Trip
- Auschwitz Birkenau Museum Entrance Transport Guide
- Auschwitz Birkenau Fast Track Entry Pass and Guided Tour
The 4 Best Fun Stuff To Do In Auschwitz
1. Krakow Auschwitz Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine Day Trip
Our full-day tour takes you to two of the most important sights near Krakow – Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and Wieliczka Salt Mine. You can enjoy both tours without worrying about getting tickets, as pick-up and drop-off from designated meeting points is included in the package.
After meeting our highly qualified official guides, we’ll start our day at Wieliczka Salt Mine, where you can admire the natural beauty of the underground salt tunnels, chapels and lakes. A unique attraction, Wieliczka’s underground mine has been continuously active for 700 years.
After lunch, included in the tour price, we’ll move on to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, where you can pay tribute to the victims of the Holocaust and learn about the history of one of the most horrifying periods in human history.
With everything taken care of, you’ll spend your day effectively and efficiently, experiencing two of Poland’s most significant sights – Auschwitz & Wieliczka at one day.
2. From Krakow Wieliczka Salt Mine Auschwitz Guided Trip
Wait for your driver to pick you up from your hotel or accommodation in Krakow and travel to either Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum or Wieliczka Salt Mine, depending on the timing and schedule of the day. Once you arrive at your destination, meet your authorised live guide and start your tour of Auschwitz I, where you’ll walk on the grounds of the former camp built in 1940. Use the provided headset to hear the guide’s words no matter the distance or group size. You’ll see exhibitions presenting shoes, pots and other everyday objects belonging to people who were kept prisoner during the Holocaust. Next, visit Auschwitz II-Birkenau, seeing the infamous entrance gate, barracks and railway platform. Afterward, enjoy a scenic ride to Wieliczka Salt Mine, where you’ll marvel at dozens of sculptures and bas-reliefs cut out of salt while learning about the mine’s history from your licensed tour guide. With worry-free whole day tour organising including transport, tickets, and guides already included, you can just sit back, relax and take in the sights of Krakow’s famous historical sites. Choose the group size between 20, 25, 30, 35 or 40 people to meet and connect with different fellow travelers.
3. Auschwitz Birkenau Museum Entrance Transport Guide
Visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum with the convenience of a pre-booked entrance ticket and roundtrip transfer from your Krakow hotel. After a 1-hour and 15-minute journey, arrive at the Auschwitz I Museum and embark on a walking tour with a certified educator. Explore the remains of the Nazi camp’s barracks, watchtowers, and crematoriums. With the help of the provided headset, listen as your guide tells about the ghastly Nazi crimes committed in the camps and hear stories of the ever-lasting impact on those who survived. See original buildings and artifacts on a poignant and informative tour with a licensed guide.
4. Auschwitz Birkenau Fast Track Entry Pass and Guided Tour
Funded by the Nazi party in 1940, Auschwitz-Birkenau became the largest concentration camp during WWII. With this tour, you’ll get fast-tracked entrance to Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II Birkenau, where a licensed guide will teach you about the infamous history of the camp. See original barracks and the gas chamber ruins, as well as the main gate to Auschwitz. With the first part of the museum visit taking 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes and a 10-15 minute break between parts, this tour is a comprehensive experience of a tragic chapter in history.
Most Frequently Asked Questions About the City Auschwitz
Auschwitz, the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp during World War II, is a city in Southern Poland that attracts millions of tourists every year. Being such a historically significant place, visitors often have a lot of questions before planning their trip to Auschwitz. In this blog post, we will answer the most frequently asked questions about the city and help you plan your visit.1. What is Auschwitz-Birkenau?
Auschwitz-Birkenau was a complex of concentration camps built and operated by Nazi Germany during World War II. It was located in the suburbs of the city of Oświęcim in Poland, and consisted of three main camps: Auschwitz I, Auschwitz II-Birkenau, and Auschwitz III-Monowitz.2. Can I Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau?
Yes, Auschwitz-Birkenau is open to visitors throughout the year except January 1st, December 25th, and Easter Sunday. We recommend booking your tickets in advance as the camp attracts a large number of tourists. Furthermore, there are guided tours available in English, German, French, and Spanish.3. What Should I Wear to Auschwitz-Birkenau?
As a sign of respect to the victims, we recommend wearing appropriate clothing while visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau. Comfortable clothing and shoes are preferred, and visitors are requested to dress modestly.4. How Long Does It Take to Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau?
A typical guided tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau lasts around three and a half hours, including transportation to and from the complex. However, visitors can stay for a longer duration to absorb the gravity of the site.5. What Language Are the Guided Tours Conducted in?
Guided tours in Auschwitz-Birkenau are available in English, German, French, and Spanish. Visitors can book a guided tour in any of these languages in advance.6. Can I Take Pictures at Auschwitz-Birkenau?
Yes, visitors are allowed to take photographs inside the camp; however, it is recommended to exercise restraint while doing so. Furthermore, camera stands and tripods are not allowed.7. Is It Safe to Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau?
Yes, Auschwitz-Birkenau is a safe place to visit. It is heavily monitored by security personnel to ensure the safety of visitors.8. Can Children Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau?
Yes, children can visit Auschwitz, but we recommend that they be at least 14 years of age due to the gravity of the subject matter. Parents and guardians should use discretion when deciding whether their children are ready to learn about the Holocaust and its atrocities.9. Can I Bring Food and Beverages to Auschwitz-Birkenau?
Yes, visitors are allowed to bring water, and some light snacks to Auschwitz-Birkenau. However, it is recommended to consume food and beverages outside the camp.10. Are There Any Restrictions on Personal Items at Auschwitz-Birkenau?
Yes, visitors are not allowed to carry large bags, backpacks, or rucksacks inside the camp. Small bags and purses are allowed, but they are subject to security checkpoints.11. Where Can I Stay Overnight Near Auschwitz-Birkenau?
There are several options for accommodation near Auschwitz-Birkenau, including hotels, hostels, and bed and breakfasts. It is recommended to book accommodation in advance, especially during peak tourist season.12. Is There a Dress Code at Auschwitz-Birkenau?
While there is no specific dress code, visitors are requested to dress modestly and wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Additionally, hats and sunglasses are recommended for sunny days.13. Can I Buy Souvenirs at Auschwitz-Birkenau?
Yes, visitors can buy souvenirs at the camp’s gift shop. However, we recommend exercising restraint and respect when purchasing souvenirs.14. What Should I Expect Emotionally When Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau?
Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau is an incredibly emotional experience. Many visitors report feeling grief, anger, and shock. However, the experience aims to educate and inform visitors about the atrocities of the Holocaust and the importance of never forgetting the victims.15. Is There a Recommended Time of Day to Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau?
Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau early in the morning or late in the afternoon is recommended as crowds tend to be smaller during these times. Additionally, visiting during the off-season (October through March) is preferred to avoid large crowds.How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Auschwitz – A Comprehensive Guide
If you’re planning a trip to Auschwitz, it can be overwhelming to decide on the best way to spend your time there. Auschwitz is one of the most historically significant places in the world, and it’s important to approach the visit with sensitivity and respect. In this guide, we’ll outline some of the best ways to make the most of your visit to Auschwitz.Understanding the History of Auschwitz
Before you begin your visit to Auschwitz, it’s important to understand the history of the site. Auschwitz was a complex of concentration camps used by the Nazi regime during World War II. The camps were in operation from 1940 until 1945 and were responsible for the deaths of over 1.1 million people. The majority of the victims were Jewish, but there were also political prisoners, Romani, disabled individuals, and others who were targeted by the Nazi regime. Auschwitz has become a symbol of the horrors of the Holocaust and serves as a reminder of the importance of fighting against hatred and prejudice.Planning Your Visit
When planning your visit to Auschwitz, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the site is a place of remembrance, and visitors are asked to dress conservatively and act with respect. This means no revealing clothing, loud conversations, or any other behavior that could be seen as disrespectful. Additionally, visitors are not allowed to bring in large bags or backpacks, and photography is not allowed inside the buildings.It’s also important to book your tickets for Auschwitz in advance. The site is extremely popular, and tickets can sell out quickly, especially during peak tourist season. There are several options for tours, including guided tours and audio tours. Guided tours are led by an experienced guide who will provide detailed information about the site’s history and significance, while audio tours allow visitors to explore the site at their own pace while providing audio commentary.What to See at Auschwitz
Once you arrive at Auschwitz, there are several areas to explore. The main area of the site is Auschwitz I, which was the administrative center of the complex. Here you can see the famous sign “Arbeit Macht Frei” (work sets you free), which was the entrance to the camp. You can also see exhibitions about the history of the camp, as well as displays of personal belongings and photographs of the victims.Another important area of the site is Auschwitz II-Birkenau, which was the largest of the camps. Here you can see the remains of the gas chambers and crematoria, as well as the barracks where prisoners were housed. There is also a memorial on the site to the victims of the camps.Top Tips for Visiting Auschwitz
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when visiting Auschwitz:
- Plan to spend at least three hours at the site to allow enough time to see everything.
- Dress appropriately for the weather, as much of the site is outdoors.
- Be prepared for an emotional experience, as the site can be overwhelming.
- Try to book your visit for early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
- Consider visiting with a guide and asking questions to deepen your understanding of the site.
Book Your Tour Now
Visiting Auschwitz is an important and meaningful experience for many people. By understanding the history of the site and planning your visit carefully, you can make the most of this visit while honoring the memory of the victims. We hope that this guide has been helpful in preparing you for your trip to Auschwitz.
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