How to Plan Your Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial Entry Ticket and Guided Tour

If you are planning a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau, then you may be looking for affordable and convenient ways to make your visit worthwhile. GetYourGuide is a third-party company that offers a guided tour of the Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial and Museum, listed by UNESCO as a Natural and Cultural Heritage site. This guided tour is one of the most popular ways to visit Auschwitz, and this blog post will show you how to book the tickets for the tour, make the necessary travel arrangements and prepare for your visit.

Highlights of the Tour

The tour will take you through Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, which are two former concentration camps in Poland. You will see the infamous entry gate, barracks, and railway platform that were used to transport people to the camp. The guided tour is designed to help you understand the history of Auschwitz and the atrocities committed during World War II.

Booking Your Tour

To book your Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial Entry Ticket and Guided Tour, visit the GetYourGuide website and select your preferred date and time. You will have the option of selecting an audio guide, but a live guide is also included in the price of the ticket. You will need to provide your personal information and pay for the ticket in advance. Once the booking is confirmed, you will receive an email with the voucher that you need to show to the guide at the entrance to Auschwitz. Book the tour here

Getting There and Back

The tour does not include transportation, so you will need to arrange your own transfer to Auschwitz. The most common way to get to Auschwitz is to take a train or bus from Krakow, which is about 70 kilometers away. Trains and buses depart regularly from Krakow and take about 1-2 hours to reach the camp. The tour starts promptly, so make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes beforehand.

The Guided Tour

The guided tour will take you through Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, which are two separate sections of the museum. You will need to wear headphones, which will allow you to hear the guide’s commentary even if you are at a distance from the guide. The tour is conducted in English, but other languages may be available on request. The first part of the tour will take you through Auschwitz I, which was the main camp. Here, you will see the entrance gate and the famous “Arbeit Macht Frei” sign, which means “work sets you free.” You will explore the various barracks that were used to house prisoners and see the exhibitions that depict the conditions in which they lived. The museum also contains displays of photographs, documents, and personal belongings that were confiscated from prisoners upon arrival. The second part of the tour will take you to Auschwitz II-Birkenau, which was a separate camp used mostly for extermination. At Birkenau, you will see the ruins of the gas chambers and crematoria, as well as the railway tracks used to transport people to the camp. The guide will share stories about the people who were kept at this camp and the horrific conditions they faced.

Tips for Your Visit

– Dress appropriately for the weather, and wear comfortable shoes.

– Photography is allowed but be respectful and avoid taking selfies.

– Keep in mind that this is a solemn place, so be respectful and honor the memory of those who suffered and died at the camp.

– The tour lasts for around 3.5 hours, so make sure to bring water and snacks.

– Note that bags larger than 30x20x10 cm are not allowed, so travel light.

Conclusion

Booking a guided tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau with GetYourGuide is an excellent way to visit this historic site with ease and convenience. By following these tips and tricks, you can make the most of your visit and pay your respects to the victims of the Holocaust. Join the ranks of millions of people who have visited Auschwitz and deepened their historical knowledge by booking your tour and seeing the memorial in person. Remember to book your Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial Entry Ticket and Guided Tour in advance and make your travel arrangements accordingly. A visit to Auschwitz is an emotional and educational experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Most Frequently Asked Questions about Auschwitz – The City of Remembrance

Auschwitz is one of the cities in Poland that went down in history for several reasons. It is now a symbol of the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime during World War II. Auschwitz is a city that remembers one of the darkest chapters of human history, and that’s why it’s of great interest to many people worldwide. In this blog post, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Auschwitz to provide you with accurate and helpful information.

1. What is Auschwitz?

Auschwitz was a complex of concentration and extermination camps set up by Nazi Germany during World War II. These camps were located in the town of Oświęcim, which was annexed to the Third Reich by Germany’s invasion of Poland. Auschwitz was the largest of these camps, and it became the site of the largest mass murder in human history. Over one million people, mostly Jews, were killed there.

2. How far is Auschwitz from Krakow?

Auschwitz is located around 65 kilometers west of Krakow, which makes it an easy day trip from the city. You can drive there, take a bus, or book a guided tour with a private car. The journey takes around 1-1.5 hours each way.

3. Is it safe to visit Auschwitz?

Yes, it is safe to visit Auschwitz. The extermination camps are no longer operational, and the area is now under the management of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum. The museum staff ensures the visitors’ safety and takes care of the proper administration of the place. However, it’s worth noting that visitors should show respect to the victims and their families by adhering to the museum’s rules and not taking pictures in certain areas.

4. Is Auschwitz open during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Currently, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is open, but to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the number of visitors has been limited to 50 percent of the usual capacity. Visitors need to book their tickets online. It’s also required that visitors wear face masks and use hand sanitizers in the museum.

5. How long does it take to visit Auschwitz?

To visit both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, one usually needs at least three hours. Some visitors prefer to spend the whole day there, but it’s not necessary. It’s worth mentioning that guided tours are available, and usually, they take around 6 hours if you want to experience more in-depth learning.

6. How much does it cost to visit Auschwitz?

Admission to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is free of charge. However, you still need to register for the visit and obtain a ticket. There are two ways to do it: by booking online or upon arrival. Guided tours are also available for an additional fee. The prices of the tours depend on the language and the format of the tour.

7. What should I wear when visiting Auschwitz?

There’s no specific dress code when visiting Auschwitz, but visitors should dress appropriately as a sign of respect to the victims. It’s not forbidden to wear shorts, sandals or sleeveless shirts, but it’s much advisable to dress conservatively. Make sure also to wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking around all day.

8. Can I bring food and water?

Yes, visitors are allowed to bring water and some snacks, but there are some restrictions. No food is allowed inside the museum buildings, and it’s prohibited to eat anywhere on the museum grounds, except designated areas. There is also a restaurant on the premises where visitors can buy food and drinks, so don’t worry if you forget to bring something.

9. Is audio guide available in Auschwitz?

Yes, audio guides are available in several languages, such as English, German, French, Spanish or Italian, and many more. The audio guide comes at an additional cost but is a great way to learn more about the history of Auschwitz.

10. Are children allowed to visit Auschwitz?

Yes, children are allowed to visit Auschwitz. However, it’s important to note that the visit may not be suitable for very young children due to the graphic content of some exhibits. Children under the age of 14 are not allowed to visit without adult supervision. It’s also on the guardians discretion to determine whether a child can handle such a visit to such sensitive place.

Conclusion

Auschwitz attracts visitors worldwide for various reasons. It is a perfect place to learn about the horrors of the past and honor the memory of the victims. However, as a visitor, we should be aware of the rules and regulations imposed by the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum to show respect to the victims and their families. We hope this blog post answers some of the most frequently asked questions and clarifies possible concerns, making your visit more enjoyable and memorable.

How to spend your time wisely as a tourist in Auschwitz

Auschwitz is a name that evokes emotions inside of people all around the world. It is a reminder of the horrific events that occurred during World War II. If you are planning on visiting Auschwitz as a tourist, it is important that you understand the emotional gravity of the place and respect its history. In this guide, we will provide you with tips on how to spend your time wisely as a tourist in Auschwitz.

Planning your Trip

Before visiting Auschwitz, it’s important to plan your trip. You should book your tour in advance, especially if you’re visiting during peak season. There are several types of tours available, including group and private tours. The group tours are led by a guide who will take you through each part of the camp, while private tours give you more flexibility with your schedule and allow you to explore the site on your own.

Getting to Auschwitz

Auschwitz is located in Poland, around 70 km west of Krakow. The easiest way to get there is to take a shuttle bus from Krakow. You can book a shuttle bus online or through a travel agent. Some tours also include transportation to and from the camp.

What to Expect During Your Visit

When you arrive at the camp, you will be given a headset and receiver so that you can hear your tour guide throughout the tour. It’s important to note that there is a strict dress code and you should dress respectfully when visiting. Under no circumstances should you take any photographs or videos inside the camp.

The Tour Route

The tour usually starts at the main entrance of the camp, where your guide will give you an introduction to the history of the site. You will then be taken to various locations within the camp, including the prisoner barracks, gas chambers, and crematoria.

Prisoner Barracks

During World War II, Auschwitz was the largest concentration camp of the Nazi regime. The prisoners were housed in wooden barracks that were designed to hold up to 700 people, but were often overcrowded with up to 1,200 prisoners. Your tour guide will take you through a selection of these barracks, each one designed for different prisoners such as women, children, or inmates from specific countries.

Gas Chambers and Crematoria

The gas chambers and crematoria were used to carry out mass killings of people. Your guide will take you through these areas and explain their history and use. It’s important to note that these areas can be emotionally challenging to visit.

Taking a Moment of Silence

Auschwitz is a site of great historical significance that demands respect. Taking a moment of silence while on your tour is a great way to show your respect for the site and honor the memories of those who suffered and died there.

Conclusion

In conclusion, visiting Auschwitz as a tourist is an intense experience that can be emotionally challenging. However, it is also an opportunity to learn about an important part of history and pay your respects to those who lost their lives. It’s important to plan your trip in advance, dress respectfully, and be mindful of the gravity of the site. Following these tips will help you make the most of your visit to Auschwitz.