How to Plan Your Auschwitz Tour from Krakow

If you’re planning a trip to Krakow, a visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp is a must. This is one of the most popular and important tourist destinations in Poland. However, organizing a tour can be complicated and time-consuming. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the process and help you plan your visit to Auschwitz from Krakow with ease.

Highlights of the Tour

This guided tour of Auschwitz provides you with an opportunity to visit Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau camps with a small group. With pre-booked tickets, you’ll also gain fast-track entry to both camps, avoiding the long ticket queues. The highlight of this tour is that you’ll learn about the history of the concentration camps from a certified guide. Your guide will give you a deeper understanding of the Holocaust and the Nazi concentration camps.

The Full Description of the Tour

This full-day tour to Auschwitz-Birkenau will give you a chance to experience a piece of history that will stay with you forever. The tour starts with a meeting point in Krakow, where you’ll meet the English-speaking host, who will provide you with your pre-booked tickets. Once you enter the museum, a local guide will be appointed to guide you through the camp. You’ll have the option to choose your preferred language before starting the guided tour.The tour itself is broken down into two parts: Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. The initial part of the museum is Auschwitz I, which served as the administrative headquarters of the camp. Here you’ll see the prison blocks, barracks, and gas chambers. Your guide will give you a detailed account of how the camp operated.From here, you’ll take a short bus ride to Auschwitz II-Birkenau, the extermination camp where over a million people were murdered. On this part of the tour, you’ll see the remains of the gas chambers, crematoria, and wooden barracks where the prisoners were kept. Your guide will explain the gruesome details of how it all happened and the methods used for killing.The tour lasts for around 6 hours and includes transportation to and from the camps if you opt for it. If you’re driving, a parking fee is included in the ticket price. The tour is not suitable for children under 13 years, people with mobility issues, or wheelchair users.

How to Book the Tour

To book the Auschwitz tour, you can use the following link: book the tour here. It is a reliable third-party tour company that has received positive feedback from travellers. After booking the tour, you’ll receive an email confirmation with all the important details, including the meeting point and time.

Conclusion

Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau is not an easy or cheerful experience, but it’s an important reminder of the atrocities that occurred during the Second World War. By visiting this site, we can pay tribute to those who lost their lives and learn valuable lessons from the past. We hope this article has been informative and useful in guiding you through the process of organizing your tour to Auschwitz.

Exploring Auschwitz: Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Questions

Auschwitz is a name associated with the darkest period in human history. The Nazi concentration camp located in Poland was a place of immense suffering and death during World War II. Today, it serves as a memorial site and a reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust. If you’re planning to visit Auschwitz, you’re likely to have many questions about the site’s history, purpose, and logistics. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Auschwitz.

1. What is Auschwitz?

Auschwitz, also known as Auschwitz-Birkenau, was the largest concentration and extermination camp built by the Nazis during World War II. It was located in the Polish town of Oswiecim and operated from 1940 until its liberation by the Soviet army in 1945. More than one million people, mostly Jews, were killed in the gas chambers or died of starvation, disease, or forced labor at the camp.

2. Why was Auschwitz built?

Auschwitz was built by the Nazis as part of their plan to systematically exterminate Jews and other groups deemed undesirable by the regime. The camp was established in 1940 on the site of a former Polish army barracks and was initially intended for the detention of Polish political prisoners. However, it soon became a hub for the transportation and extermination of Jews from all over Europe.

3. How do I get to Auschwitz?

Auschwitz is located in southern Poland, approximately 65 kilometers west of Krakow. The easiest way to get there is by taking a bus or train from Krakow to Oswiecim. From there, you can take a local bus or a taxi to the camp. You can also arrange a guided tour from Krakow, which will include transportation and a visit to both Auschwitz and Birkenau.

4. Do I need to book tickets in advance?

Yes, you need to book your tickets in advance to visit Auschwitz. The site is very popular, and only a certain number of visitors are allowed each day to preserve the site and ensure a respectful atmosphere. You can book your tickets online on the official Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum website. Be sure to book well in advance, especially during peak tourist season.

5. Can I visit Auschwitz on my own, or do I need a guide?

Visitors are free to explore the site on their own, but it is highly recommended that you take a guided tour. A guide will provide you with a wealth of information about the history and significance of the site, and help you navigate the complex and emotionally challenging environment. Guides are available in several languages, and you can book a guided tour online or on-site.

6. What should I wear and bring with me?

Visitors are required to dress appropriately and respectfully when visiting Auschwitz. This means wearing clothing that covers the shoulders and knees, and avoiding clothing with offensive or provocative messages. You should also wear comfortable walking shoes, as there is a lot of walking involved. Bring sunscreen, water, and snacks, as there are no cafes or vendors on the site. Finally, bring a camera if you’d like to take photos, but be respectful of the surroundings and other visitors.

7. Is it appropriate to take photos and videos?

Yes, you can take photos and videos at Auschwitz, but you should do so with respect and sensitivity. Avoid taking selfies, posing or smiling in front of the gas chambers, or taking photos of other visitors without their permission. You should also turn off your camera’s flash, as it can damage old documents and exhibits. Overall, use your discretion and be respectful of the site and its history.

8. How long should I plan to spend at Auschwitz?

Plan to spend at least three hours at Auschwitz, and up to five hours if you visit both Auschwitz and Birkenau. The site is extensive, and there is a lot to see and learn. Factor in additional time if you’re taking a guided tour, as it will likely take longer than exploring the site on your own.

9. Can children visit Auschwitz?

Yes, children can visit Auschwitz, but it is up to the parents’ discretion to decide if it’s appropriate given the emotional nature of the site. The museum website advises that children under the age of 14 may have difficulty understanding the significance of the history and the exhibits, and encourages parents to prepare them in advance. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

10. What is the best time of day to visit Auschwitz?

Auschwitz is open year-round, but the busiest time is during the summer months of July and August. To avoid crowds and long lines, plan to visit early in the morning or in the late afternoon. The site also offers evening tours during the summer months, which can provide a unique and haunting ambiance.

Conclusion

Visiting Auschwitz is a life-changing experience that provides a sobering reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust. By answering these frequently asked questions, we hope to help you prepare for your visit and make the most of your time at the site. Remember to be respectful, sensitive, and open-minded, and to take the time to learn and reflect on the history and significance of Auschwitz.

How to spend your time as a tourist in Auschwitz

Auschwitz, also known as Auschwitz-Birkenau, was a complex of Nazi concentration camps and extermination camps during World War II. It’s located in Oświęcim, a small town about 50 kilometers west of Krakow, Poland. These camps have become a symbol of the Holocaust and a reminder of the atrocities committed during that time. If you plan to visit Auschwitz as a tourist, it’s essential to know how to spend your time there to make the most out of your visit.

1. Plan your visit in advance

Since Auschwitz is a popular tourist destination, it’s essential to plan your visit in advance. You can do this by booking a guided tour or purchasing tickets online. Booking in advance will help you avoid the long lines and crowded visitors’ areas. Moreover, you can identify the areas that you want to visit and have a schedule of your tour. The camps are opened from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, and the guided tours take around two hours.

2. Visit Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau

Auschwitz has two main camps, Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, and it’s essential to visit both. Auschwitz I is the first camp, established in 1940, and was used to hold political prisoners. Auschwitz II-Birkenau was opened in 1942 and was used for mass extermination of Jews and other minority groups. Both camps are open to visitors, and the guided tours lead you through the various structures and exhibits that illustrate the atrocities committed in the camps.

3. Attend a Guided Tour

It’s recommended to attend a guided tour while visiting Auschwitz. The guided tours are led by expert guides who provide guests with a wealth of knowledge about the camps’ history and the events that took place there. The guides will provide insights into the daily lives of prisoners and provide context for the various exhibits and structures in the camps. Moreover, the guides will cover some areas that you may not see if you visit the camps on your own.

4. Spend Time in the Exhibits

Auschwitz has numerous exhibits that provide insight into the lives of prisoners and the atrocities committed in the camps. Before visiting, you can research the exhibits that you find most interesting and informative. For example, there is the collection of hair cut from the victims, the displays of shoes, clothing, and personal items of the prisoners. Moreover, there are photographic exhibits, such as the ones showing the arrival of prisoners, the selection process, and the gas chambers.

5. Reflect and Meditate

Visiting Auschwitz can be an emotional and soul-searching experience; therefore, it’s essential to take time to reflect, meditate and pay your respects to the victims. The camps have several memorials and prayer rooms, including the international monument at Birkenau Memorial site, which represent the various groups of victims. You can also visit different religious chapels on the museum grounds to pay your respects.

6. Take Photos Respectfully

While it’s appropriate to take pictures during your visit, it’s crucial to do so respectfully. For example, you should avoid taking selfies and other pictures that may seem frivolous or disrespectful. It’s essential to remember that you’re visiting a place of significance and tragedy, and to take photos with that in mind.

7. Dress Appropriately

When visiting Auschwitz, it’s essential to dress appropriately, both out of respect and practicality. Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking, and clothing that’s suitable for the weather conditions. Visitors should dress modestly, avoiding clothing that could be considered overly casual or revealing.

Conclusion

Visiting Auschwitz can be a sobering but essential experience. By planning your visit in advance, attending a guided tour, and taking time to reflect and meditate, you can make the most of your visit. Remember to dress appropriately, take photos respectfully, and spend time in the exhibits to honor and learn about the victims of the Holocaust.