How to Plan Your Krakow Full Day Auschwitz Birkenau Sightseeing Tour

If you are planning on visiting Memorial And Museum Auschwitz Birkenau during your stay in Krakow, then a full-day guided tour is the best way to make the most of your visit. This is one of the best ways to learn about the history of the region and pay respects to those who suffered there. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to plan your Krakow Full Day Auschwitz Birkenau Sightseeing Tour:

Step 1: Choose the Right Tour Company

There are many tour companies operating in Krakow that offer Auschwitz Birkenau Sightseeing Tours. Choosing the right tour company is vital to ensuring a hassle-free and informative visit. We recommend booking the tour through GetYourGuide to ensure that everything is arranged correctly and professionally.

Step 2: Book Your Tour

Book your Krakow Full Day Auschwitz Birkenau Sightseeing Tour in advance through the GetYourGuide website or app. You can also book the tour as a private group or as an individual. The tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel and a pre-booked ticket to Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Step 3: Get Ready for Your Tour

The tour will begin with pickup from your hotel or a designated pick-up point in Krakow. You will then be transported to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Museum. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours each way, so it’s best to bring a book, snacks, and water for the journey.

Step 4: Experience Highlights

This tour will enable you to visit the largest concentration camp of the Nazi Holocaust at Auschwitz-Birkenau. You will get a chance to see the original barracks and witness where the prisoners were held. Additionally, you will see the main gate to Auschwitz.

Step 5: Self-Guided Tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Museum

The tour will allow you to explore the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Museum at your own pace on a self-guided tour. The ticket is pre-booked, so you won’t have to worry about any delays or waiting in line. The museum is vast, so it’s best to allocate at least two hours to explore. It’s essential to be respectful while in the museum and follow the rules and regulations.

Step 6: Return to Krakow

After the self-guided tour, you will be transported back to Krakow with drop-off at your hotel or a designated drop-off point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the Krakow Full Day Auschwitz Birkenau Sightseeing Tour:

Q: How long is the tour?

The tour takes a full day, including transport to and from Krakow.

Q: Is the tour accessible for people with disabilities?

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Museum is accessible for people with disabilities. However, some parts of the tour may be challenging to navigate.

Q: What should I wear for the tour?

It’s recommended that you dress comfortably and appropriately for a memorial site. Additionally, it’s essential to wear comfortable shoes as there will be a lot of walking.

Q: Is food provided on the tour?

Food is not provided on the tour. However, there is a restaurant at Auschwitz-Birkenau where you can buy food.

Book Your Tour Now

Visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Museum is an emotional and humbling experience. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your Krakow Full Day Auschwitz Birkenau Sightseeing Tour is informative, respectful, and hassle-free. Book the tour here and take the first step in learning about the history of the region and paying homage to those who suffered there.

Memorial and Museum Auschwitz Birkenau: Frequently Asked Questions

Are you planning a visit to the Memorial and Museum Auschwitz Birkenau? We’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions to help you prepare.

What is the Memorial and Museum Auschwitz Birkenau?

The Memorial and Museum Auschwitz Birkenau is a site of remembrance and education about the Holocaust, Nazi Germany’s genocide of approximately six million European Jews during World War II. Auschwitz was the largest and deadliest concentration and extermination camp complex, where over one million people were systematically murdered, most of them Jews.

Where is the Memorial and Museum Auschwitz Birkenau located?

The Memorial and Museum Auschwitz Birkenau is located in Oswiecim, Poland, about 31 miles (50 km) west of Krakow.

When is the Memorial and Museum Auschwitz Birkenau open?

The Memorial and Museum Auschwitz Birkenau is open every day of the year except for January 1st, December 25th, and Easter Sunday. The hours of operation vary depending on the season, but generally, the site opens at 8:00 AM and closes between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM.

How do I book a visit to the Memorial and Museum Auschwitz Birkenau?

To ensure the quality and safety of visits, the Memorial and Museum Auschwitz Birkenau requires visitors to book a guided tour in advance. You can do this by booking online on the museum’s website or through an authorized ticket reseller. It is advisable to book as far in advance as possible, especially during peak tourist seasons.

What languages are the guided tours available in?

The guided tours are available in several languages, including English, Polish, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, and Hebrew. Audio guides are available in additional languages, including Dutch, Japanese, Chinese, and Swedish. The language options may vary depending on the season and demand.

How long does the guided tour last?

The guided tour of the Memorial and Museum Auschwitz Birkenau lasts approximately 3.5 hours, including breaks. The tour covers both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau and includes visits to several exhibitions, buildings, and important locations, such as the gas chambers and crematoria. Be prepared for a long and emotionally challenging visit.

Is there a dress code for visitors?

There is no formal dress code for visitors, but it is recommended that you wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes. The guided tour involves a lot of walking and standing, so it’s important to dress appropriately. Inappropriate or disrespectful clothing, such as revealing clothes or clothing with offensive symbols or messages, is not allowed.

Can children visit the Memorial and Museum Auschwitz Birkenau?

Children under the age of 14 are not allowed to visit the Memorial and Museum Auschwitz Birkenau unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. It is important to note that the site contains graphic and disturbing images and information that may not be suitable for young children.

Is photography allowed at the Memorial and Museum Auschwitz Birkenau?

Photography is allowed in the outdoor areas of the site, but it is strictly prohibited in the interiors of the buildings and exhibitions. It is important to be respectful of the site and other visitors and not to take selfies or inappropriate photos. The use of tripods, professional equipment, or drones is also not allowed.

Can I bring food and drinks to the Memorial and Museum Auschwitz Birkenau?

You can bring a small amount of food and drinks to the Memorial and Museum Auschwitz Birkenau, but there are no cafes or restaurants on site. It is recommended that you eat a meal before or after the visit or bring a snack and water in a small bag or backpack. Smoking and chewing gum are not allowed on the premises.

Is there any public transportation to the Memorial and Museum Auschwitz Birkenau?

The Memorial and Museum Auschwitz Birkenau is accessible by public transportation, including trains and buses, from Krakow and other nearby cities. You can take a train or a bus to Oswiecim and then take a local bus or walk to the site. Taxis and private transfers are also available but can be more expensive. It is important to plan your route in advance and be aware of the schedules.

What else should I know before visiting the Memorial and Museum Auschwitz Birkenau?

The Memorial and Museum Auschwitz Birkenau is a sacred and solemn place that requires respect, sensitivity, and attention. You should be prepared to learn about the history of the Holocaust, to confront the atrocities of human cruelty and suffering, and to pay tribute to the victims and survivors of the camp. It is advisable to read and learn about the site and the Holocaust before the visit to gain a deeper understanding and context. It is also important to follow the rules and guidelines of the site, show empathy and kindness towards other visitors, and never forget the lessons of the past.

How to spend your time as a tourist in Memorial And Museum Auschwitz Birkenau

If you’re planning a trip to Poland, a visit to Memorial and Museum Auschwitz Birkenau is a must. It’s a place with a tragic history, but it is essential that we learn from the past to prevent future atrocities. In this guide, we’ll provide you with all the necessary information about how to spend your time as a tourist in Memorial and Museum Auschwitz Birkenau.

1. Getting there

Auschwitz-Birkenau is located about 70 kilometers west of Krakow. The easiest way to reach the camp is by taking a bus or a train to the town of Oswiecim. From there, you can catch one of the many shuttle buses that run regularly to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum. The ride takes about 15 minutes, and tickets can be bought on the bus.

2. Plan ahead

A visit to Memorial and Museum Auschwitz Birkenau can be an emotional experience, and it’s essential to plan your visit ahead of time to ensure that you can see everything you want to see. You should consider booking your tour in advance, especially during peak season to avoid long queues. Tours are available in various languages, and it is best to book in the language of your preference.

3. Join a guided tour

Joining a guided tour is highly recommended as it provides you with an opportunity to learn about the history and facts related to Auschwitz Birkenau. Tours take approximately three-and-a-half-hours, and the cost is not included in the entrance fee. You can book your tickets online or at the entrance gate.

4. Explore Auschwitz I

Auschwitz 1 was the first camp built at Auschwitz, and it served as the administrative center for the entire complex. The camp has now been turned into a museum, and you can explore various displays and exhibitions. You can also visit prisoner barracks, punishment cells, and the infamous commandant’s office.

5. Walk around Auschwitz II Birkenau

Auschwitz II Birkenau was the largest camp in the Auschwitz complex, and it’s where most of the murders took place. The camp is a vast reclaimed land that stretches for over 150 hectares. You can walk around the ruins of the gas chambers, crematoriums, and barracks. You can also visit the monuments that have been erected to honor the victims.

6. Visit the museum exhibitions

There are exhibitions in the former prisoners’ barracks at Auschwitz 1 that document the history of the camp and display the artifacts associated with the atrocities committed. One of the most moving exhibitions is the one dedicated to the children who were killed at the camp. It has displays of children’s drawings, clothes, and shoes.

7. Respect the solemnity of the site

It’s important to remember that Memorial and Museum Auschwitz Birkenau is a place of remembrance and respect. You should dress appropriately, be quiet, and refrain from taking photos or selfies in places that are deemed inappropriate. Visitors should be sensitive and respectful of the solemnity of the site.

8. Learn from the experience

While it can be emotional to visit a memorial site like Auschwitz, it’s crucial to learn from the past and ensure that such atrocities never happen again. The experience of visiting Memorial and Museum Auschwitz Birkenau should be a reminder of the horrors of war and intolerance, and it should encourage us to work towards a better world.

Book Your Tour Now

A visit to Memorial and Museum Auschwitz Birkenau is a necessary trip for anyone visiting Poland. While it’s not an easy visit, it is essential that we learn about the past to prevent future atrocities. By planning ahead, joining a guided tour, exploring Auschwitz I and II, visiting the museum exhibitions, respecting the solemnity of the site, and learning from the experience, you’ll get the most out of your visit. Always remember to be respectful and sensitive to the tragic history of the site.