How to Plan Your Trip to Auschwitz from Krakow

If you’re planning a trip to Krakow, visiting the Auschwitz concentration camp should be on your itinerary. Auschwitz-Birkenau was the largest Nazi concentration camp during World War II and has now become a museum to illustrate the horrors of the Holocaust. Booking a tour with a professional guide will provide a better understanding of the atrocities committed there and ensure a respectful visit.In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of planning a day trip to the Auschwitz concentration camp from Krakow, from selecting your pickup location to booking your tour tickets.

Experience

The Auschwitz concentration camp guided day trip from Krakow is a convenient way to visit the memorial site. Here are the highlights of the experience:

• Visit the former Nazi concentration camps Auschwitz & Birkenau
• Select your preferred pickup location
• Explore both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II Birkenau with a skip-the-line ticket
• Witness the horror of Nazi concentration Camps with a licensed guide

Booking Your Tour

To book your tour, follow this link to GetYourGuide: book the tour here.Select the date you prefer, and choose the number of people in your group on the booking page. The tour operator provides hotel pickup and has various pickup locations, which you can select when you book the tour. The pickup time depends on your chosen location.

The Tour Itinerary

The transfer between Krakow and Auschwitz takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes, and there is a 15-minute break upon arrival. The whole tour is divided into two parts: Auschwitz I and Birkenau, located 3 km away from the first camp. The tour leader will inform the group about the exact program and timing.

Museum Visit

Upon arrival at Auschwitz I, you will be accompanied by a professional guide through the entire camp for approximately 2 hours. You’ll enter the camp through the main gate, which has the infamous inscription “Arbeit Macht Frei” (work sets you free). Your guide will lead you through the various exhibits and quarters of the prisoner barracks, theater, and the crematorium, all of which have been preserved as historical reminders.

Visit to Birkenau

After the visit to Auschwitz I is complete, the tour continues with a short transfer to Birkenau, the second and more extensive part of the memorial, where you will spend another 1.5 hours. Your guide will provide a tour of the camp’s most significant locations, including the women’s camp, the women’s camp’s barracks, the railway ramp, the gas chambers, and the crematoria.

Return to Krakow

At the end of the tour, the minibus will drive you back to Krakow, and depending on the traffic, you’ll be back in the city center between 4 pm and 6 pm.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Auschwitz is a solemn and emotional experience, and we recommend that you book a guided tour to have a comprehensive understanding of the history of this site. With this guide, you can now plan your trip to Auschwitz from Krakow, and we hope you have a meaningful experience.

Frequently Asked Questions about Auschwitz: Everything You Need to Know

Auschwitz, a former concentration camp during World War II, is now one of the most visited destinations in Poland. It is a place of historical significance that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. As you plan for your visit to Auschwitz, you might have some questions in your mind. In this article, we attempt to answer these questions to help you make an informed decision.

1. What is Auschwitz?

Auschwitz is a complex of Nazi concentration and extermination camps built during World War II in Poland. It was the largest and deadliest of all Nazi camps, comprising of three main camps where the Nazis murdered over one million Jews, Roma, prisoners of war, and others deemed undesirable by the regime.

2. Where is Auschwitz located?

Auschwitz is located in the town of Oświęcim, about 63 kilometers (40 miles) west of Kraków in Poland.

3. How do I get to Auschwitz?

You can get to Auschwitz by car, bus, or train from Kraków or other major cities in Poland. The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Site is readily accessible by public transportation. You can easily book a tour online or through a travel agency.

4. What should I expect when I visit Auschwitz?

During your visit to Auschwitz, you will see barracks, gas chambers, crematoriums, and other structures that were used to house and kill prisoners during the Holocaust. You will also learn about the history and the horrors of the camp from your guide or through an audio guide. The visit can be emotionally challenging, so it is essential to be prepared.

5. Can I visit Auschwitz independently?

Individual visitors are welcome to visit the Auschwitz Memorial Site without booking a guided tour. However, note that guided tours are highly recommended to fully understand the history and significance of the site. If you visit the site independently, you will still need to pay the entrance fee.

6. How much time should I allocate for a visit to Auschwitz?

Visiting Auschwitz is a full-day experience. The tour usually takes about 3.5 hours, and you should allocate an additional 1-2 hours to explore the exhibits and watch the documentary.

7. Is Auschwitz open to the public all year round?

Yes, Auschwitz is open to visitors throughout the year. However, note that some parts of the site may be closed during the winter months.

8. Is there an entrance fee to Auschwitz?

Yes, there is an entrance fee to Auschwitz, including the guided tours, audio guides, and exhibits. The fee varies depending on the type of tour and the season. You can check the prices on the official website of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.

9. Is it appropriate to take pictures and videos inside Auschwitz?

Photography and video recording are allowed inside Auschwitz, but there are some limitations. Visitors are not allowed to take pictures inside the exhibition buildings and the gas chambers. It is also essential to be respectful when taking photos and videos and not disturb other visitors or the memorial’s dignity.

10. What should I wear when visiting Auschwitz?

Visitors are advised to wear comfortable and respectful attire when visiting Auschwitz. Avoid wearing revealing or provocative clothes, as the site is a place of remembrance and historical significance. Visitors are also advised to wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking involved.

11. Can I bring food and drinks into Auschwitz?

Visitors are not allowed to bring food or drinks into Auschwitz. However, there are several food and drink options available on-site.

12. Can I bring a bag into Auschwitz?

Visitors are allowed to bring bags into Auschwitz, but there are some limitations. Large backpacks, bags, and purses are not allowed inside the exhibition buildings and the gas chambers. Visitors can store their bags at the luggage storage facility at the entrance to the memorial site.

Conclusion

Visiting Auschwitz is a powerful and emotional experience that will provide you with a better understanding of the tragedies of the Holocaust. Plan your visit carefully, and be respectful to the memorial site and other visitors. We hope that this article has answered some of your questions about Auschwitz and helped you prepare for your visit.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Auschwitz

Auschwitz, also known as Auschwitz-Birkenau, is a former concentration camp and one of the most notorious sites of atrocities during World War II. Although it may not be a traditional tourist destination, visitors from all over the world come to pay their respects to the victims and learn about the history of the Holocaust. Here is a guide on how to spend your time as a tourist in Auschwitz.

1. Booking a Tour

Visitors are not allowed to enter the Auschwitz camp without a guided tour. There are various tour options available, including group tours and private tours. Booking a tour in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season. You can book a tour online or through a travel agency.

2. Visiting Auschwitz I

Auschwitz I, the main camp, was established in 1940 and served as the administrative center for the entire complex. The camp is now a museum that houses exhibits and artifacts from the Holocaust. Here are the main things to see in Auschwitz I:

a. Block 4 – Exhibitions

Block 4 houses several exhibitions about the Holocaust, including the fate of Jews, Roma, and Sinti, and the role of the SS in the camp. The exhibition includes original documents, photographs, and personal belongings of the prisoners.

b. Block 5 – Material Evidence

Block 5 displays the material evidence of the crimes committed in the camp. It includes shoes, suitcases, spectacles, and hair that were confiscated from the prisoners. These exhibits give visitors a glimpse of the scale of the atrocities that took place.

c. Block 11 – Punishment Cells

Block 11 was used as a punishment block for prisoners who violated the camp rules. The cells had no windows and were used for torture and executions. Visitors can see the dark cells and the gas chamber in Block 11.

3. Visiting Auschwitz II-Birkenau

Auschwitz II-Birkenau, also known as Birkenau, was established in 1941 and served as the extermination center for the entire complex. It was the largest of the three main camps and had over 300 barracks. Here are the main things to see in Birkenau:

a. Entrance Gate and Railways

The entrance gate and rail tracks are some of the most iconic images of Birkenau. The train station was where the prisoners arrived, and the gate was where the selection process took place. Visitors can see the gate and the tracks where the prisoners were brought in.

b. Crematoria and Gas Chambers

Birkenau had several crematoria and gas chambers where the prisoners were killed. Visitors can see the remains of the crematoria and the ruins of the gas chambers, which were destroyed by the Nazis before they fled.

c. Memorial Site and International Monument

The Memorial Site was established in 1960, and the International Monument was unveiled in 1967. They serve as a reminder of the victims of the Holocaust and a symbol of hope for the future. Visitors can pay their respects and reflect on the atrocities of the past.

4. Other Tips for Visitors

Visiting Auschwitz can be a somber and emotional experience. Here are some other tips for visitors:

a. Dress Appropriately

Visitors should dress appropriately and respectfully. The camp is a memorial site, and visitors should show respect for the victims and their families.

b. Don’t Take Pictures at Inappropriate Places

Visitors are not allowed to take pictures in certain areas of the camp, such as the punishment cells and gas chambers. Visitors should respect these rules and not take pictures at inappropriate places.

c. Follow the Guide’s Instructions

Visitors should follow the guide’s instructions and stay with the group at all times. The camp is a large and complex site, and it can be easy to get lost or confused.

d. Take Time to Reflect

Visitors should take time to reflect on the atrocities of the past and pay their respects to the victims. The camp is a powerful reminder of the consequences of prejudice, intolerance, and hate.

Conclusion

Visiting Auschwitz is a powerful and emotional experience that can educate and inform visitors about the Holocaust. By following these tips and recommendations, visitors can have a meaningful and respectful visit to this historic site. Remember to book your tour in advance, dress appropriately, and take time to reflect on the past.