auschwitz quick tour

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Eastern Europe , Europe , POLAND

How to visit auschwitz-birkenau: top tips & what to expect.

The sort of place you don’t necessarily get excited about going to, but the sort of place you feel you need to go to, visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau can be something of a moral gauntlet when it comes to travel plans.

Situated in the eastern European country of Poland, this is a place with a dark history, a place that has withstood the test of time to tell its sad, horrifying and graphic story.

Something of a memorial site for and museum about the horrific holocaust of World War II, it’s a difficult and challenging tourist attraction about the final solution implemented by the Nazi regime – a painful and tragic moment in human history.

From gas chambers to huge human hair displays, Auschwitz brings the visceral horrors of former Nazi concentration camps, and what happened to millions of innocent people right to the forefront, making it impossible to shy away from or avoid.

The largest death camp established by Nazi Germany, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From that perspective, I do think its important to go and visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, to bear witness to the atrocities and to remember them and all the Holocaust survivors as well as victims.

If you feel the same, then here’s my practical guide to visiting Auschwitz, which I’ve updated for 2024 and beyond.

It includes all the practical information you need you take a tour of Auschwitz, as well as the best ways to get there independently and what to expect the first time you visit…

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How to Visit Auschwitz: The Basics

Most people visit Auschwitz on a day trip from the city of Krakow in Poland.

Not only is picturesque Krakow worth a visit in its own right, but it’s also the closest major city to the Auschwitz concentration camp and therefore serves as a good base for those who want to visit this important site too.

There are 3 main options when it comes to visiting Auschwitz from Krakow and because this is how the vast majority of people make their visit there, I’ve decided to concentrate this practical guide on them.

They are numbered below so you can easily choose the best option for you.

#1 Taking a fully guided Auschwitz tour from Krakow where everything is arranged for you.

#2 Taking public transport to Auschwitz from Krakow and then joining a museum tour once at the site.

#3 Fully independent visit that doesn’t involve any guides.

Do be aware that Auschwitz really is a full day trip from Krakow.

The drive there takes around 1.5 – 2 hours, as does the ride back.

Plus you’ll need to allow around 4 hours to tour the site itself.

That’s because there’s actually 2 different parts within the area known as Auschwitz.

The first is the main area, or Auschwitz I – which was largely a concentration camp.

The second area is Birkenau – which was mostly an extermination camp and is known as Auschwitz II.

I highly recommend you visit both to get a full sense of the site.

Shuttle buses run between the 2 parts free of charge and tickets include entry to both.

In the winter months, the shuttle buses are hourly.

In the summer months, the shuttle bus runs every 30 minutes.

You can also choose to walk the 3.5km between the 2 sites if you wish.

I’d suggest having a short break between the 2, because the unending litany of horrors of what happened to the Jewish people and other communities here can be a lot to handle in one unrelenting afternoon.

Unsurprisingly, there’s no doubt visiting Auschwitz is an unnerving, emotional and intense experience.

I’m not going to go further into how you will / might / should feel or what I felt visiting there either.

I’m simply going to say I think it is important to visit and witness the horrors of the past to ensure the stories are not forgotten and repeated.

The rest of this article will deal with the practical dimensions of visiting Auschwitz.

#1 Guided Tour from Krakow

Pros: Easy, Straightforward, Everything is Organised, Guided Tour of the Site

Cons: Most Costly Option, Lack of Flexibility

The easiest and therefore most expensive way to visit Auschwitz from Krakow is to take a fully organised day tour.

If you’re feeling tired, are travelling with a family, like things easy, or want to join a tour group, then this could be the option for you.

Normally these trips include transport to and from Krakow to Auschwitz, entrance fees and a tour guide inside the site and a private tour of the Auschwitz museum.

They involve paying a one-off price that takes all the hard work out of arranging the trip for you.

Instead, you can sit back, let someone else do the legwork and spend your time learning about the events that took place here, rather than having your energy taken up the organisational elements of visiting Auschwitz.

Taking an organised tour from Krakow is also the best way to ensure you get an English-speaking guide who knows a lot about the site and how to explain what happened there.

You can also get tours that include lunch, skip-the-line access, or even pair Auschwitz with a trip to Wieliczka Salt Mine – another key historical site near Krakow.

To learn more about fully guided tours that visit Auschwitz from Krakow, check out these options , which offer a range of experiences and prices.

#2 Public Transport & Museum Tour

Pros: Flexibility, Price, Guided Tour of the Site

Step 1: Book your Auschwitz Museum Tour

The second option for visiting Auschwitz is to take public transport there from Krakow and then, when you arrive, to take a guide / tour operated by the museum to talk and walk you through the site.

The first thing to note about this is that you’ll have to book a museum guide / tour in advance – and in the summer if you want an English speaking guide, this could be quite far in advance as there are set time slots!

If you know which day you want to visit Auschwitz, I’d honestly advise booking your guide (or “educator” as the museum calls it) at least 2 weeks in advance.

Entrance to the museum complex is free, but the guide costs a small amount.

Here’s a full guide to the prices you can expect to pay, but in general tickets for a single adult cost around $20 USD.

The guided tours take around 3 and a half hours and are available in many major European languages including English, Polish, French, Spanish and Italian.

Bookings for such guides can easily be made through the official Auschwitz website – simply select a time for your tour and the language you want the tour in.

Visitors in groups must take a guide, while it’s optional for individual travellers – although I still highly recommend it.

Alternatively, you can chance it and leave booking your guide until the day of your visit.

That said, chances are that in high season you’ll struggle to find an English guide / educator last minute and will likely get put in another language group with partial tour translation offered through a headset.

If you factor in getting a bus from Krakow and the 1.5 – 2 hour journey time, I wouldn’t suggest booking your guide / tour for 9am!

Instead, I’d opted for around 2pm, which was perfect as it meant I could have a lazy morning and also miss many of the crowds at Auschwitz, because the latter part of the day tends to be a lot quieter with visitor numbers.

Step 2: Take Public Transport / Drive from Krakow to Auschwitz

If your tour starts at 2pm, I’d suggest getting to Auschwitz at least 20 mins before the start of your tour.

That’s because on arrival, you’ll need to register, store any large bags, pick up your headset and get your tour sticker.

As my tour was at 2pm, I actually got the bus from Krakow at 12pm, which meant being at the station in the city at 11:45am – see what I mean about this being a full day trip!

It’s normally the number 14 Zolty Bus from Krakow’s main station that goes to Osweicim, but drops you right at the main entrance.

Prices are around 30 PLN one way and you can view the timetable here .

The journey time is around 2 hours and the bus will drop you directly at the Auschwitz main gate.

I’d arrive at the station in Krakow at least 15 minutes before travel time to buy your ticket from the Central Office – not only because there’s often queues here, but because sometimes tickets run out.

Also, my bus left early and didn’t wait for all the seats to be filled – you have been warned!

Don’t buy a return bus ticket either, just get a one-way.

The reason I say this is because there are many different buses back from Auschwitz to Krakow and you don’t want to be limited by a set return option when getting a ticket from the driver on any return bus is easy.

You can also drive to Auschwitz from Krakow.

This takes just over an hour and there is plenty of paid parking available by the main site entrance.

If you’re looking to rent a car in Poland, check out these deals .

Step 3: Arriving at the Auschwitz Museum

When you arrive at the Auschwitz Museum things can be a little confusing – there’s lots of people, but no real directions for where to go!

But don’t fear, if you’re visiting Auschwitz and have your tour booked, simply head to the Visitor Centre (the main building you can see opposite the bus stop), where you can use the bathroom and store your bag – this is a requirement for anything larger than a small handbag.

According to the official website, “the maximum size of backpacks or handbags brought into the museum should not exceed 30 x 20 x 10 cm”.

Basically, I’d advise bringing as little as possible with you here to make life easier.

15 minutes before your tour starts you are allowed to pass through the far left entrance (if you’re facing the Visitor Centre) to clear security, collect your headphones for the tour and meet your guide.

Your tour will include a visit to both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II – Birkenau, as well as a short break and the free shuttle bus between the 2.

You’ll then be taken back to Auschwitz I at the end of the day, from where you can catch a bus back to Krakow from the same stop you were dropped at.

#3 Fully Independent Visit

Pros: Flexibility, Cheapest option

Cons: Need to organise things in advance, No guided tour of the site

And finally, you can see Auschwitz fully independently by getting a bus from Krakow and then touring the museum by yourself without a guide or tour, as long as you’re not part of a group (10+ people).

This is free (outside of the bus fare) so maybe the best option for any individual visitors or budget travellers among you.

That said, even as a hardened budget traveller myself, I’d really suggest visiting Auschwitz with a guide / tour, because you’ll be able to appreciate the magnitude of what you’re seeing on a whole, new level.

I seem to have visited quite a few “dark” tourism sites in my adventures (largely unplanned and unintentional), but I can tell you that from the Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem and the Killing Fields in Cambodia to the Genocide Memorial in Rwanda , Auschwitz was by far the most powerful for me.

Perhaps this is because you’re physically walking through the location where the atrocities you’re hearing about happened – it’s undeniably more real and visceral as a result.

Also, Auschwitz was the only 1 of these 3 sites where I took a guide and there’s no question it greatly enhanced the experience for me and was well worth the small extra expenditure.

Things to Know Before Your Auschwitz Visit…

There’s a few other practical guidelines it may be useful to know about when visiting Auschwitz…

• Visits to the site are not recommended for children under the age of 14.
• There is security check point at the entrance you need to comply with.
• Non-commercial photography is allowed at the site, with the exception of some buildings and areas, which are signposted accordingly.
• Opening times vary throughout the year, based on the month, but generally, the site entrance opens at 7:30am and shuts somewhere between 2pm (winter months) and 7pm (summer months).
• Visitors are allowed to explore the site for 90 minutes after the entrance closing times.
• The site is open every day except January 1, December 25, and Easter Sunday.
• Behaving and dressing appropriately, given the gravity of what happened at Auschwitz, is the best way to be respectful. I suggest covering your shoulders, chest and knees as a good starting point.
• Comfortable walking shoes + sun protection (in the summer months) are a must as Auschwitz ii-Birkenau covers a huge area.
• The busiest time to visit is during the months of April through October when the warmer weather makes walking through the largely outdoor site more pleasant – note winters in Poland can be freezing!

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Mini Travel Guide to Krakow

Given that most people visit Auschwitz from the Polish city of Krakow, I thought it would be useful to also list some travel info about getting to and staying in this city, as that will most likely be a key part of your journey to this important holocaust site…

How to Get to Krakow?

When it comes to getting to Krakow, the quickest and easiest way if you’re in a nearby country (like Czechia or Slovakia), or elsewhere in Poland, is via train or bus.

As always, I use Omio for the job, as this website compares hundreds of journeys across rail and coach to Poland’s second city.

Offering great prices, and easy booking in English, this is my one-stop shop when it comes to organising all my overland adventures in eastern Europe.

Otherwise, if you’re travelling to Krakow from further afield, it’s good to know this city boasts an international airport. Pick up a great flight deal care of Skyscanner .

Trains run every 30 minutes from the airport to the city centre and take around 20 minutes. Or you can book a secure airport transfer here .

Where to Stay in Krakow?

If you’re looking for budget accommodation in the heart of Krakow’s Old Town – and the action – then there’s few better locations than that of Greg & Tom Hostel !

Just outside Stare Miastro, making it just a 10 minute walk away if you do want to grab those early morning snaps, this independent backpackers boasts a cosy vibe, free wifi, free walking tours and free guest breakfast and dinners!

Otherwise, for something a bit more comfortable and spacious, check out this amazing apartment in the heart of Krakow .

It gets amazing reviews and sleeps up to 4 guests, making it a total bargain!

Housed in a Renaissance palace in Kraków’s Old Town, Hotel Pod Różą is just off the Main Market Square and is thought to be the oldest hotel in Krakow, dating back to the 17th century.

Now beautifully restored in includes a stylish restaurant and bar as well as excellent spa and wellness centre.

4 Packing Essentials for Krakow

#1 Good Camera – You will be pretty much snapping non-stop in Krakow and will need a good camera to do this gorgeous destination justice. I highly recommend the Sony A6000 , which I use for all my travels because its light, compact and robust!

#2 Good Walking Shoes – There will be a lot of walking in Krakow, it’s as simple as that! Make sure your feet are comfortable therefore with a pair of New Balance Trainers . I love mine!

#3 Good Water Bottle – All that city sightseeing is thirsty work, so make sure you have a metal water bottle that you can refill as you go, because Krakow tap water is drinkable… and free!

#4 Good Backpack – And to carry your water bottle, camera and guidebook, you’re going to need a decent backpack that will help you balance the weight as you walk the city streets. In my opinion, you can’t go past the Bobby Anti Theft Backpack , which is also perfect for helping you avoid pickpockets too.

Travel Insurance for Poland

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

Travel Money in Poland

The currency in Poland is the Polish Złoty (PLN). Bringing a small amount of cash with you is aways a good idea.

The easy way to spend abroad with real exchange rates, no markups and no sneaky transaction fees, you can use your Wise card just like a debit card here.. and it links easily with Google and Apple pay – sold! Get yours here .

eSIM Poland

I highly recommend Holafly for great high speed data connections across Poland.

Get 5% off with my exclusive discount code: BIGWORLDSMALLPOCKETS

Top Poland & Eastern European Tours

And if you want to visit Krakow and Auschwitz as part of a wider tour, either in Poland or across eastern Europe, check out this great selection .

SAVE THIS TO PINTEREST!

So that’s my practical guide on how to visit Auschwitz in Poland.

Have you visited this important museum?

Have there been any updates to the above information?

If so, please let us know in the comments box below – that way we can also help out other travellers wanting to visit this important museum and memorial.

This page contains affiliate links meaning Big World Small Pockets may receive a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you.

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

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Home » Travel Guides » Poland » 12 Best Auschwitz Tours

12 Best Auschwitz Tours

In April of 1940, Auschwitz was established as an extermination camp for Jews shipped in from all over Europe.

Arguably one of the most historically significant and poignant attractions in the world, for most visitors, it ends up being one of the most shocking and memorable experiences of their lives.

A variety of tours are offered, and most originate from the nearby city of Krakow.

The facility includes hundreds of buildings, watchtowers, and gas chambers, and fascinating first-hand accounts of soldiers and prisoners who stayed at the camp during World War II.

Below are 12 of the best tours of Auschwitz.

1. Auschwitz and Birkenau Tour with Licensed Guide

Auschwitz and Birkenau were ground zero for many atrocities committed during the Second World War, and previous visitors agree that they’re both heartbreaking and memorable places.

This full-day tour lasts between six and seven hours and includes the services of a licensed guide.

The tour includes stops at prisoner barracks, the gas chambers, crematoriums, and soldiers’ quarters, all of which contain informative signs so you’ll learn about the things you’re seeing.

Tours end at the memorial, where it’s common for visitors to relax and take a few moments to contemplate the magnitude of events that took place more than 80 years ago.

2. Guided Auschwitz and Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour from Krakow

Though pretty much everyone is relatively familiar with the basic history of Auschwitz, the salt mines at Wieliczka aren’t so well-known.

This 11-hour guided tour from Krakow is a bit on the long side, but it offers guests a look into the area’s macabre history that’s more in-depth than typically found on shorter tours.

You’ll see all the main attractions in the camp, as well as the underground labyrinth of salt mines, where forced laborers toiled in abominable conditions.

The tour includes both guided portions as well as free time for personal exploration and quiet contemplation.

Transportation, park entry fees, and headphones are included in the tour.

View Prices & Reviews

3. Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum & Camp Guided Tour

For some visitors, spending a full-day in Auschwitz and Birkenau is too much.

The site is brimming with horrors that can be overwhelming to many; for those, it’s wise to consider a brief half-day tour to start.

If, on the other hand, you’re ready for full immersion, this eight-hour tour might be a great fit.

You’ll get to see the camp’s main attractions, as well as learn about its status as the Third Reich’s largest extermination center that wasn’t liberated until January of 1945.

The tour includes round-trip transportation from Krakow, entrance fees, the services of a local professional guide, and the use of headsets while in the museum.

4. Self-Guided Tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau from Krakow

For quiet, reflective types, spending a full-day with a talkative guide may not be the best way to spend time at Auschwitz and Birkenau.

Self-guided tours are popular options for many travelers; though you may miss some unique insights, the facility is packed with exhibits, historical plaques, and first-hand accounts.

Due to their location, Auschwitz and Birkenau were primarily filled with Poles, but nearly one million Jews from all over the continent would eventually be sent there for work and extermination.

This seven-hour tour includes transportation to and from Krakow, an English-speaking driver, and all entrance fees.

Food and drinks are available, but they aren’t included in the cost of the tour.

5. Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour with 4 Guests

During much of World War II, Poland was occupied by Nazi troops; the city of Oświęcim was where they built the facilities to hasten their plan for genocide.

This small-group tour is limited to just four guests, so it’s perfect for those who’d rather get a more intimate experience than they would in larger groups.

Guests will get up-close-and-personal with the camp’s most heinous and historic attractions. Due to its small size, this tour is much more customizable than most others.

It’s open to those of most ages and levels of physical ability, but it’s not accessible for those who use a wheelchair.

6. Auschwitz-Birkenau Day Trip from Katowice

For those who want all the details of their trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau handled by professionals, this full-day tour would be a wise choice.

Transportation to and from Katowice is provided in a car, minivan, or bus, depending on the number of guests.

Guests will walk past the crowds with their skip-the-line tickets. Once on-site, they will have 3 ½ hours to explore with their English speaking guide.

Expect to be shocked, educated, and emotionally exhausted as you walk amongst the recreated ruins of the worst Nazi death camps of World War II before heading back to your hotel in Katowice.

7. One-Way Bus Direct between Auschwitz-Birkenau and Krakow

Round-trip transportation is a big selling point for many international travelers visiting Auschwitz and Birkenau, but for those who prefer to fly by the seat of their pants, one-way transfers are often the way to go.

The trip from Krakow to the camps takes about 1 ½ hours. Once on-location, guests will have the option of exploring the facilities on their own or hooking up with a guided group.

You’ll learn about the harsh and deadly lives the prisoners endured and see the camp’s facilities as well as the museum and memorial to the dead.

There are multiple departures daily, and return trips are available too.

8. Auschwitz Tour from Wroclaw

Wroclaw is a bit farther from the camps than Krakow, but it’s still a relatively easy day trip for those who’ve got an entire day to dedicate to one of the world’s most significant attractions.

Plan on being worn-out physically and emotionally after touring the camp and learning about the unspeakable atrocities committed.

For those traveling with kids, infant seats are available, but due to space restrictions, it’s not open to those using a wheelchair.

This tour is limited to eight guests, making it a good fit for families. From beginning to end, the day usually lasts between nine and ten hours.

9. Auschwitz-Birkenau from Krakow with Private Car

For history buffs and those whose lives were personally changed by the atrocities committed during the Second World War, Auschwitz and Birkenau are definitely must-visit attractions.

They’re the perfect places to get caught up on historical events, pay your respects to the fallen, and get shocking insight into the dark side of humanity.

This private car tour begins and ends in Krakow and includes entrance fees, round-trip transportation, and the services of a guide if that option is chosen at booking.

It’s typically a six or seven-hour day, which means guests are back in Krakow by late afternoon.

10. Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Tour from Krakow

Tours with options are big hits these days, especially with savvy travelers looking to stretch their travel dollars and spend their time seeing the things that interest them.

If you fall into this category, this memorial tour from Krakow is worth a look.

Guests will have the option of exploring the two sites on their own or signing up for a guide to show them around.

Whichever option is chosen, you’ll have ample time to see everything for which the camps are known.

Transportation via air-conditioned vehicle is included, but food, drinks, and tips are the responsibility of the participants.

11. Private Tour of Auschwitz from Prague

The distance from Prague to Auschwitz is nearly 280 miles, but there’s a doable day-trip tour option for those with boundless energy.

It’s about five hours of driving each way, but once at the camp, guests will have about four hours to explore on their own or hook-up with a professional guide if they choose that option.

Most guests agree that four hours is sufficient to see the camp’s sights, and hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Though food and drinks aren’t included, there will be the opportunity to stop en route at restaurants and cafes in both Poland and the Czech Republic.

12. Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Minivan Tour from Krakow

Auschwitz’s most revolting features include gas chambers, gallows, and barracks, where overworked inmates spent long nights fighting against hunger, frigid weather, and physical exhaustion.

Needless to say, the site tends to bring a host of emotions to the forefront. During the war years, it was where the lives of more than a million poor souls were taken.

These days, much of the facility has been constructed to near-original condition, and this guided minivan tour from Krakow allows guests a few hours to explore the grounds.

The tour also includes a side excursion to nearby Birkenau, where guests will have about 1 ½ hours before loading up and heading back to Krakow.

Round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and headsets are all included.

12 Best Auschwitz Tours:

• Auschwitz and Birkenau Tour with Licensed Guide
• Guided Auschwitz and Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour from Krakow
• Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum & Camp Guided Tour
• Self-Guided Tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau from Krakow
• Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour with 4 Guests
• Auschwitz-Birkenau Day Trip from Katowice
• One-Way Bus Direct between Auschwitz-Birkenau and Krakow
• Auschwitz Tour from Wroclaw
• Auschwitz-Birkenau from Krakow with Private Car
• Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Tour from Krakow
• Private Tour of Auschwitz from Prague
• Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Minivan Tour from Krakow

Touring Auschwitz – Birkenau // What to Expect, A Visitor’s Guide

I grew up listening to my grandma’s vivid stories about living through WWII. Her memories continue to inspire my travel itineraries, and during our recent trip to Poland we stopped at a handful of prominent WWII historical sites. While it’s never easy to visit these types of places, nothing could’ve prepared us for how sobering and emotional a day trip to Auschwitz actually is. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about touring Auschwitz – Birkenau including what to expect, which tour you should choose, how to get there from Krakow and more.

This post contains topics and details that may be upsetting or disturbing for some readers.

Table of Contents

WHAT IS AUSCHWITZ – BIRKENAU ?

When you hear the word Auschwitz, chances are a very specific feeling arises within you. Its name is so synonymous with the Holocaust that there are not many people who don’t know about Nazi Germany’s most infamous concentration & extermination camp.

Auschwitz was constructed in 1940 under the orders of Heinrich Himmler. It was originally created as a concentration camp, but its close proximity to 44 different railway lines made it “ideal” as the central death camp meant to carry out Hitler’s “Final Solution.”

Auschwitz was known for the horrific treatment of its prisoners. Starvation, torture, shooting squads, human medical experiments and gas chambers were commonplace, and it is estimated that over 1.1 million people died here.

Located in Oswiecim, 41 miles (66 km) from Krakow, Auschwitz was made up of three different camps. Auschwitz I was the main camp, Auschwitz II (also known as Birkenau) was the killing camp and Auschwitz III (also known as Monowitz) was a forced labor camp.

Today, Auschwitz has been converted into a memorial that sees over 2 million visitors each year. It stands as a dark reminder of the past as well as a stark warning for future generations

RELATED POST: SCHINDLER’S FACTORY MUSEUM (KRAKOW) – A VISITOR’S GUIDE

AUSCHWITZ TOUR OPTIONS

  Admission onto the grounds of Auschwitz and Birkenau is free but you will need an entry card before visiting. Entry cards can be reserved on  visit.auschwitz.org , and it is best to do so in advance to ensure that the time slots do not fill up.

While general admission is free, I highly recommend visiting Auschwitz with a guide. Guided tours are not something I normally opt into as I usually prefer to go at my own pace. However, viewing this memorial was exponentially more profound with a guide. There are so many details, stories, context and information you receive on a guided tour that the informational plaques did not offer. I cannot imagine touring the grounds and missing out on the knowledge we received.

Auschwitz offers several options for guided tours, the general 3.5 hour tour and the full day study tour (6 hours) . Each of the tour options will take you to both Auschwitz I and Birkenau (Auschwitz II).

We decided to go with the 6 Hour Study Tour because 1-1.5 hours didn’t seem like enough time in each camp. Also, the 6 hour tour takes you to a few more sites within Auschwitz I.

THE 3.5 HOUR TOUR REGULAR ADMISSION 85 PLN ($23USD) REDUCED ADMISSION (Seniors 75+, Students under 26, people with disabilities) 75PLN ($20.50USD)

THE 6 HOUR STUDY TOUR REGULAR ADMISSION 125 PLN ($34USD) REDUCED ADMISSION (Seniors 75+, Students under 26, people with disabilities) 105 PLN ($28.65 USD)

OTHER OPTIONS FOR TOURING AUSCHWITZ

It is not mandatory to book a tour with the memorial directly. You are free to hire your own private tour guide or book a tour with an outside company, like this one from Get Your Guide which includes transportation to and from Krakow.

If you choose to tour the memorial without a guide, I highly recommend purchasing a guidebook from the bookstore. There are informational plaques available throughout the memorial, but they contain very basic information. Birkenau in particular is much more raw and there was not a lot of reading information available.

The memorial prioritizes tour groups, so those touring Auschwitz without a guide might have less options as far as available entry times. Be sure to book your entry far enough in advance to ensure your visit.

TOURING AUSCHWITZ I : THE 6 HOUR STUDY TOUR

If you’ve chosen the option of touring Auschwitz with a guide, you will begin the day at Auschwitz I . After you are paired with your group, you will enter the memorial by passing under the familiar iron gate with the infamous German slogan that reads “Arbeit Macht Frei,” or “Work Sets You Free.” Darkly ironic and very untrue for the millions that lost their lives here.

Throughout the tour, the guide whispers into a microphone which transmits to your individual headsets. If you take your headphones off at any point during the visit, the grounds are almost completely silent, aside from the shuffling of feet and the faint whispers of guides. It feels appropriate given the setting.

You will be led through several different barracks which have been converted into a museum space containing original Nazi documents, deportation logs, prisoner files, letters and volumes upon volumes of the former camp’s death books. There are black and white photographs depicting scenes from the camp, as well as displays containing the personal belongings of the prisoners.

Before the Soviets liberated the Jewish people, Nazi’s burned most of the evidence from Auschwitz and Birkenau. Whatever didn’t burn is on display in Auschwitz I .

PRISONER BELONGINGS

According to the Museum Preservation Department, the memorial features 110 thousand shoes, around 3,800 suitcases, 12,000 pots and pans, 88lbs (40 kg) of eyeglasses, 470 prostheses, 570 items of camp clothing and over 4 thousand works of art.

The most moving displays for me personally were the stacks suitcases and the shoes. Prisoners were told to take their valuables out of their suitcase and write their names on their luggage, as if they would ever see it again. In another room, over 25 thousand shoes lay in piles. They represent a single day of victims during the peak of the exterminations.

One of the most difficult rooms to get through contains a glass display which spanned the entire length of the room. Behind the glass, piled approximately 7 feet high is the hair of 40,000 women. Hair that had been cut off after the prisoners were exterminated in the gas chambers.  The memorial asks that you abstain from taking photos in a few of the rooms, this being one of them.

THE DEATH WALL, BLOCK 11 & THE GAS CHAMBERS

As part of the Auschwitz 6 Hour Study Tour, you are taken into the brick barracks where you will view what living conditions were like for the prisoners. You will also tour Block 11, more commonly known as the Death Block , which was a series of punishment rooms where prisoners received the most ghastly and inhumane treatments. Our guide explained how people were forced to stand in tiny cells for a minimum of three nights in a row, after working 11 hour days on little to no food. Then there was the dark, concrete room with no light or airflow. We were told that most people suffocated overnight in that one.

As you make your way through the former camp, there is a tangible weight in the air. Dark lookout towers loom above you which add to the growing pit in your stomach. You will pass the Death Wall , where executions took place and enter a gas chamber where hundreds of thousands lost their lives. You’ll also view a display containing empty cans of Zyklon B, the poison used in the gas chambers.

THE BOOK OF NAMES

One of the most impactful parts of Auschwitz I was a hallway lined top to bottom with photos of the prisoners. Each photograph contained the name, birthday, profession, date of entrance to Auschwitz, and date of death. In some cases the date of death was just a few days after they arrived at the camp. I tried to read as many of their names as I could, noting their profession and acknowledging who they were.

As you finish up your visit at Auschwitz I, you will enter one last room which which contains The Book of Names, a 6.5 foot tall book containing the 4 million names of the Holocaust victims.

THE SHUTTLE TO BIRKENAU

After the first half of the tour ends at Auschwitz I, your guide will give you a quick 30 min break and then let you know where and when to meet the shuttle to Birkenau. You can choose to walk around the memorial a little longer or grab something to eat (if you have an appetite).

Birkenau is located 2.1 miles (3.5km) from Auschwitz I and the shuttle is free for all visitors traveling with or without a guided tour. The Birkenau shuttle leaves every 10 minutes from April-October and every 30 minutes between November and March. They are first come first serve and fill up quickly.

RELATED POST: A VISITOR’S GUIDE TO THE LATVIAN HOLOCAUST MUSEUM IN RIGA

TOURING BIRKENAU (AKA AUSCHWITZ II)

During the war, Auschwitz I was not physically able keep up with the number of people being sent there so they started using Birkenau, also known as Auschwitz II, as an overflow camp.

Birkenau eventually became Nazi Germany’s largest extermination camp, and it was here that most of Auschwitz’s victims died. The grounds of Birkenau are massive and could hold 100,000 prisoners at a time. It took us 20 minutes to walk from one end to the other.

RUINS AT BIRKENAU

Unlike Auschwitz I, Birkenau is not a museum. For the past 76 years, the site has remained almost exactly in the same state in which it was found. Before liberation day in 1945, the Germans attempted to burn Birkenau down, so a lot of what you’ll see is just ruins.

Most of the living quarters are gone, with brick chimneys standing where many of the wooden barracks used to be. The gas chambers and crematoria were also destroyed, their ruins remaining exactly as they were found.

THE SELECTION RAMP

One of the most haunting images of Birkenau is the single railway track running down the center of the former camp. In the middle of the central road next to the tracks, there is an intersection where the unloading ramp was. It is here here that prisoners were put through the selection process.

When a new train car arrived at Birkenau, prisoners were forced out of the carts and immediately examined by a doctor. If a person was deemed healthy enough to work, they were sent down the road to the right, registered as a prisoner and assigned a number. If they failed the exam, they were sent down the road to the left which led straight to the gas chamber. Children under 16, the elderly and people with disabilities were also automatically sent to the left.

It is extremely sobering to stand at the cross street where millions of people’s fate was decided in a single instant. It is completely impossible to comprehend.

PRISONER BARRACKS

On our tour of Birkenau, our guide led us through the men, women and children’s barracks . This was one of the hardest parts of the visit.

Seeing in person just how small the bunks were, and trying to imagine up to 10 prisoners on each level of the bunk was incomprehensible. We were told that new prisoners were forced to sleep on the ground, which was covered in diarrhea and inhabited by rats.

Next you will enter one of toilet barracks, which was just a concrete block with 58 holes. Prisoners were “allowed” a once daily visit (everyone at the same time) for just a few minutes and would have to fight for a seat. Otherwise they didn’t get to use the toilet that day.

WRAPPING UP THE 6 HOUR STUDY TOUR

Toward the end of the tour, you are taken through the bathhouse and disinfection area where prisoners were selected for labor, strip searched and shaved.

The last stop of the tour is an exhibit filled with family photos that belonged to the prisoners of Auschwitz. These photos were found on the grounds of the former camps and it was a powerful way to wrap up an intense day. Throughout your visit, you will hear the most horrific details and see photos upon photos of the prisoners in striped uniforms, identified only by numbers. This exhibition gave the victims back their names and identities.

The tour ends here and your guide will say goodbye. You are then free to walk around the grounds on your own, or catch the shuttle bus back to Auschwitz I. Since I felt rushed during the entire tour, we stayed for another hour to just sit and process everything we’d seen.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE 6 HOUR STUDY TOUR

We chose the 6 Hour Study Tour because we wanted to cover as much of the memorial as possible. Unfortunately even with 6 hours, it still felt rushed – especially while touring Auschwitz I.

Auschwitz I is more of a museum, each room lined with such important information and artifacts on display. The groups filter through very quickly, only allowing several minutes to look around while your tour guide speaks. There was almost no time to stop and the read informational plaques or documents. If you want to read anything, you’ll have to do it while listening to the guide at the same time.

While I understand that there is a lot to see and many visitors in line to see it, the gravity of the information you’re taking in can get overwhelming and I found myself desperate for time to process before moving on. Giving visitors a few minutes to reflect in each of the larger rooms would have been ideal.

With that said, I still recommend touring Auschwitz – Birkenau with a guide. As someone who already knows a lot about the former camp, I was blown away by the information we received. Having a guide also allows you to ask questions and it really put into context the things you are viewing throughout the day.

If I were to visit again, I would still take the guided tour but I would return to Auschwitz I after the tour concludes and walk through some of the barracks one more time to see what I missed while the guide was speaking.

RELATED POST: THE TOPOGRAPHY OF TERROR AND 4 OTHER WWII SITES TO SEE IN BERLIN

TIPS FOR TOURING AUSCHWITZ

Get there early.

The memorial can get extremely crowded and some of the rooms are very small. Signing up for an early tour will cut down on some of the crowding.

If you are touring Aushwitz without a guide, I also highly recommend showing up as early as possible. I noticed that the tour groups seemed to be given priority over single travelers and these groups take up a lot of space within the museum.

SHOW RESPECT

You are standing on the grounds where over 1 million people suffered and died. Pretending to cry in your selfies is embarrassing and screaming and laughing outside of the gas chambers is disrespectful. The memorial itself has asked visitors to not balance on Birkenau’s train tracks and to behave respectfully when taking photos.

When you come to @AuschwitzMuseum remember you are at the site where over 1 million people were killed. Respect their memory. There are better places to learn how to walk on a balance beam than the site which symbolizes deportation of hundreds of thousands to their deaths. pic.twitter.com/TxJk9FgxWl — Auschwitz Memorial (@AuschwitzMuseum) March 20, 2019

BE PREPARED TO WALK

Both of the former camps are huge and you are going to cover a lot of ground during your visit. Be prepared for a lot of walking and wear comfortable shoes.

There are toilets at both Auschwitz I and Birkenau. Be sure to bring change as they cost 2 zloty to use.

GO WITH A GUIDE

Even though touring Auschwitz – Birkenau with a guide felt a little rushed in some parts, I still highly recommend visiting with a tour. Unless you are a historian or an expert on the subject, having a knowledgeable guide will help to paint a more complete picture, and delivers the impact that this memorial deserves.

BOOK YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE

Tickets sell out quickly during peak season, so make sure to book far enough in advance. You can book up to three months out. Tickets are available on the official website here , or through Get Your Guide here .

Those who plan to tour the memorial without a guide might have less options as far as available entry times, so it is very important that you book in advance. You need a reservation whether or not you are visiting with a guide.

PACK FOOD/WATER

There is a cafeteria style restaurant at Auschwitz I but it was expensive and the food did not look very appetizing. Since you’ll be doing a lot of walking during your tour, packing water and snacks (or a light meal) is smart.

Keep in mind that you are not allowed to eat inside of the memorial but your guide will give you a 30 minute break before you get on the shuttle to Birkenau, which is the perfect time to re-fuel.

NO TRIPODS OR FLASH

Photography is allowed at Auschwitz with the exception of a few specific areas. You cannot take photos in places that contain human remains, such as the room with the display of human hair, Block 4, Block 11 or the crematorium. Flash photography is never permitted and tripods are also not allowed.

LEAVE YOUR ITINERARY OPEN IN THE AFTERNOON

Touring Auschwitz is extremely draining and you will probably need time to process what you’ve seen and heard from the day. Keep your itinerary open the afternoon of your visit to allow yourself time for decompression and reflection.

LEAVE YOUR STROLLER IN LUGGAGE STORAGE –  

You are allowed to bring your stroller into the memorial but if possible, you might want to think about leaving it in the luggage storage area. Not only is the ground is uneven (a mixture of dirt, pavement and gravel), but there are stairs, no ramps and you are not allowed to bring it inside of the buildings.

PACK A SMALL BAG

If you are carrying a bag larger than 30x20x20cm (11.8 x 7.9 x 7.9 inches) it needs to be checked in the baggage area (diaper bags excluded). The luggage storage lines can get long and it costs 8 zloty to use, so pack light and avoid the hassle.

AGE RESTRICTIONS

The official museum guidelines state that visits from children under 14 are not recommended.

ADDITIONAL READING

If you will be touring Auschwitz in the near future, I highly recommend packing one of these these books for the plane before you go.

Night by Elie Wiesel has been deemed one of the most influential books about the Holocaust. Wiesel was a Jewish teenager who was deported to Auschwitz with his family. His book is based on his horrifying experiences at Auschwitz I, Birkenau and Buchenwald concentration camps.

Auschwitz and After was written by Charlotte Delbo, a non-Jew who was sent to Auschwitz for being a member of the French Resistance. Her memoir is an account of her experience at Birkenau. It also details how she and the other survivors coped once they were released and entered back into the world.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz is a fiction novel based on the true story of Holocaust survivor Ludwig (Lale) Sokolov. Sokolov was a Slovakian Jew who becomes a tattooist at Auschwitz-Birkenau and falls in love with a girl while tattooing her prisoner number. While this book garnered some controversy about accuracy regarding some of the historical facts, the author claims that “ninety-five per cent of it is as it happened; researched and confirmed.” If you keep that in mind, it is a very touching story and a quick read.

CAN YOU TOUR AUSCHWITZ AND WIELICZKA SALT MINE IN THE SAME DAY?

For some reason, a lot of travelers try to fit Auschwitz and Wieliczka Salt Mine into a single day excursion. I high recommend not doing this as you would be spreading yourself very thin. Both sites deserve separate days.

It not only takes an hour to drive between the two destinations, but both sites are massive and you would find yourself walking miles upon miles. If you are pressed for time and must see both sites in one day, I would recommend joining a tour ( like this one ) to take the guesswork out this endeavor.

If you are deciding on one tour or the other, I would without a doubt choose Auschwitz over Wieliczka Salt Mine.

RELATED POST: WIELICZKA SALT MINE (POLAND) – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

AUSCHWITZ HOURS

The Auschwitz Birkenau Museum is open year round except for January 1st, December 25th, and Easter Sunday. The current opening hours are:

• 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM December
• 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM January, November
• 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM February
• 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM March, October
• 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM April, May, September
• 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM June, July, August

AUSCHWITZ ACCESSIBILITY

Unfortunately, touring Auschwitz and Birkenau is not the most accessible for people with limited mobility and/or disabilities. The memorial has tried to preserve the original state of former camps as much as possible, which makes it very difficult for some travelers to visit. There is uneven ground (dirt, gravel, cobblestone), stairs, no ramps and tight hallways. There are also very few places to sit, if you need to rest.

Sylvia from Spin the Globe wrote an article encouraging wheelchair users to still visit Auschwitz, despite its accessibility flaws. Click here to read some of her tips.

KRAKOW TO AUSCHWITZ – HOW TO GET TO OSWIECIM

Auschwitz is located in the city of Oswiecim, 41 miles (66km) west of Krakow, Poland.

BUS OR MINIVAN

Taking a bus or minivan is one of the easiest ways to get from Krakow to Auschwitz. There are many departures per day and the journey takes around 1hr 30 min. Tickets cost between 13-15 zloty each way ($3.40 USD – $3.90 USD). Busses leave from the MDA bus station, located near Krakow Glowny train station on Bosaka Street. You can view the bus schedule here.

The bus line called Lajkonik will drop you off closest to the main gate at Auschwitz I near the parking lot. There are not many signs when you arrive but it is easy enough to figure out and if you are visiting during peak season, you can always follow the crowds.

The train travels from the main train station, Krakow Glowny to Oswiecim. The journey takes between 1hr 25min and 2 hours, and costs 10 zloty ($2.60 cents) each way. The Oswiecim train station is located (1.36 miles) 2.2km from the Auschwitz so you will likely need to hop on a local bus (lines 24-29 stop at the museum), or call a taxi to complete the journey. Click here to view the train schedule.

GUIDED TOUR

Most Auschwitz-Birkenau guided tours leave from Krakow and include pick up and drop off. This tour includes door to door service, an English speaking guide, wifi on board and lunch. Pries range between $20USD and $50USD per person. Click here for more information or to book.

Luxury travelers might be interested in touring Auschwitz with a personal guide and a private driver. This option offers hotel pick up and drop off, transport via Mercedes-Benz cars with wifi, and a guided tour of Auschwitz. Prices start around $115USD per person. Click here for more information or to book.

UBER OR TAXI

Expect to pay between $52- $75USD each way.

PIN IT: TOURING AUSCHWITZ – BIRKENAU / A VISITOR’S GUIDE + WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE 6 HOUR TOUR

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

16 thoughts on “Touring Auschwitz – Birkenau // What to Expect, A Visitor’s Guide”

Hi, thank you very much for your post, it is very interesting and your photography is amazing. I will be visiting Auschwitz soon and was wondering if you would recommend the 6 hour tour or the shorter 3 hour tour and then having our own time to look around?

Hey Catilin! Auschwitz I was the camp where I really wanted more time, but on both tours you leave Auschwitz I with the group and almost immediately shuttle to Birkenau. So you wouldn’t have time there to explore on your own either way. At Birkenau, you have ample time to walk around on your own after the tour though. So with that said, I would still recommend the 6 hour tour.

Hope this helps, thank you for reading!

Hi! Thank you for your post, it was very detailed and interesting. I was wondering; is a tour really worth it or would it be better to just walk around Auschwitz I and Birkenau alone (without a guide), to take our time? Do you learn more with a guide than you do by reading the descriptions in each site? I really don’t want to feel rushed and on a schedule throughout the visit…

Hi Ombeline! I really did learn so much with the guide. There are information plaques at Auschwitz I but they mostly talk about what’s on display and they definitely didn’t go into as many details as the guide gave us. There were not as many information plaques at Birkenau.

Even though I really wish I had more time in each room at Auschwitz, I don’t regret joining the tour and would probably do it again.

Hope this helps! Lindsey

Thank you for your pictures and commentary. I will be visiting Auschwitz in August, 2018. After reading your commentary, I will be signing up for the 6 hour tour. Did you travel from Krakow that day via public transportation or did you travel on your own? I plan on taking public bus transportation from Krakow in the morning and touring Auschwitz that day. Can you offer any advice with traveling to Auschwitz with public transportation? I am flying from Krakow to Berlin that night after my tour at Auschwitz, so have to make sure I have enough time to travel back to Krakow via bus, so am hoping that I can fit this all in and still make my flight. (I see the 6 hour tour begins at 0900) Also, did you utilize the luggage area in the museum for any oversized baggage? I emailed the museum, and it was not clear whether it was a locked area or not, although she stated that there were no size limitations. (I will be traveling right from Auschwitz back to the airport in Krakow). Thank you for any more advice you may be able to offer. Again, your photos and commentary are wonderful, albeit very somber, and brought tears to my eyes. Julie Rahaim Cumberland, WI USA

Hi Julie! We traveled from Krakow via bus (it’s more of a shuttle van) to Osweicim and it was very easy. We picked us the bus at the bus station which next to the main train station, and bought our tickets there (they were cheap.. I think around $3-4). The bus to Auschwitz was located on the lower level of the station and the journey was around 1hr 30 min. We got there early just in case because there aren’t that many seats on the busses. The bus will drop you off about 3-5 min from Auschwitz I. Chances are most people will be getting off there so we just followed the crowd. I remember it being pretty self explanatory. On the way home, you pick up the bus at the same spot and there are regular busses to Krakow so you shouldn’t have to wait long. You can check out this page for rough schedule times http://rozklady.mda.malopolska.pl/?lang=eng

I didn’t utilize the luggage storage area at Auschwitz, but I saw it. There are no lockers, it’s more of a kiosk where you can check your pieces in and out with the attendant. Another option could be to leave your luggage at the Krakow Train station as it’s located right next to the bus station. The only issue is that they filled up quickly when we were there. If they are full, there’s also locked luggage storage at the Galeria Krakowska Mall which is also located next to the train/bus station. It’s basically right across the street with easy access bridges from the train station. So I think you will definitely be able to find a place for your luggage 🙂

Hope this help, let me know if you have any more questions! Lindsey

Hi Lindsey, Thank you so much for your reply! Your comments on transportation were very helpful, and I will check out the link you sent. For my one night in Krakow, I’m staying at Hotel Europejski https://www.google.com/maps/place/Lubicz+5,+Kraków,+Poland/@50.064479,19.9440594,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x47165b10bdf2aa63:0x33f2943e5ef8e810!8m2!3d50.064479!4d19.9462481 and it looks like it’s not too far from the bus station. Did you travel alone or with others? How safe is it? I have not traveled abroad before, and I am on my own for this part of my trip, so any advice is much appreciated! I am looking forward to my adventure over in Germany and Poland in a few months! If I have any other questions, I will let you know! Again, thanks for your advice! Julie

I stayed in an Airbnb near your Krakow hotel and it’s definitely an easy walk to the train/bus station.

I traveled with my boyfriend while in Krakow but would 100% feel safe going back alone. It felt safer than many other bigger European cities that I’ve been to, actually. I have also done solo traveling in other parts of Poland and feel very comfortable in this country in general.

Do you use Google Maps on your phone? I always download an offline map and save pins where my hotel is, sites I want to see, restaurants I want to visit etc. So even if you lose service (or don’t have an international plan), your location/map will still work and you can get directions easily.

In Krakow, you have to validate your public transportation tickets when you get on. You’ll see little yellow machines on the bus/trams that you stick your ticket into. Sometimes plainclothes officers will check tickets randomly and it’s easy to miss if you’re not familiar with the system.

I’m excited for you to take your first trip abroad! I know that you’re going to love it, and Germany and Poland are great places to start. If I think of anything else that might help you, I’ll let you know.

Hi, this is very helpful! Thank you! I think I will sign up for the 6-hour tour. How did lunch work during the tour? Is there a place and time to buy it?

After you visit Auschwitz I, they give you a short break to eat before heading to Birkenau. There is a small cafeteria on site with a few lunch options and snacks. Or you can bring your own and store it in the lockers. Hope this helps!

Lindsey thank you for this post! I’ve been researching my visit to Auschwitz for a long time and been going round and round in circles to find the best visit type to make the most of it – I’ve even tried calling Auschwitz’ mainline number but no reply. I didn’t know whether to book a standard tour that picks you up at your hotel, to book the 3 or 6 hours study tour, or if it was best to go by myself. Thanks to your blog I’m now going to sign up for the 6 hour study tour 🙂

Thanks so much for your comment, Miranda! I’m glad you found what you were looking for. I think you’ll be happy with your decision to do the 6 hour tour, there is so much to learn and process, I really couldn’t imagine going much faster than we did.

Safe travels! Lindsey

Thank you for your interesting article & photos. I am wondering if you think doing the 2 day study tour would be worthwhile considering you felt rushed on the 1 day?

Hi Angela, I don’t think the 2 day study tour was an option when I visited, but I would have definitely considered it. I do have a lot of interest in WWII though. I think the 1 day would be enough for most casual visitors.

Thanks for the interesting and informative post! I am heading to Poland next month and am leaning toward the study tour. Do these tours take place alongside the regular ones? Or are you a bit more “off to the side?” One of my concerns is with crowds and the dates that work best for me are already on the weekend. I’ve heard that Auschwitz has become so crowded with visitors, especially on the weekends and in summer, that it really makes it hard to listen and concentrate. Thanks! Caroline

Hi Caroline! Yes, the study tour is done alongside the other tours and visitors. Some of the rooms did get a little crowded but it didn’t feel too distracting. You are given headphones which makes it easy to hear your guide. Also the guides speak very quietly into their microphones and everyone was pretty respectful so if you were to take your headphones off, it’s almost silent. Even with lots of people.

The tour groups also seemed to be slightly staggered in times. We didn’t visit on a weekend or Summer though so I understand your concern. I hope this helps a bit!

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How To Visit Auschwitz On Your Own

I visited Auschwitz in March of 2019 and was surprised to see just how many people had made the trip. Later I did a little research and found that over two million tourists visited in 2018, a record for the memorial and museum. I was fortunate to find out early on that visiting Auschwitz takes a bit of planning if you’re doing it without a travel service and don’t want to stress out about the details at the last minute.

In the end, I’m glad I traveled on my own and did the necessary research in advance. I’m hardly the first (nor will I be the last) to travel solo from Krakow to Auschwitz. To spare you some of the headaches, I’ve detailed how to plan your own visit to Auschwitz.

But first, a bit of history.

Auschwitz History

There are countless books that cover the history of Auschwitz in far more detail and with far greater insight than I’ll be able to devote to this page. After visiting myself, I realized that the best preparation was a reading of Elie Wiesel’s Nobel Prize-winning Night about his experience of being taken prisoner from his hometown of Sighetu Marmației, Romania to Auschwitz and Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List . The latter doesn’t take place in Auschwitz, but after reading Night , it was like seeing Wiesel’s work in action.

The main thing to keep in mind about the history of Auschwitz is that it, in contemporary terms, is the site of the deadliest Nazi death camp in the world. Approximately 1,100,000 victims were murdered at Auschwitz-Birkenau between May of 1940 up to its liberation by Soviet troops in January, 1945. Estimates say one million of those victims were Jewish, 900,000 of which were killed in the gas chambers immediately following transport.

Again, I strongly encourage you to dive deeper into the history before visiting Auschwitz. But this basic summary should get you started.

Auschwitz Tickets

Visiting Auschwitz is free. Anyone can show up, wait in line, go through the metal detectors, and walk around like you would a museum. But if you want a tour, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum offers them in a variety of languages. You can choose either a 3.5-hour or 6-hour tour, both of which start at Auschwitz I before taking a shuttle bus over to Birkenau. Prices vary, but they generally run for a quite affordable 60 to 100 Polish zloty for the 3.5-hour and 6-hour tour respectively. That’s roughly €14 to €24 or $16 to $26.

If you know you want a guided tour, you’ll need to book well in advance. Tours frequently sell out and you’ll want to keep public transportation options in mind when purchasing your tickets. Purchase tickets at the memorial’s official website here .

Auschwitz Tour

I did the 3.5-hour tour, so I can only speak about that. First, you walk through the museum entrance, go past a metal detector, and you keep walking back until you reach a turnstile. They’ll point you toward the direction of an employee who will look at your ticket and give you headphones and a receiver so you can hear the tour guide at all times. You’ll also get a sticker with your language printed on it to stick on your jacket or shirt.

If you’re early (which you should be), you’ll grab a seat in a small waiting area and will be clearly notified when your tour is up. After going through the turnstile, you’ll stand outside for a moment as the tour guide gives the basic ground rules and sets up the audio receiver. (Quick note on the ground rules, don’t treat Auschwitz like your personal backdrop for Instagram, which is apparently a thing people are doing .)

From there, you’ll start your tour by heading to the infamous Arbeit Macht Frei gates and work your way through various prisoner blocks converted into exhibitions. I don’t want to detail the entire experience here, so I’ll leave it at that.

About halfway through, you’ll head back into the museum where you started, dropping off your headphones. You’ll have about a 15-minute break to use the restroom, grab a snack, or coffee. (Note, you have to pay a small fee in zloty to use the restroom, but there is an ATM on site if needed.) Before going on the break, your tour guide will point out where the shuttle buses pick up to take you to Birkenau where you’ll spend the rest of the tour.

Auschwitz Train

The most convenient location to pick up the train to Auschwitz is from Krakow. Auschwitz in Polish (and the name of the station) is Oświęcim and the main station in Krakow is Krakow Glowny. There are just two IC (intercity) trains running from Krakow to Auschwitz. One departs at 10:25, arriving at 11:52, and the other departs at 10:34 pm, arriving at 11:55 pm. Those are run by Polish Railways and you can purchase tickets at Intercity.pl .

Thankfully, there are regional trains not run by Polish Railways that run much more frequently and conveniently. The IC trains are a smidge faster, but it’s ultimately negligible. Nonstop departure times are approximately 10:32, 11:30, 1:32 pm, 3:32 pm, 3:56 pm, 5:30 pm, and 7:30 pm. Obviously, schedules can change depending on your day of travel, so find the time that works for you at Polregio.pl , where you can also purchase your tickets.

I traveled with Polregio for a very affordable 9 zloty one way. That’s just over $2 or €2.

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TOURING AUSCHWITZ

Touring the Auschwitz and Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camps

Travel and Tour Planning for

Auschwitz concentratio n ca mp.

Preparing for and planning a trip to the Auschwitz concentration camp comes with m yriad travel options and a range of emotions for most travelers. I hope to ease this process by posting helpful information to help you plan your travel and prepare you for the experience.

Each visitor to Auschwitz processes the experience in their own way; I am but one, humble perspective and I encourage you to use multiple sources to plan your travel and tours. 

Why did I go? I went to Auschwitz to deepen my education and awareness, to observe and internalize decades of personal research limited to books, interviews, documentaries, and movies, to bear witness, and to pray for the deceased, the survivors and their families.

How to Use This Site

The posts you see below are a collection of the most recent articles I've posted throughout the site. As I post new content, these articles automatically show up in the "recent posts" feed below. They include a broad range of topics from education, travel and tour planning, short biographies, book/movie reviews, and articles about the Holocaust and World War II history.

If you want a story-like experience, the posts are also grouped into collections: Auschwitz, Auschwitz-Birkenau, Heroes & Villains, Blog, and Travel Research . You will find travel and tour advice across all topics, but a collection of articles specifically on travel, movies, books, and other resources can be found in the Travel Research section.

Why Travel to the Auschwitz Concentration Camp

T ragically, global anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial sentiment are on the rise. We must remind ourselves and our global community that Auschwitz represents a horrific chapter in humanity's history. It is one thing to read about Auschwitz or the Holocaust, or see it on our devices or movie screens. It is another to experience Auschwitz in-person.

After my trip to Auschwitz, even after 30 years as a writer, I cannot find an adjective, nor a group of them, that adequately describes the wickedly evil, criminal barbarism that once thrived within the Nazis' poisonous black web of death camps. As global citizens, we must be vigilant and ensure such atrocities never happen again.

Touring Auschwitz provided me with a life-enriching experience; I hope the details in my posts persuade you to go. If you have travel or tour planning questions, please contact me by filling out the form at the bottom of the page (please use the comments section).​ Thank you for visiting my blog; safe travels  - Jamie

• May 22, 2023

Auschwitz I Block 4 Extermination Exhibit - Part 1: Train Routes and Memorials

• May 19, 2023

Auschwitz Map, Historical Preservation & Areas Closed to the Public

• May 10, 2023

Arbeit Macht Frei (Work Makes You Free): The Gate Entrance, Watchtower and Block 24

• May 4, 2023

Visitor Check-In Process, Security & Film Introduction to Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum

• May 1, 2023

Villain - Reinhard Heydrich

• Apr 30, 2023

Top 10 Movies on Reinhard Heydrich

Top 10 eBooks and Audiobooks on Reinhard Heydrich

• Apr 29, 2023

Living in the Shadows of Auschwitz: the Sola & Vistula Rivers, Oswiecim, Local Conversations

• Apr 28, 2023

Traveling to Auschwitz: Anthropoid and Oswiecim

• Apr 24, 2023

Prague to Auschwitz - Planning a Day Trip

• Things to do
• Restaurants

8 Best Auschwitz Tours from Krakow

At some stage, almost everyone who visits Krakow is confronted by a simple decision - whether to visit Auschwitz or not. But deciding to do so is is simply the start of a further series of choices to be made - to take a guided tour from Krakow , or to go by oneself using public transpor t, or simply hire a taxi driver to take you there? Or maybe to combine it with a trip to the salt mines at Wieliczka in one day ? Here you will find out about all the options, and find the tour to Auschwitz that suits you best. We’ll also explain some very important things to remember , irrespective of which tour to Auschwitz you choose, and a list of the things you can expect to see whilst there.

1) Auschwitz Guided Tour from Krakow

The easiest option, this fully-guided group tour includes pick-up and drop-off from particular hotels in Krakow, so the whole process is straightforward and easy. Not all hotels are covered, so in this case, you can just make your way to one of the pick-up locations and grab the bus from there. The tour leader speaks English, the bus is air-conditioned (essential in the summer when it can get pretty hot in Poland), and the price also includes the guide at the Auschwitz Museum itself and a skip-the-line entry ticket. The journey takes about 1.5 hours, and the guided tour of the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp takes about 3.5 hours, so all in all, this tour will take around 7 hours in total, door-to-door.

You can book this guided tour online through GetYourGuide here .

2) Self-Guided Tour of Auschwitz

Yes. You can organise everything yourself. Just remember that you will need to have an entry pass to visit the Auschwitz Museum (effectively the whole place is a museum). The entry passes are actually free, but there is limited availability of these, in order to keep the numbers of visitors at a reasonable level. So, while you can just take your chance that you will be able to get an entry pass on arrival, it is really much better to organise this in advance. Just visit the official Auschwitz Museum website entry pass page and select your name and time. Notice that you will be required to provide your personal details, and these must match your ID (which you need to take with you as well).

3) Private tour of Auschwitz from Krakow with Licensed Guide

Whilst we’ve already covered options for group tours, if you prefer to have a private and individual door-to-door tour from Krakow to Auschwitz, that option is also available. It is ideal for a couple, small group or family who prefer to learn about the horrors of Auschwitz in a more private and personal way, and is also more flexible than the standard group tours in terms of being able to stop when you want, or make some small changes to the tour as no-one else is affected. Arrangements on a private tour can also more easily be made if someone requires wheelchair access for example. This tour allows you to book now and pay later, which is also something to bear in mind. The private tour guide will accompany you the whole day, providing lots of information on the way to and from Auschwitz, as well as at the concentration camp museum as well. Obviously, a guide is provided who can talk in your preferred language, so if English is not your main language, that is no problem at all. All entrance tickets and so on are taken care of, as well as bottled water and a small snack or sweets along the journey. Needless to say, pick-up and drop-off direct to your accommodation in Krakow are all part of the price. You can read more reviews and make your booking through GetYourGuide , which also offer some other options for visiting Auschwitz.

4) Krakow to Auschwitz by public transport

If you’ve decided that you want to visit Auschwitz under your own steam, there are certainly plenty of options to get there by public transport - namely by train or by bus. 

By bus - regular trips depart from Krakow’s Main Bus Station, which is just a 5 minute walk east of Galeria Krakowska, the large shopping centre very close to the Old Town. You can always just take your chance and pitch up the station, then look for the first one going to Auschwitz (‘Oświęcim’ in Polish). Buses are very good value in Poland, so you certainly won’t pay much, but there is quite a range in the quality of service. From luxury coaches to clapped-out minibuses, all types are possible, so have a good look before settling on your preferred option. Bear in mind that a lot of the smaller vans will have quite a lot of stops along the way, whereas the larger coaches are more likely to have less. Out of season, finding a space should not be a problem, but during the high season, it is best to book in advance. The bus journey will take between 1.5 and 2 hours typically.

When you arrive by bus in the town of Oświęcim, just remember to get off right by the museum. There are 3 stops in the town, so make sure to get the right one and not end up with a long walk awaiting you!

By train - plenty of scheduled trains between Krakow and Oświęcim (Auschwitz) means you will have a lot of options to choose from. Like buses, trains are also rather cheap in Poland, and present excellent value for visitors. The main train station is right next to Galeria Krakowska, and there is an underground tunnel from the ground floor of that shopping centre that leads right through to the platforms and ticketing area. The train journey takes under 2 hours, depending on the number of stops. If you prefer to book in advance - http://rozklad-pkp.pl/en

You can also read about these and other transport options to Auschwitz on the Krakow Tours website .

5) Auschwitz and Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour in one day

Not for the faint-hearted, this is a very long tour taking in the two most popular tours from Krakow, and it lasts around 11 hours. There is a break for about an hour in the middle of the tour, when you will get a chance to buy and eat some lunch, but otherwise this is a very full and active day which involves a lot of travelling and walking. In general, I would not recommend this unless you really have a short time in Krakow and are keen to visit as much as possible. The tour involves visiting Auschwitz first, which is such an overwhelming experience, that generally visitors are rather emotionally exhausted by the end of it, so to then follow that up with a 2 hour drive to Wieliczka Salt Mines (where you face a long walk through the mines after a very long descent by stairs) can be a bit much for a lot of people.

Please also remember that, as the salt mines are not accessible by wheelchairs, this is really not suitable for those who cannot walk easily.

Notwithstanding these recommendations, if you do decide this is the option for you, you can book it online directly either through GetYourGuide or through Krakow Tours

6) Auschwitz Museum from Krakow with Rented Car

Although we’ve looked at public transport options, of course the other alternative, if you don’t want to go on an organised tour, is to just rent your own car and drive yourself. This is not a bad idea, especially if you plan to do a bit more travelling around and prefer to have the flexibility of your own transport. If renting a vehicle, you can either just go with the standard car hire firms (of which there are plenty in Krakow, both at the airport and in the centre of town), or take the alternative of car sharing. Traficar is an app which you can download, and then simply rent any of a number of vehicles that are spread out around the city. The charges are very reasonable, and you can either hire per minute or per day, and is certainly a lot quicker than going through the more formal process of renting in the traditional way.

7) Auschwitz Museum from Krakow with Private Taxi

If you are not into booking things in advance, you can always hire a taxi to take you to Auschwitz. You will notice that many private cabs have signs on them offering the service, as well as to other sites like the salt mines at Wieliczka. Many of the taxis you use will also have business cards you take so you can contact them during your stay, and there is something to be said for sticking with a helpful, English-speaking driver if you come across one. However, be aware that this is not normally a cheap option. Prices are constantly changing, especially as fuel prices rise across the country, but in general it will work out quite a bit more expensive than taking one of the organised tours. Still, it is something to bear in mind. If you do decide to take a taxi, make sure to agree the price in advance and find out what is (or isn’t) included in the price. Taxis in general are quite good value in Poland, and overall quality is reasonable and rip-offs rarely happen.

8) Custom Tour from Krakow to Auschwitz

If none of the above options is ideal for you, there is always the possibility to have a tour custom made for you. Maybe you have a large group of schoolchildren to take care of, or require something particularly special? Either way, there are a few locally-based travel services who can answer all your questions by email or on the phone, with staff who write and speak English and Polish fluently. Krakow-Tours.com is one we can recommend. Not only can you book many of the standard tours online through their website, but you can also just pick up the phone and call or email directly with your questions, and they are happy to assist. krakow-tours.com [email protected] +48 572 703 376

What will you see at Auschwitz?

Whilst everyone has heard about Auschwitz and the horrors that took place there, it is worth while having some idea of the things you will see during a tour, so many of which are imprinted indelibly upon our collective memory, They include:

Arbeit Macht Frei Gate

Birkenau train line

Intact buildings and barracks

Gas chambers and gas canisters

The Crematorium

The belongings of those that died, such as shoes, clothes, and luggage

Some important tips and things to remember when visiting Auschwitz

• The camp and museum is not suitable for children under 14 years of age
• It shouldn’t really need saying, but all visitors are expected to show suitable respect. Loud music, taking shirts off, sunbathing etc are strictly prohibited. Poland is rightly very protective of the solemn nature of the concentration camp, so any visitors who behave in an unruly manner are likely to be swiftly escorted out, or possibly even arrested.
• Under no circumstances are any items to be removed from the site. However tempting it may be to pick up a stone from the railway tracks or some discarded item from the ground, just don’t do it. If caught you face prosecution. Be respectful at all times. (as an aside, many years ago an anonymous visitor to Krakow, having picked up such a stone and feeling guilty afterwards, posted it to me in Krakow and asked me to return it to the site. The stone, in its envelope, sat on my desk silently reproaching me for a few months until I went to Auschwitz where, as requested, I dropped it back on the railway tracks from where it was removed. The relief felt on knowing it was back was palpable. Surely there could be few worse things than the karma from having taken an item from such a place?)
• Bring your ID or passport. All visitors are required to provide their full name and contact details as part of the booking, and these are checked on arrival at the museum.
• No large bags or luggage allowed into the museum. You can carry a small bag or small backpack with you, but nothing larger will be allowed in.
• Leave your drones at home. There is a no-fly-zone over the camp and up to 500 metres surrounding it. Pretty much only TV channels and documentary film makers are given permission to film using drones. You can read more on the official Auschwitz Museum website at https://www.auschwitz.org/epp20/
• People with disabilities may find it hard to move around. Wheelchairs are available at the Visitor Service Centre but need to be reserved in advance.
• Don’t plan anything after your tour. You are bound to feel subdued after visiting the camp, so it’s not recommended to plan an evening of partying later on. On return to Krakow you will probably simply want to eat a light meal and take the rest of the day and evening quietly to reflect on what you have just witnessed.

A final word

Few who decide to visit Auschwitz will ever regret it. Humbling, horrifying, overwhelming even, many say that a visit to the former concentration camp has changed their lives. If you have found this page useful, you may also like to read a bit more about the history of the camp , as well as a more in-depth look at Birkenau , also known as Auschwitz II, which is also part of the general tour itinerary.

The worst place I have ever visited, but probably the most important one. I will never forget.

Indescribable horror, fear and sadness.

I visited and will never forget.

Very useful information, it must be strange for the people who still live in the town of Aushwitz, I wonder how they cope and if their families were also living in that town during the holocaust?

The day I visited here was the day I stopped complaining about my problems.

Thank you for this information to help us plan our trip. I am worried whether I will be able to face this, but feel I have to do it as a sign of respect.

Very helpful information, thank you. I am thinking of going to Krakow in August, so this is useful to know for planning. I just hope I will be able to deal with it mentally.

Thank you as this article was very helpful. I will be back once I know the dates I'm going

Agree that it is quite a long day if you decide to visit both Auschwitz and the Salt Mines in one go. If you do, take an extra sandwich or snack. We were a bit hungry at times.

No-one should come to Krakow without visiting the concentration camp at Auschwitz. A powerful and humbling experience. There are no words to describe it....

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Auschwitz & Birkenau Tour from Krakow

Trusted by almost 1 million customers

Auschwitz & Birkenau Tour from Krakow

Trip itinerary, hotel pickup.

We will pick you up early from your hotel. It's usually around 6.00 - 8.00 a.m.

First we will go to Auschwitz during the ride you will watch the documentary about the Camp.

Auschwitz I Museum

You will have 2-hour long tour in the camp which was the administrative headquarters of the complex.

Auschwitz II Birkenau

After first part we will go to Birkenau camp where you will spend another 1-hour with a professional english speaking guide.

Transfer and hotel drop off

Our service covers door-to-door transportation. That means You will be taken back to the hotel.

Please note that all times are approximate and depend on traffic conditions and guides availability.

Book a tour from Krakow to visit the place of the most tragic genocide in world history – the former Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps. If you are looking for the best organized and guided tours in Poland, we are the answer! Our company has been operating trips since 2003 and we can guarantee the most professional and comfortable service – including door-to-door transportation, English-speaking driver and guide, with no need to wait in line.

What is Auschwitz & Birkenau Tour?

Auschwitz & Birkenau Tour is a one-day guided tour from Krakow city. By participating in this tour, you will explore the Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial and Museum, experiencing the memory of one of the greatest tragedies in the history of humankind. An English-speaking tour guide will show you around the Auschwitz I Museum and Auschwitz II Birkenau Camp, providing historical context and an explanation of the exhibitions and memorials you will witness. The whole guided tour takes around 7 hours, including transfer. 

What is Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum?

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is an institution dedicated to preserving the memory of the victims who suffered genocide at the hands of Nazi Germany in World War II. The goal of this international project is to honor the memory of the dead and promote awareness of Holocaust atrocities. The exhibits and sites that constitute Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum have witnessed around 1.1 million senseless and horrible deaths. As part of your Auschwitz Tour, you will take a trip around the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and learn about the history it was created to safeguard and teach.

When visiting Auschwitz, you will see the ruins of the gas chambers and crematoria used for mass extermination, prisoner barracks, railway ramps, as well as personal belongings of the people, mostly Jews, who died in the Auschwitz-Birkenau camps.

Auschwitz – the darkest UNESCO World Heritage Site

There are 16 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Poland, many of which you can visit by taking some of our other tours. All of them were chosen for different reasons, but all of them embody something positive, beautiful, unique, and worth preserving.

The sole exception is the former German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp Auschwitz-Birkenau. Why is it listed along with the Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork, Wieliczka and Bochnia Salt Mines or the historic center of Krakow? 

The answer is simple. While all these places are worth celebrating and preserving, Auschwitz Birkenau cannot be forgotten. It has to be preserved as evidence of how far humanity can go in its hatred.

Why visit Auschwitz?

Embarking on an Auschwitz tour is a harrowing experience. It is not a happy day trip. Not a tour to take pictures of yourself smiling. It is a heavy, dark, and unpleasant tour.

And yet, it remains one of the most popular and important historical landmarks in the world, with countless visitors arriving each year to pay their respects. It might be quite possibly the most popular tour from Krakow. Why do people come to see the place where more than a million people were annihilated? Why wander around the former Nazi concentration camp and learn about gas chambers? What brings people to Auschwitz Birkenau Museum?

Why is it important to visit Auschwitz?

Why should you visit Auschwitz Birkenau Concentration Camp? Because it is important to remember and honor the victims. As time passes and fewer and fewer Auschwitz survivors remain, the memory of Auschwitz dims. Some research shows that the awareness of the crimes that took place at the Auschwitz concentration camp drastically dropped in age groups under 40, especially in the United States. People forget. Those who know about it often can’t imagine what it really meant and see it just as a distant historical fact, a bunch of numbers detached from human lives. In less than 25 years, Auschwitz will be something that happened 100 years ago. There will not be a single person who remembers the horrors of World War II from personal experience.

Those who forget history are bound to repeat it. To visit and take the Auschwitz Tour is to keep the memory alive. To see it with your own eyes makes you understand it in a way that no textbook or documentary can. Everybody should consider seeing the Auschwitz Memorial at least once in their life. You should come and visit. Keep the memory of the Holocaust alive and help humanity never repeat that mistake again. 

Why book the Auschwitz Tour with MrShuttle?

• You save time. Our drivers take a direct, and the fastest route between your hotel location and the Auschwitz Birkenau Museum. There are no unnecessary bus stops, and the smaller car is able to navigate the traffic easier. 
• Your round-trip transport is covered. Because we offer Door-to-Door services, you don’t have to be afraid that by the time you finish the tour, you don’t have the strength, will, or means to return to Krakow. 
• Ease of communication. Our drivers and staff speak fluent English, and some speak other languages too. Getting the language barrier out of the way helps. 
• The comfort of air-conditioned cars. While a bus can take you to your destination, you can’t sit back and relax in it as you can in our minivan. 
• No hassle. We pick you up, and we drive you back. You don’t have to look up public transport schedules, locate the bus stops, and work around bus arrivals and departures. 
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off. We can pick you up from anywhere in Krakow and drop you off anywhere in Krakow as well. This includes the airport in Balice.
• You get to start your Auschwitz tour earlier than others – because you can start watching an introductory documentary in the car that will make everything much easier to process.
• No standing in lines. You don't need to buy entrance tickets or stand in line. We guide you directly to where you need to be, affording you the leisure to focus on your tour rather than all the unnecessary hassle.
• Free cancellation. We understand that sometimes things go wrong. No worries – you can cancel your booking free of charge by giving at least 24 hours' notice.

A range of Auschwitz Tours

Another reason to consider visiting the Auschwitz site with MrShuttle is the variety of Auschwitz tours we have on offer. We understand that not everyone wishes to see places in the same way. You may prefer a private tour to share the experience only with your close ones or you may not be interested in a guided tour and need only private transport. To offer you more flexibility and control over the way you visit the Auschwitz Museum, we propose some tour variations. Apart from this general guided tour which you can join among other tourists, you can choose our Auschwitz Birkenau Private Tour or opt for an Auschwitz tour that includes only transportation both ways . We can also assist you with a one-way transfer between Krakow and Auschwitz or the other way if that's the only thing you need.

How to prepare for the Auschwitz Birkenau Guided Tour?

Here are some quick tips that will help you prepare for the tour:

• It is tempting to schedule something else for the day. After all, it is just 7 hours, right? You could probably fit something in the evening? However, we recommend against it. The tour is draining and exhausting, both physically, mentally, and emotionally. Give yourself space to rest after the experience.
• The maximum size of bags and backpacks on the museum grounds is 30 x 20 x 10 cm. So prepare smartly – take an extra jacket, an umbrella, maybe an extra jumper or different shoes. And if in the end, you don’t need them, don’t bring them along – just leave them in the car. They will be awaiting your return safely.
• Talking about shoes – make sure to wear comfortable ones! You are going to spend more than 3 hours walking around. Choose shoes that will serve you well, regardless of how they look. In Auschwitz, nobody will have time or energy to think about fashion.
• The weather in Poland is tricky and finicky. Unless it's summer, you can experience snow in the morning only to then have a nice, sunny and warm afternoon. It is better to take an extra jacket than to regret it.

What else is available around Auschwitz?

If you want to look for more interesting tours and trips, check out our Krakow page. We have been operating from Krakow since 2003 and trust us – there is more to see than you can fit in a single visit! The best opportunity near Auschwitz-Birkenau camp to visit is Wieliczka Salt Mine . In fact, they go so great together, that we have a combo day trip that makes you visit both on the same day! So if Auschwitz & Birkenau Tour is for you but you want to see Wieliczka too, go and book that tour!

Auschwitz & Birkenau Tour from Krakow - Travellers recommend this tour:

Check opinions about this trip

Very sobering day, everyone should visit this site. Guide was excellent and obviously very passionate about the place. Very good tour, well organised and value for money. Would not hesitate to recommend.

Very well organised tour. The video on the minibus gave an excellent insight into what happened in the concentration camps and then the tour guide provided more details. Everything ran exactly to time, the minibus was comfortable and clean. Highly recommended.

The tour operator was very good and spoke brilliant English. The bus driver picked us up on time. Easy booked and confirmed with an email. Highly recommend!

One of those bucket list trips was Auschwitz if ever in Poland! Really enjoyed it and despite being prepared it’s still incredible how pitiful man is to his fellow beings

This was an amazing experience. The transport ran like clockwork and Tomas our driver was brilliant. Picked up outside our Airbnb and dropped off at end of the day right outside. You will need to be ready for pick up at around 6am but it’s so worth the early rise. A harrowing but unforgettable day

Can’t recommend enough! As a solo female traveler also they couldn’t have been more helpful/ made me feel included. Lunch was so filling I took some back for dinner! Would definitely book again!

Of course I have read the stories, watched the documentaries and saw the photographs but to actually be there was chilling. It was a beautiful winters day but you could only imagine horror on a freezing Winter’s day or a blistering Summer’s day for the unfortunate inmates of these camps. The guide was very informative and respectful and we visited various barracks and torture cells where the suffering of those poor people could barely be imagined. Man’s potential for cruelty and depravity never ceases to amaze. Very well organised and conducted trip. I would highly recommend it.

Excellent trip that we would recommend anyone travelling to Krakow to do. We were picked up on time and everything went smoothly.

Very good guide, not only covered the history of both locations but also the questions about human behaviour and psychology the the acts carried out their raise. As the guide was polish and had family history linked with the location and activity that occurred their he spoke with passion and also highlighted that even once the Germans were removed by the Russians Poland was still not liberated as it lived under the yoke of soviet oppression and some unfortunate individuals went from Auswitz to the GULAG. Let us not forget most of Europe was not liberated after WW2, the just moved from one totalitarian dictatorship run through fear to another!

Absolutely never write reviews but feel I should this time. Mr Shuttle proved to be an exceptionally good choice, everything from the airport transfers to the tour were done to the highest level. Topped off with very friendly and helpful drivers and a great level of punctuality which made our trip so much more stress free, especially when dealing with a group of 12 of us. Very highly recommend this company

Really well looked after, very well organised. Our driver Krystian was amazing so friendly and really put us at ease . Would definitely recommend

A very informative and educational tour, I booked this at 6 pm Friday evening, it was confirmed by 7.30 pm and we were picked up from our hotel the next morning. 100% recommended! Thank you.

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More details about this tour

Visiting auschwitz state museum, history and memory, transportation, lunch package.

Participation in an English tour at Auschwitz I Museum, conducted by the Museum’s guide , is scheduled for approximately 2 hours.

Subsequently, you will be transported to Auschwitz II – Birkenau, located approximately 2 km away, where you will spend an additional hour with the same guide.

Ensure you have your ID or passport with you for entry onto the Museum’s grounds.

Please note that this tour is not available on the 25th of December, 1st of January, Liberation Anniversary, Easter Saturday afternoon, Easter Sunday, and March of the Living Day.

Auschwitz-Birkenau stands as the most infamous Nazi concentration camp , serving as a pivotal epicenter in the history of similar facilities. Operational from 1940 to 1945, it emerged as a site of unprecedented mass extermination. This dark chapter witnessed the tragic demise of one million Jewish individuals, establishing it as the primary location of the Holocaust.

Comprising roughly 40 sub-camps, Auschwitz’s most harrowing events unfolded in Auschwitz I, the administrative headquarters with Crematorium I, and Birkenau (Auschwitz II) with crematoria II-V. The initial influx in June 1940 included around 700 political prisoners, primarily Poles. However, following the Wannsee Conference in 1942, a systematic transportation of Jews from across Europe commenced. While Auschwitz initially wasn’t designed as a death camp, the paradigm shifted with the first gas chamber operation in September 1941, involving Soviet soldiers and severely ill prisoners.

The strategic location of Oswiecim , where the camp was situated, facilitated the organized transportation of Jews, Roma, Russians, and individuals from diverse nationalities due to the convergence of railroad tracks from various European regions. Auschwitz-Birkenau uniquely implemented a systematic numbering and tattooing system, contributing to a nearly precise estimation of the total number of inmates and casualties. Over its five-year existence, approximately 1.3 million individuals were incarcerated in Auschwitz-Birkenau, with about 1.1 million, predominantly Jews, meeting a tragic end.

We employ a modern fleet of Mercedes-Benz Vans and Minibuses for our transportation services. Our drivers are extensively trained and possess full licenses for ground transportation. Enjoy the convenience of our door-to-door service, where you’ll be picked up directly from your hotel and returned to the same location after the tour, all at no additional cost.

Our guides are certified local experts endorsed by the museum. The maximum group size is limited to 30 people. To enhance your experience in crowded areas, you will be provided with headphones to better hear the guide.

During the journey, indulge in our delectable packed lunch set, freshly prepared each day. The set includes a chicken salad, chocolate wafer, and a bottle of water. For those with specific dietary preferences such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options, kindly make a note in your booking form to ensure we cater to your needs.

More reasons why you should use our services:

Regular daily tour.

Every day, all year round.

Free hotel pickup

We will pick you up and drive you back to your hotel or apartment.

Professional guide

Certified, passionate and experienced people.

Documentary movie

On your way, you will watch a documentary introduction movie (optional).

Skip the lines

All admission fees and tickets are included so you don't have to worry about a thing and stand in the lines to buy the tickets.

Lunch available

If you want to order a launch package during the tour please select this option during booking.

We would also recommend:

Luggage Storage

Please note that the maximum size of bags and backpacks allowed to carry on the Museum grounds is 30 x 20 x 10 cm. You can always leave your belongings inside the bus which will be parked nearby. Your whole tour is operated by the same driver so you don’t need to worry about your bag being left behind.

Excluded days

Please note that this activity does not take place on: 25th of December, 1st of January, Liberation Anniversary, Easter Saturday afternoon, Easter Sunday and March of the Living Day. If you have any doubts about availability on any particular day, please do not hesitate to ask our staff about it!

Airport pickup or dropoff

Please note that for Balice airport/hotels near the airport pickup the additional fee is 129/159 PLN per booking.

Passport or ID

Please note that you must present your ID at the entrance to the Museum. Otherwise you might be not allowed to enter and no refund will be given

2649 reviews

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Auschwitz tour review: an Auschwitz tour from Krakow

November 29, 2021 | Posted in: Poland

Some places you visit for their beauty, others for their iconic status. And some places – some places you visit because they should never be forgotten.

Last October, Milou from Explorista invited me on a 2-day trip to Krakow in Poland with her. We wouldn't even be there the full 48 hours and the whole trip would be focused on an excursion to Auschwitz-Birkenau.

I understand that it may seem weird and even a bit gruesome to travel somewhere just to visit such an awful place, but I actually preferred it this way.

An Auschwitz tour from Krakow

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I'd always wanted to tour Auschwitz . No, that's not right. I've always felt like I had to visit Auschwitz. To not forget. To continue telling the story of what happened there.

Yet going there scared me a bit and as I didn't know what it would do to me, I was reluctant to combine it with a proper city trip and kept putting it off altogether. But then I had the chance to visit Auschwitz in the company of a friend and so I went.

We arrived in Krakow in the early evening and would have a tour company pick us up the next morning at 9 to make the trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau, where we'd be taken around by a guide. A mistake with the reservations left us waiting in the hall of the hotel for over an hour before we found out that they'd forgotten to process our booking.

“Will we still make it to Auschwitz today?” we thought. Luckily, there was another tour going at 12 which we could join.

We went for a quick walk around Krakow before finally getting in the shuttle car that would take us from Krakow to Auschwitz. A few minutes into the trip, the driver turned on an Auschwitz movie. It was an old documentary about Auschwitz-Birkenau, made with original black and white images shot in the death camps both by the Nazis during their reign and after the Auschwitz liberation by others.

There were images of people so frail it seemed as if they could break at any moment. Children, too. There were testimonies of doctors who'd examined Auschwitz survivors after their liberation and interviews with people who'd gotten out alive but were forever changed.

It was hard to watch. Confronting. Painful and sickening.

Given the effect the documentary had on me, I braised myself for our actual tour around the camps. After passing the security check (only small bags are allowed) and walking through the famous Auschwitz gate, our guide took us around the terrain, walking in and out of barracks and buildings now set up as exhibition spaces.

It struck me how impersonal it all was. While the documentary we'd seen in the car focused on the victims and what they had to endure, our Auschwitz concentration camp tour focused mostly on facts and events.

The exhibition rooms of the Auschwitz museum were often entirely empty except for a few items or enlarged photos and while our guide obviously spoke of the horrors that went on there, little to no attention was given to individual Auschwitz survivor stories.

Now, I do have to say that when you take an Auschwitz guided tour as we did, it only takes you around a limited amount of many buildings and that if you visit Auschwitz-Birkenau independently, you get the chance and the time to see more of the compound, so it might be that things are different in other spaces and that I just haven't seen them.

But part of me also wondered whether the tour and exhibition spaces had gotten their impersonal character on purpose. Maybe they wanted to make it “easier” on people to visit?

I don't know.

What I do know, is that my trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau didn't have the major knock-down effect on me I thought it would have. The thing is that what happened there was so horrendous, so absolutely disgusting, unfair and done to so many people that it is very hard to fully grasp. I don't think I'll ever be able to.

When you stand there and you see the size of the camps, hear the number of people who were stuffed together in barracks and compare how many were brought in, but never made it out, your mind goes numb. You cannot comprehend the atrocity of it all. How people, actual human beings, were able to do what the Nazis have done.

I've thought about my day trip to Auschwitz often since. It may not have had the instant effect on me I'd expected it to have, it did have an impact I will feel for the rest of my life and maybe that's even more profound.

Maybe that's what needed to keep that part of history alive. To make sure nobody ever forgets the horrific events of the Holocaust.  

There are not one, but two death camps at Auschwitz-Birkenau. The first one is Auschwitz I, named after the town it's located in, Oświęcim. “Auschwitz” is simply the German version of “Oświęcim”. If you decide to visit Auschwitz on your own and need to ask for directions along the way, it's better to ask the locals for the way to the Oswiecim concentration camp. Before the Germans took over, it was a Polish army camp.

The exterior of this camp has been preserved pretty much as it was, but some of the buildings have gotten a museum function, teaching visitors about what happened there and at Auschwitz II-Birkenau.

There are buildings dedicated to the role and sufferings of specific countries in the Nazis genocide and then there are rooms with photos, preserved living quarters and prison cells. What got to me most at Auschwitz I, were the objects displayed. Suitcases taken from people who'd never return from their journey. Shoes and other personal items stolen from those who didn't realize they would never own anything again. Heaps and heaps of human hair, shaved off to be used as manufacturing material in an act of complete dehumanization.

And then there was the wall prisoners were executed against, with holes in the bricks as silent proof of what once must have been deafening lethal precision.

The Nazis developed many cruel execution ways at Auschwitz I. They would lock prisoners in standing cells, not allowing them to move. They would deprive them of food and drinks until they'd perish or they would lock them in airless rooms, leaving them to suffocate.

And they would develop their preferred method of mass extermination: gassing prisoners with Zyklon-B, an adaptation of the pesticide Zyklon-A formerly used to kill lice in the camp.  

That entry gate, with the railroad tracks running through and right into the middle of the camp, is an image often used in articles and documentaries about the death camps. Lesser known is the vast field surrounding those tracks, dotted with barracks in which prisoners would be packed together by the dozens in the worst possible conditions. They would die of malnourishment, cold, and exhausting labor. They would be executed as a punishment for even the slightest error or they would be killed in the infamous gas chambers.

Visitors can enter the gas chambers at the Birkenau camp and see where prisoners needed to undress before being lead to the “showers”.

Time stands still at the Birkenau death camp, preserving one of mankind's most horrid creations so that we and later generations can learn lessons from Auschwitz and prevent the past from ever repeating itself. It pains me to say that I feel we still have a lot to learn.  

How to get to Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau

The easiest way to travel to Auschwitz is from Krakow and you can get to Krakow by plane, train, or bus (and of course, also by car). From Krakow, I recommend going with an organized tour as getting there yourself is a bit of a hassle.  

By plane Krakow airport is just a train ride away from the city center and welcomes flights from all over the world. If you still need to book your flight, check Skyscanner for a good overview of prices and airline options.  

By train or bus Krakow's train station lies walking distance from the old town so if you're already in Poland, it makes a lot of sense to travel to Krakow by train. Another option, which is often a bit cheaper but also slower, is to travel by bus.

Omio is a platform that automatically gives you the best possible route by train and/or bus and allows you book your tickets online as well. Check it out to plan your trip to Krakow.  

There are multiple companies that run organized trips to Auschwitz from Krakow. KrakowDirect is one company with which you can do an Auschwitz tour from Krakow . We went on an organized excursion that brought us with a shuttle bus from Krakow to Auschwitz and then back from Auschwitz to Krakow at a set time.

Once at the Auschwitz-Birkenau museum, we had a guide as well that shared facts about Auschwitz and showed us around. While I loved the convenience of being picked up and dropped off again, I wouldn't have minded visiting the grounds without a guide.

On the one hand, I feel like going in a group in a structured matter like this made the whole experience a bit less personal and maybe “easier”, but on the other hand I also feel like I missed some things as the Auschwitz tour guides follow a certain route and don't take you into all of the buildings that are open to the public. I highly recommend the pickup and drop-off, but whether you should go with a guide is entirely up to your own preferences.  

You could always book a transfer or taxi to Auschwitz and have it pick you back up again as well, but I do recommend discussing and setting the price beforehand. Keep in mind that the distance from Krakow to Auschwitz is about 50 km, so it's a bit of a drive.  

While it's possible to take the train from Krakow to Auschwitz, I highly recommend taking the bus to Auschwitz if you want to go the budget-friendly route. Train connections from Krakow aren't great and the closest train station to Auschwitz is still 2 km away, forcing you to either walk that bit or take a bus anyway.

The Krakow to Auschwitz bus goes directly to the entry gate of Auschwitz I and departs from there as well. There's no bus stop at Auschwitz II but there is a free shuttle which covers the 3.5 km between the two camps.

If you decide to go by yourself, make sure to check timetables. While the website recommends a minimum of 3.5 hours at both sites combined, you can easily spend a full day here.

For an address, GPS coordinates and more, check the official website .  

We went in October. It was cold, rainy and just plain miserable. But you know what? I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. While I was soaked and shivering during our visit, I can't imagine myself walking around there under clear skies while soaking up energy from the sun. It just wouldn't be right.  

If you plan on visiting Auschwitz in winter or fall like I did, I highly recommend you wear sturdy, waterproof shoes as well as warm clothes and bring an umbrella or a rain jacket. Auschwitz II-Birkenau can get muddy and because of the vastness of the place, there's not a lot to protect you from the cold when walking outside.

If you go in summer, bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and water. Again, there's not a lot of cover and you'll be walking outside for a while so protect yourself. Do dress appropriately, though. Bikinis and swim shorts are not allowed.

Be aware that if you bring a bag, it can be no bigger than 30 20 x 10 cm. It will be scanned and you'll have to go through a security checkpoint.  

There is no Auschwitz entrance fee. A visit to both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau is free (you can leave a donation if you want to), but a guided tour is not, nor is the Auschwitz audio guides you can pick up at the start your visit.

You also have to pay to see the Auschwitz video screening of the first hours after the camps were liberated. This means that it's entirely up to you how much your visit will cost. You can take a cheap bus and visit the campgrounds by yourself, join an organized excursion with transfer and guide or do something in between.

IMPORTANT! While entry to Auschwitz is free, you need to book your tickets to Auschwitz in advance and the sooner the better, as they tend to “sell out” fast. The organization managing the camps had to put this system in place to regulate the huge amount of people wanting to visit the sites.

If you're going on an organized excursion, there's no need to book the tickets yourself. The tour company will arrange everything for you.  

If you're wondering where to stay to visit Auschwitz, I found Krakow to be a good option. The city itself is small but worth a visit and you can easily get to Auschwitz from Krakow, as I described above.

In Krakow, we stayed at the Kazimierz hotel . It was a stylish and classic hotel at the edge of the Old Jewish Quarter. I have to say it was nice being able to come back to a clean and spacious warm room and not having to mind anything after our visit. We could just lay down on our beds for a bit and let it all sink in.   

“Auschwitz: A Doctor's Eyewitness Account” is the true story of Dr. Nyiszli, a Jewish doctor who was “spared” by the Nazis to assist the infamous “Angel of Death” Dr. Mengele by doing autopsies on the corpses of those who lives were taken at the camps. Dr. Nyiszli managed to survive by following atrocious orders, while also trying to make the lives of other Auschwitz prisoners a little more bearable.

Check here for prices

“Measure of a Man: From Auschwitz Survivor to Presidents' Tailor” tells the remarkable story of a Czechoslovakian boy who survived Auschwitz and grew up to become one of America's most renowned tailors, dressing presidents such as Dwight Eisenhower and Bill Clinton as well as celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Jimmy Fallon.

In “Five Chimneys: A Woman Survivor's True Story of Auschwitz” , Olda Lengyel tell us how she and her children willingly accompanied her husband to Auschwitz-Birkenau when he was captured. She documents what daily life was like at the camp for a beautiful woman like herself, and how she lost everything and everyone while in there. Yet there's no self-pity in this book that was praised by Albert Einstein.

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Very thorough article. I too toured both death camps. I was amazed at the somber awful feeling that still exists.

Thanks. Yeah it was gloomy for sure.

When I was in Krakow I wanted to visit the camp for the same reason as you and planned on taking the bus, but after seeing the salt mines I got really sick, and with freezing temperatures and snow (I was there at Christmas) I just couldn’t do it. Pity. Thanks for a very informative post!

I’m so sorry to hear that! It sucks being sick, even more so when you’re traveling and have planned to visit a place. I so hope you make it there someday.

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Join our guided tour from Warsaw to Auschwitz-Birkenau , where you’ll visit one of the most terrifying places in the world.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Learn about the history of the Holocaust and WWII
• Visit  Auschwitz-Birkenau , the former German extermination camp
• Learn about living conditions and the tragic fate of Auschwitz prisoners
• Discover the horrors of this  UNESCO World Heritage Site
• See personal belongs and objects of everyday use belonging to the prisoners
• Visit the ruins of the gas chambers, original barracks and the railway prisoner unloading platform

1. Auschwitz Tour by Train through Krakow

This option includes a fast train connection between Warsaw and Krakow, where you’ll join our guided tour to Auschwitz .

Our driver can pick you up from your hotel a make transfer to the train station or if you prefer cheaper option you can get to the train station on your own. After the booking, you will receive r ound-trip train tickets (Warsaw-Krakow-Warsaw) and a detailed itinerary via email. The tour begins at Warsaw Central Train Station (Warszawa Centralna), easily accessible. Typically, the tour starts around 5:30, or if you prefer, we can arrange premium trains around 6:30. Once you arrive in Krakow, our local driver will be waiting for you at the platform, holding a sign with your name. Upon exiting the train, simply wait at the platform, and our driver will assist you. The driver will then take you to the location where you’ll join a guided group tour to Auschwitz Birkenau . After returning to Krakow, you’ll have free time in the city before your return train to Warsaw, usually between 8:00 – 8:40 p.m. If you choose option with transfers in Warsaw our driver will pick you up after arrival to the train station.

* Exact itinerary details, including hotel pick-up times and train departure times, will be confirmed via email.

Option 1  (with hotel transfers)

• 750 PLN per person (1 person)
• 620 PLN per person (2 persons)
• 560 PLN per person (3 persons)
• 530 PLN per person (4 persons

Option 2  (without hotel transfers)*

• 650 PLN per person (1 person)
• 550 PLN per person (2 persons)
• 490 PLN per person (3 persons)
• 470 PLN per person (4 persons)

*The Warsaw Train Station is conveniently reachable by walking, public transit, or taxi. If you prefer to make your way there on your own, this option allows you to find the most competitive prices available.

**The option with a premium train in the morning incurs an additional cost of 100 PLN per person.

• hotel transfers in Warsaw (if option chosen)
• 2nd class return tickets for a standard fast train connection between Warsaw and Krakow
• Pick-up from the train platform in Krakow by a local English-speaking driver
• Shared transportation between Krakow and Auschwitz by car/mini-van/bus
• Guided Tour of Auschwitz & Birkenau with for up to 3.5 hours
• Skip the line entrance tickets to Auschwitz & Birkenau
• Free time in Krakow after your return from Auschwitz and before your train departs back to Warsaw

2. Auschwitz Tour by car

Our driver will come to your hotel in the morning to pick you up and take you straight to the  Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp . Once you arrive there, you will join a guided group tour of Auschwitz & Birkenau, which will last up to 3,5 hours. Once the visit is finished the driver will take you back to Warsaw.

• Pick up in the morning from  your hotel  in Warsaw
• Around 4,5 h of drive in air-conditioned vehicle from Warsaw to  Auschwitz Concentration Camp Museum
• Up to 3,5 hours of a sightseeing inside the Auschwitz-Birkenau Camps with local guide in choosen language
• Up to 1 hour of free time for lunch or rest 
• Retrun to Warsaw
• Drop off in Warsaw
• 1500 PLN per person (1 person)
• 800 PLN per person (2 persons)
• 590 PLN per person (3 persons)
• 540 PLN per person (4 persons)
• 510 PLN per person (5 persons)
• 490 PLN per person (6 persons)
• 7 persons or more – contact us

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

• hotel pick and drop off
• private transportation with an English speaking driver
• sightseeing of Auschwitz & Birkenau in a group with a guide at choosen language  up to 3,5 hours
• entrance tickets to Auschwitz & Birkenau
• skip the line

*the  tour is  available in English, Spanish, Italian, German, French and Russian 

The whole tour lasts up to 14 hours

Due to frequent problems with availability of guides in Auschwitz, we kindly advise you to book your tour as early as possible before your planned journey.

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Auschwitz tour from krakow, auschwitz tour from wroclaw.

Amazing guide. She told the story with passion and respect. Well organised! Lunch with sandwiches and water was okey.

booked this trip with Poland Travel absolutely excellent service our guide was paulina she was very knowledgeable and gave a 5* tour

Very interesting tour, we’ve seen almost everything and our guide made us feel comfortable to ask him any questions.

Susan – United Kingdom

Excellent organisation throughout and great value for money. Guide was extremely knowledgeable and passionate.

Long day, but well worth it

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AUSCHWITZ TOURS FROM KRAKOW

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Visit auschwitz with krakowdirect.

Auschwitz tours to Auschwitz former concentration camp known all over the world as a symbol of the Holocaust.

During World War II, Auschwitz-Birkenau was the largest concentration camp of the Nazis . It was established in the suburbs of the city of Oswiecim (Auschwitz in German), 60 kilometres west of Krakow. It took the lives of about 1.1 million people , mostly Jewish but also Poles, Romani, and Russian. The liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp took place in January 1945. However, before that Nazi authorities tried to destroy as much evidence of massive murders as possible. After the war, the Polish government decided to restore Auschwitz-Birkenau and turn it into a museum . It preserves the memory of Auschwitz-Birkenau and honours the victims of Nazism. Now it is part of the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites , and more than 2 million tourists visit Auschwitz each year.

Private car Auschwitz tours with a shared or private guide

Our Private Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour from Krakow takes approximately 7 hours . We offer door-to-door pickup and drop-off , a private, modern car and a friendly, English-speaking tour leader/driver . We will set up the pickup time based on the hour you have requested and fit it into the entry time options to the Museum to make It as comfortable for you as possible. The journey to Auschwitz takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes each way. In the Museum, you can either join a regular/shared guided tour or book a private guided tour . Private guided tours need to be booked at least 8 days in advance. The sightseeing takes about 3.5 hours —approximately 2 hours in Auschwitz I and 1,5 hours in Auschwitz II Birkenau. You may also consider visiting Auschwitz Birkenau and Salt Mine or Auschwitz Birkenau and Schindler’s Factory in one day to save your precious holiday time. After the tour, we will drop you off at your hotel in Krakow. The tour can be extended upon request for an additional charge.

Our special bonus for this Auschwitz Tour

If you decide to book our Auschwitz Tour, we have got something extra for you. Each day at 19:00, we organise an Evening Walking Tour , which you can join completely for free. It starts at the Jan Matejko Square under the “Grunwald Monument”. You will meet our professional city guide there, who will show you the best of Krakow Old Town. You will walk down the Royal Route and finish under Wawel Castle near the Dragon Monument. It takes about 1 hour. You can participate in this tour on any day of your visit in Krakow.

Shared tours to Auschwitz

Our Shared Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour from Krakow takes approximately 7 hours. We offer door-to-door pickup from any central Kraków accommodation and a meeting point option is also available. We provide a Modern Mercedes Benz vehicle and a friendly English-speaking tour leader . We will schedule the pickup time according to the requested hour, as we aim to optimise the minibus route through the city to ensure maximum comfort for you. The journey takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes each way. The Auschwitz-Birkenau guided tour with a professional English-speaking guide or other language of your choice takes about 3.5 hours —approximately 2 hours in Auschwitz I and 1,5 hours in Auschwitz II Birkenau. You may also consider visiting Auschwitz Birkenau and Salt Mine or Auschwitz Birkenau and Schindler’s Factory in one day to get the most out of your city break in Krakow. After the tour, we will drop you off in Krakow city centre.

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Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum Guided Tour

The former concentration camp in Auschwitz Memorial and Museum is one of the most popular attractions for day trips from Krakow. Tourists from all over the world visit Auschwitz in Poland to pay tribute to everyone who died there. The Museum, located in Oświęcim, preserves the memory of every person sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau and reminds us about the dreadful times of World War II and the Holocaust. It represents extremely important history and should be visited by every adult. Even though the tours to Auschwitz can be emotional and difficult, it is a must during your stay in Krakow.

Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum in Poland

Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum is a museum on the site of former concentration and extermination camp in Oświęcim. It consists of two parts – Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau . Both were developed and ran by Nazi during its occupation of Poland during World War II. The museum was created in April 1946 by Tadeusz Wąsowicz and other former Auschwitz-Birkenau prisoners, acting under the direction of Poland’s Ministry of Culture and Art.

The first exhibition in the barracks opened in 1947 . It presented the history of extermination and the conditions in which the prisoners lived. A new exhibition was opened in 1955. With some changes, it is still in use today. After 1960, some of the camp blocks contained the so-called “ national exhibitions ,” created at the initiative of former prisoners of the largest holocaust concentration camp from various countries who are associated in the International Auschwitz Committee. In 1979, the Museum built on the grounds of former concentration camp of Auschwitz became a World Heritage Site. Today, it is visited by around 2 million people from all over the world every year.

Learn About The History of Auschwitz Concentration Camp

Before the tour begins, it’s very important to read about the Museum and learn more about the history of Nazi concentration and extermination camp. Camp Auschwitz-Birkenau was a complex of over 40 concentration and extermination camps operated by Nazi Germany  in occupied Poland during World War II. At first, it was supposed to be a prison for political criminals from Poland, but soon it turned out that people sent to Auschwitz were mostly civilians of Jewish, Polish and Roma ethnicities.

Construction of the Camp

Construction of the camp began in 1940 , when Auschwitz – the main camp and the administrative quarter of the complex – was built. The first mass transport – of 728 Polish male political prisoners, including Catholic priests and Jews – arrived on 14 June 1940 from Tarnów, Poland. Upon arriving, the prisoners were being registered, given a serial number, tattooed, shaved, disinfected, and given a striped prison uniform. Then they were subjected to excruciating labor and life in horrible conditions .

KL Auschwitz Expansion

In 1941 , it was decided that the KL Auschwitz I needs to be expanded. The same year prisoners of Auschwitz began construction work of Birkenau – additional camp in the town of Brzezinka , about 3 km from Oswiecim. Birkenau consisted consisted mostly of wooden barracks , which were very dangerous to live in, as they didn’t provide much protection from weather conditions (such as intense cold or rain).

That’s why a lot of the prisoners living in Birkenau died out of hypothermia , starvation or exhaustion . It is said that Birkenau held the biggest part of the mass murder apparatus and the majority of prisoners were murdered there.

Life in Auschwitz

Due to many reports of former inmates, we now have a rather broad knowledge about how the life in Auschwitz-Birkenau looked like. We know that the prisoners were divided into categories , based on their nationality , ethnicity , and even sexual orientation or health issues . Each day they woke up at very early hours, used and washed latrines, had a very calories-deficient breakfast and gathered to be counted. No matter the weather, they had to wait for the SS to arrive for the count; how long they stood there depended on the officers’ mood, and whether there had been escapes or other events attracting punishment.

They were often counted and re-counted, after which they walked to their place of work with a cheerful melody of Women’s Orchestra of Auschwitz in the background. They were supervised by the kapos and an SS escort. Much of the work took place outdoors at construction sites, gravel pits, and lumber yards. No rest periods were allowed. In the evening the prisoners were counted again – if someone was missing, the others had to remain on site until they were found.

The prisoners were tortured, ridiculed, and humiliated for no reason whatsoever. Even the most benign of misconduct could earn them beating, punishment in Block 11 or even death. They were also living in constant fear of crematoria , which consisted of a dressing room, gas chamber, and a furnace room . The first gassings at Auschwitz took place in early September 1941, when around 850 inmates – Soviet prisoners of war and sick Polish inmates—were killed with Zyklon B in the basement of Auschwitz I. In the years to follow, the use of crematoria became even more prevalent, with new gas chambers being constructed and many prisoners sent there without ever stepping foot inside the barracks or other living complexes of Auschwitz-Birkenau camp.

The Aftermath of Auschwitz-Birkenau Camp

Today, Auschwitz-Birkenau is known as the biggest Nazi German concentration camp . It’s one of the best-recognized symbols of Holocaust and World War II genocide. Its prisoners were living in terrible sanitary conditions and forced to endure unbelievably hard labor. They were often beaten, humiliated, and treated with no respect for human rights whatsoever. Many died out of exhaustion, starvation, or by suicide. Others were murdered in gas chambers or during medical experiments . The exact number of Auschwitz-Birkenau victims is not known. The historians argue it must have been between 1 to even 3 million people from all over the world (mostly Jews, Ethnic Poles, and Roma).

Visit to Auschwitz – What Can You Expect?

All tours provided by Krakow Direct are with an authorized Auschwitz-Birkenau Guide. You begin your tour with a short introduction about the camp history and the most important rules in force at the museum grounds. A visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau is never an easy experience. The former largest Nazi concentration camp holds many artifacts and displays showing the realities of prisoners’ every-day lives. Among the camps of Auschwitz and Birkenau holdings are personal belongings of the prisoners, such as thousands of pairs of shoes, 3,800 luggage, over 12,000 kitchen utensils, 470 prostheses and orthoses, 397 striped camp clothing, many works of art, and even clumps of hair.

Auschwitz Tour from Krakow

During the Auschwitz tour with KrakowDirect you will visit Auschwitz I Camp and Auschwitz II-Birkenau – two main Nazi concentration camp sites. The whole complex covers an area of nearly 200 ha , and most of the tour of Auschwitz is outdoor. The tour includes seeing grounds of both former camps, as it is crucial to fully comprehend the atrocities that took place there. The first important object you’ll see is the infamous inscription on the entrance gate to the concentration camp, which says “ Arbeit macht frei ” (Work makes you free). This ironic slogan, created by Nazis, begins the Auschwitz Birkenau memorial tour.

In the Auschwitz site, you’ll also see prisoners’ barracks, places of work, and original blocks where they were received punishment. You’ll see railroad tracks that often transported people straight to gas chambers and crematoria used for mass extermination. At the end of the war, the Nazi Germans tried to destroy them by blasting, which is why all that’s left from them are rows of chimneys covering a large surface of the concentration camp.

Auschwitz tours with transfers from Krakow are extremely popular, but keep in mind that they are not a tourist attraction. In fact, they are an opportunity to learn a live history lesson in a place of deep reverence. Visitors need to take under consideration that while many visit Auschwitz for purely historical reasons, some people go there to see the place that took the lives of their relatives, since approximately one in six Jews who died in the Holocaust, died in Auschwitz-Birkenau. Auschwitz tour with KrakowDirect guarantees high-quality service and a hundred per cent satisfaction. We are an experienced company that enjoys recognition as the best in Krakow. We organise daily private and shared Auschwitz tours as well as round-trip transport from Krakow that includes hotel pickup, comfortable vehicles and local guides.

Private Auschwitz tours from Krakow

Due to its facilities, p rivate tours from Krakow to Auschwitz are getting more and more popular. If you wish to visit Auschwitz Birkenau State Museum in a private car and a driver at your disposal, choose our private Auschwitz tour. Our English-speaking driver will pick you up directly from your hotel in Krakow. You can also choose whether you want to visit Auschwitz on your own, with a private guide, or join one of the guided tours in the museum. You should book private guided tours in any available language in advance with us. Walking the camps on your own is possible only between November and March. A guided tour in Auschwitz takes up to 2 hours.

Then visitors proceed to Birkenau, located about 3 km further. This distance will be covered with our car. Between the camps, you may have a quick break. After your Auschwitz tour finishes, our driver will take you back to Krakow and drop you off at your hotel or anywhere in the city centre. If you wish, you can also extend the Auschwitz trip with Schindlers Factory tour. It will save your time and money. What is more, Oskar Schindler’s story is the perfect complement to the thrilling history of the Holocaust.

Shared Auschwitz Tours from Krakow

Our shared Auschwitz tours from the capital of Lesser Poland include door-to-door pickup in Krakow and drop-off, but we also organise stops in each hotel our clients are staying within the city centre. If your accommodation is located in further districts of the city, we can arrange transport from Krakow at the closest pickup point for additional payment. We provide six- or eight-seater cars or minibuses, modern Mercedes vehicles. There are usually up to 20 people on our Auschwitz tours and around 30 on guided tours in the museum. On a way to Auschwitz, we provide a 45-minute documentary film titled „ The liberation of Auschwitz ” screened in our minibus.

Upon arrival at Auschwitz, you will join a tour with an authorized official Auschwitz-Birkenau guide. You can choose whether they will speak English or any another language selected by you. If you choose the group option, upon entering the Museum you’ll receive headphones to hear the guide correctly. Additionally, in the high season, shared guided tours in Spanish, Italian, German and French are available. During our shared tour, you will visit Auschwitz and Birkenau, located within around 3 km distance. The tourists usually spend around 1.5-2 hours at Auschwitz and 1 to 1.5 hours at Birkenau. Duration of the tour is normally about 3 hours. Krakow Direct provides bus transfer between the two camps.

Our driver will be waiting for you after the first part, KL Auschwitz. The ride will take only a few minutes. If time permits, you will have a 15-20 minutes break between the two camps. During the return to Krakow, either group or private, we do not recommend any breaks on your way back, but we can arrange a short stop upon request. We can also provide lunch boxes paid additionally.

Visiting Auschwitz – useful information

If you want to book your Auschwitz trip, please bear in mind that visitors are required to behave appropriately and respectfully. There are also some restrictions regarding entering the sites of Auschwitz and Birkenau. You are generally allowed to take pictures, but only for private use. You can take photos of visited places, except for 2 spots. The maximum size of your carry-on can’t exceed the following dimensions: 30 x 20 x 10 cm. You can leave your larger luggage in the minibus. Food is not allowed while visiting, but you can eat during 15 min break, as it’s a full-day trip.

If you visit Auschwitz with little children, some areas will not be accessible with baby pushchairs. Also, we do not recommend visiting with children under 13 years old due to dreadful character of the place and some of the exhibitions. People with mobility problems should not experience any major difficulties during the Auschwitz tour. Please note that there are mostly dirt tracks in the camps. Also, some spaces (for example, blocks in Auschwitz I) are not accessible for wheelchairs. Museum in Auschwitz can also provide substitute wheelchairs for visitors with mobility problems. If you want to hire a wheelchair, please let us know in advance. Our customer service will help you to arrange it upon your request prior to the tour.

The opening hours of the Museum vary depending on the month. In December the box office is open till 2:00 pm and in June till 7:00 pm. For more info, check the museum’s official website or just ask Us.

Full-day Tour with KrakowDirect

Krakow Direct is a company located in the center of Krakow that provides transportation and guided tours to the Auschwitz-Birkenau. For our Auschwitz tours, we provide modern, comfortable Mercedes Benz vehicles and English-speaking drivers at your disposal throughout the day. We offer door-to-door pickup and drop-off in the city centre. Auschwitz tours from Krakow take approximately 7 hours. One-way drive to Auschwitz from Krakow lasts about 1.5 hours. For our group Auschwitz tours, we suggest pick-up time at 8:30 or 9:30 a.m. or in the afternoon. The itinerary of private tours to Auschwitz is more flexible, and upon request, we can shorten or extend your tour.

There are two payment methods available. You can buy tickets online while booking our Auschwitz tour from Krakow or pay in cash to the driver on the day of your tour. We prefer payment in Polish zlotys. We also accept Euros, Pounds and U. S. Dollars in amount according to the current exchange rate. Our driver will give you the change in Polish zlotys. If you want to visit Auschwitz with little children, we can arrange booster seats or child seats, but please inform us about this need in advance.

For the comfort of tourists travelling with children of less than 2 years old, we recommend private Auschwitz tours from Krakow . This way, it will be easier to arrange as many stops or breaks as needed. Auschwitz tour with KrakowDirect is the best and most comfortable way to visit Auschwitz.

Our company has years of experience and provide always top quality service. It can be also arranged to combine it with a trip to the Wieliczka Salt mine – one of the oldest working salt mines in Europe or Schindlers Factory . It’s a great way to visit not only Krakow and Auschwitz, but also the most valuable sites surrounding this beautiful city. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us and book one of our Auschwitz tours from Krakow!

Visit the former nazi concentration camp at the best price and learn about its terrifying, but incredibly important history from your guide.

Is it worth it to go to the Auschwitz Museum?

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Auschwitz Tour

Auschwitz birkenau museum tour with transport, highlights:.

• Visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and gain some insights into the Auschwitz Concentration Camp, the largest Nazi concentration & extermination camp
• See various artworks & artifacts made by Auschwitz prisoners while exploring the museum and get to know about life in concentration camps from the experienced guide
• Delve into the history of the museum, Tadeusz Wąsowicz, the creator of the museum & Holocaust survivor while exploring the intact buildings including gas chambers & the original barracks
• Enhance your knowledge about life during the Holocaust in the museum as you see a range of objects that belong to the prisoners
• Stroll through a range of exhibits and gain an understanding of the Holocaust's historical context and significance
• Book the Auschwitz tour from Krakow and explore two key memorial sites related to the Holocaust's tragedies

Inclusions:

• Tickets - Group Tour to Auschwitz Birkenau Museum
• Guide - 3.5-hour guided tour with a professional tour leader in English
• Transfers - Pickup from the selected places during the booking

Auschwitz: A Journey Through History

Auschwitz Tour include a detailed tour around the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum where you can learn about the survival of the Jews and other Auschwitz Prisoners . You can visit the museum on your own, however, opting for a guided tour is the best choice as you will be able to explore and know about the museum relics even better. You can see personal items of the prisoners like their letters, diaries, shoes, pots and hair at Auschwitz Museum while you can see crematoria, barracks, railway ramps and a gas chamber at Birkenau Museum.

Auschwitz Concentration Camp , located in the town of Oswiecim near Krakow in southern Poland, is a complex of more than 40 concentration and extermination camps. These camps were commissioned by Nazi Germany in German occupied Poland during World War II and Holocaust to house prisoners of the war. During the Auschwitz Tour you will get to know about the complex made up of the main camp Auschwitz I, Auschwitz II – Birkenau extermination camp with gas chambers , Auschwitz III-Monowitz labor camp and several other subcamps. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, which welcomes nearly 30 million people every year, is backed by a dark history that explains the plight and awful living conditions of the prisoners who were detained here

History of Auschwitz

With Krakow Auschwitz tickets, know the history of Auschwitz which is a dark chapter in World War II and the Holocaust. Here are some key pointers about the Auschwitz:

• Auschwitz, located in Nazi-occupied Poland, was initially built as a concentration camp in 1940.
• Over time, it expanded to include several sub-camps, the most infamous being Auschwitz II-Birkenau.
• Auschwitz became a central element in Hitler's "Final Solution," which was designed to exterminate the Jewish population of Europe.
• The camp held a diverse range of prisoners, including Jews, Romani people, political dissidents, and others targeted by the Nazis.
• Inmates suffered from overcrowding, brutal labor, malnutrition, and inhumane medical experiments.
• Auschwitz-Birkenau had gas chambers and crematoria where mass killings took place. Approximately 1.1 million people, the majority of them Jewish, were murdered. The camp was liberated by Soviet forces on January 27, 1945.
• The architects of the Holocaust, including Rudolf Höss, the commandant of Auschwitz, were tried for war crimes at the Nuremberg Trials.
• In 1979, Auschwitz was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its historical significance.
• Auschwitz is known as a symbol of remembrance, educating future generations about the consequences of hatred, prejudice & unchecked power in the hope of preventing such atrocities in the future.

Highlights Of Auschwitz Tour

Auschwitz Tour include a thorough visit to the concentration camp, Auschwitz – Birkenau Museum and also the Wieliczka Salt Mine. The expert guide on the tour gives a comprehensive insight about the Auschwitz's history, construction and maintenance of the camp. You can also witness artefacts, vintage items and other articles relating to the life of the prisoners in the museum.

The museum, located in Poland, is a significant historical site that preserves the memory of the Holocaust. It includes the former Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau concentration camps, where the Nazi regime committed mass atrocities during World War II. With the Auschwitz tour from Krakow as get to know about the place of remembrance and education, offering guided tours, exhibitions & preserved structures. It plays a crucial role in ensuring that the world never forgets the horrors of the past, striving to prevent such atrocities from happening again.

Auschwitz I, part of the Auschwitz-Birkenau complex in Poland, is a former concentration camp turned museum. Established in 1940, it was the original site where the Nazis carried out their horrifying experiments, tortures, and mass murders during World War II. During Auschwitz Birkenau tour, know about this somber memorial and educational center, telling the harrowing history of the Holocaust. Visitors can explore preserved barracks, exhibitions, and learn about the stories of the prisoners who suffered here. It focuses on the importance of remembrance and the prevention of such atrocities in the future.

This is an integral part of the Auschwitz-Birkenau complex, was one of the largest Nazi extermination camps during World War II. Established in 1941, it was designed for mass murder, primarily of Jewish prisoners. Auschwitz II-Birkenau includes extensive barracks, gas chambers & crematoria, where the majority of Auschwitz's victims were perished. Book Auschwitz Museum tickets and visit this solemn memorial as it ensures that the memory of the victims lives on and that such horrors are never repeated.

The Wieliczka Salt Mine, located near Krakow, Poland, is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its historical and geological significance. Operating for over 700 years, the mine features intricate salt-carved chambers, chapels, and underground lakes, showcasing the craftsmanship of generations of miners. Visitors can explore its labyrinthine tunnels and admire salt sculptures, chandeliers, & religious works of art. The Wieliczka Salt Mine is a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, attracting tourists from around the world.

Inside Auschwitz

In Auschwitz, Commemoration Signs serves as powerful reminders of the atrocities that took place during the Holocaust. Often presented in multiple languages, these signs offer historical context and honor the memory of the victims. During Auschwitz Birkenau tour, they guide visitors through the somber history of the camp, helping them grasp the magnitude of the suffering and emphasizing the importance of remembrance & education.

The Extermination Area in Auschwitz, primarily in Auschwitz II-Birkenau, is a chilling reminder of the systematic mass murder that occurred during the Holocaust. This area houses the infamous gas chambers and crematoria where countless innocent lives were tragically lost. It stands as a haunting testament to the horrors of the Nazi regime. It focuses on the need for remembrance and education to prevent such atrocities from happening again.

With Auschwitz guided tour, know about Block 5 that played a dark role in history which is known as a site for medical experiments on prisoners by Nazi doctors. These experiments were often cruel and inhumane, causing immense suffering and loss of life. The block now stands as a somber testament to the ethical horrors committed during the Holocaust, a reminder of the need to remember and learn from the past.

Auschwitz Block 6, historically significant, was a storage area for prisoners' confiscated belongings. It houses various personal items from inmates upon arrival that reveal the scale of suffering & disruption in their lives. The block also serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the camp's operations. The block emphasizes the importance of preserving this history to prevent future atrocities.

Block 7 in Auschwitz, known as the "Extermination Block," witnessed the suffering & loss of many lives. It was a site where Soviet prisoners of war and other inmates endured inhumane conditions & brutal treatment, often leading to death. Block 7 is a reminder of the atrocities committed within the camp and the importance of preserving this history to stop such horrors from recurring.

The "Death Block" in Auschwitz is known as the specific section within a block where prisoners, often in dire conditions, were subjected to severe punishment. It has its name due to the high mortality rate resulting from torture, malnutrition, and forced labor. This section serves as a grim testament to the inhumanity of the camp and the suffering endured by its inmates.

The "Death Wall" is a haunting location where countless executions occurred. Here, prisoners were lined up and shot by the SS guards. Get to know the significance of the Death Wall with Auschwitz guided tour, that lies in its role as a site of mass murder, underscoring the brutality of the Nazi regime. It stands as a solemn reminder of the horrors that unfolded within the camp during the Holocaust.

Gas Chamber I in Auschwitz I, is a site where Zyklon B gas was first used for mass murder. The systematic extermination of innocent prisoners began here and that left an indelible mark on history. This place serves as a somber reminder of the methodical and brutal killings that took place during the Holocaust. This site emphasizes the importance of remembrance and education.

The Central Camp Baths at Auschwitz I, although misleadingly named, were not used for sanitation but for disrobing and processing prisoners. Here, inmates were forcibly stripped of their personal belongings before being subjected to forced labor or extermination. With Auschwitz Museum tickets, explore the area thar represents the dehumanization & cruel treatment endured by prisoners. This is a somber reminder of the camp's grim history during the Holocaust.

Why To Book Auschwitz Tickets Online?

Booking an Auschwitz ticket online offers several advantages, making it the preferred choice for many visitors. Some of the key benefits are given below:

Convenience:

• Online booking allows you to secure your Auschwitz ticket from the comfort of your home or anywhere with an internet connection.
• It eliminates the need for physical travel to ticket counters, saving time and effort.

Time Efficiency:

• Online booking reduces waiting times at the ticket counters, especially during peak seasons when lines can be long.
• You can quickly check ticket availability and choose preferred time slots, streamlining your visit.

Effortless Reservation:

• The online booking process for Auschwitz ticket is user-friendly and straightforward. It typically involves a few simple steps, including selecting the date and the number of tickets.
• It is a hassle-free way to ensure your entry, avoiding potential disappointment from sold-out tickets.

Exclusive Promotions:

• Many online platforms and official museum websites offer exclusive promotions, discounts, and package deals for tickets Auschwitz.
• These promotions can help you save money or enhance your experience with guided tours or additional services.

24/7 Accessibility:

• Online booking is available 24/7, allowing you to make reservations at your convenience, whether it's early in the morning or late at night.
• This flexibility accommodates various time zones and busy schedules.

Flexibility:

• Online booking of Auschwitz Birkenau tickets allows you to plan your visit well in advance, securing your desired date and time.
• If your plans change, many online platforms offer options to modify or cancel bookings, providing a degree of flexibility.

Booking Auschwitz ticket online provides a convenient and efficient way to reserve your visit. It eliminates the need for physical visits to ticket counters, saves time, and allows you to access exclusive promotions. With 24/7 availability and the flexibility to plan your visit in advance, Auschwitz tickets online ensures a smoother and more enjoyable experience when exploring this historically significant site.

Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory Private Tour

• Explore one of the famous museums in Poland and gain an understanding of the history of Krakow under the Nazi occupation
• Get to know about the significance of this factory, which provided a lifeline to over 1,000 Jewish souls during the darkest hours of World War II
• See interactive exhibits, photographs & documents and gain some insights into the factory's role in saving lives from the Holocaust
• Stroll through the factory and learn about its role in providing a lifeline to over 1,000 Jewish souls during the darkest hours of World War II
• Pay your tribute to unsung heroes and remember the lessons of the past as you roam around the former metal item factory
• Book Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory Private Tour and see ‘Cracow under Nazi Occupation’, one of the best digital exhibitions in Poland.
• Ticket - Admission ticket to the Oskar Schindler’s Factory
• Guide - A local licensed expert guide will be available throughout the tour 

Oskar Schindlers Enamel Factory Tickets, Krakow

Wawel castle tickets, krakow.

• Visit one of the country's most historically significant landmarks and get to know about the nation's political and cultural life
• Roam around the former residence of Polish kings and marvel at various styles of architecture in the castle including Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance & Baroque
• Explore the Dragon's Den, a mysterious limestone cave beneath the castle, and see a fire-breathing dragon statue outside the den
• Stroll through the Wawel Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic church adjacent to the castle where numerous Polish monarchs were crowned & buried
• Be amazed by opulent interiors and valuable exhibits including paintings, tapestries & royal artifacts while visiting the State Room
• Book Wawel Castle tickets and get to know about the evolution of Polish architecture over the centuries through stunning design, artistic decorations & impressive royal tombs.
• Professional licenced tour guide
• Entrance tickets to Wawel Castle & its interiors
• A professional guide will be available throughout the tour

Auschwitz Tour Variations

There are several variations available in Auschwitz tour and tourists can select the ones that suit their budget and interests. The Auschwitz tickets include entry to the Auschwitz - Birkenau Museum, a guided tour and skip-the-line access. Some variants of the tour also include hotel transfers, lunch and a visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mine .

The guided tour to Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum includes a two-hour tour at Auschwitz Museum and a one-hour tour in Birkenau Museum. The official guide will take you through the Auschwitz concentration camp where you can learn about the plight of the Auschwitz Jews and other prisoners of the Holocaust. At Birkenau, you can witness the crematoriums, watchtowers, railway ramps and a gas chamber. This tour includes fast-track tickets and hence you can skip the security line and start the tour much early.

Visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp complex in a luxurious minibus with an official guide who will give you an insight on the dark history of the Germans. You can choose any one of the five languages – English, Italian, German, Spanish and French for the guided Auschwitz tours. The Auschwitz tickets include pick-up service as well provided the hotel is in the centre of Krakow city. If the hotel is far off, you will be picked up from the nearby location. The pick-up point and time will be informed a day before your visit.

The Auschwitz tickets to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum take you on a guided tour around the concentration camp where you can gain more information about the consequences of the World War II. As you walk through the camp, the guide will show you the exhibits in the museum and explain the consequences of the World War II and the Holocaust. You can see the ruins of gas chambers where the prisoners were executed at the Birkenau Museum. The tour also includes hotel transfers from the Krakow City Centre.

Book self-guided Auschwitz tours to explore the Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial at your own pace and interest. The tour includes transfer to the camp in an air-conditioned minibus with an English speaking driver. You can catch a glimpse of the lives of the prisoners who suffered here during the Second World War and witness their personal items like letters, photographs and diaries at the Auschwitz Concentration Camp. You can see ruins of gas chambers and crematoria at the Birkenau Museum.

Explore the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and learn about the holocaust and genocide of the Jews during the Second World War. You can visit the buildings in which the prisoners lived and witness their personal objects as the expert local guide tells stories about their survival in the camp. Apart from sightseeing, the Auschwitz tickets for this tour include hotel transfers as well. A local driver will pick you up from your accommodation anywhere in Krakow and drop you back at the same place after the tour.

Go on a guided tour to Auschwitz Concentration Camp and Birkenau Museum where you can discover interesting Auschwitz facts about the camp and its hidden history. You can see personal items of the captured prisoners like books, shoes, clothes, and drawings. The Auschwitz tickets provide a lunch box also with both vegetarian and meat options. The tour includes pickup service from hotels situated in the centre of the city. But, if your accommodation is beyond this area, you can avail pick-up from the nearest possible location.

Book the super saver Auschwitz tours to visit the two most famous concentration camps and the salt mine in Krakow with a single ticket. The trip begins with a tour around the Auschwitz Concentration Camp where the guide will explain the stories about the prisoners here. Then you will visit the Birkenau Museum to see the barracks and locations where the prisoners were held. The tour ends with a trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine where you can descend 135 metres below ground level and see rock salt deposits, chambers and chapels.

Enjoy wholesome Auschwitz tours with a trip to two concentration camps and a salt mine along with complimentary lunch and hotel transfers with this full-day tour package. Firstly, you will be taken to the Auschwitz Concentration Camp to pay respect to the victims of the holocaust and genocide. The next stop is Birkenau Museum where you can see the original sites where the prisoners were encaged. After lunch, you will be taken to the Wieliczka Salt Mine to see underground salt deposits, chapels and chambers. The ticket includes lunch with both vegetarian and meat options and transfers to the hotel as well.

Are there discounts on buying the Auschwitz tour online?

Yes, you can avail great discounts and offers while booking Auschwitz tour online. Children below 17 years of age are given special price cuts on their Auschwitz tour. Students aged 18 to 26 years also get concessions if they book their Auschwitz tickets online. Further, you also get a 5% cashback which can be used when you book tickets next time.

What is the minimum age required to book Auschwitz tours?

There are no actual age restrictions to book Auschwitz tour. But the museum staff do not recommend kids below 14 years of age to visit the Auschwitz Concentration Camp due to the graphic nature of some of the displays in the museum.

What is special about Auschwitz tour?

Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II – Birkenau are the icons of the Holocaust of the European Jews and the crimes of the Nazis. Auschwitz tour bestow its visitors with a multitude of facts, history and stories of the prisoners who were deported to the concentration camps. The guided tours can be availed in any one of the five languages – Spanish, Italian, German, English and French.

Do we have to book in advance for Auschwitz tour?

It is not mandatory to book tickets in advance for Auschwitz tour as you can buy your tickets on the spot at the ticket booth. However, you will have to wait for a long time in the queues and there is a risk of running out of tickets. If you book the tickets online in advance, you can choose the date and time slot of the tour as per convenience and can skip the long lines at the ticket counter.

What is the best time to go on Auschwitz tour?

The best time to go on Auschwitz tour is between the months of May and September when the weather is pleasant and favourable. But, if you wish to avoid the tourist crowds and explore the camp in peace, it is better to avoid the peak season and go during April and May. It is advisable to visit during the weekdays as weekends are busy and tickets sell out fast.

Attractions In Auschwitz

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15 Best Krakow to Auschwitz Tours [Best Day Tours 2024]

READY TO BOOK YOUR KRAKOW TO AUSCHWITZ TOURS?

You’ve landed on the right article, as you’re about to discover the 15 best tours to Auschwitz from Krakow — all led by guides so you should expect a deeply moving experience.

I have a home about 2.5 hours from Auschwitz and I’ve been to Auschwitz several times, most recently with my grandmother, who was 8 when the war broke out. I also just took a Krakow to Auschwitz tour and I can recommend not only the best tour company, but a few other tour companies that operate there right now.

I am recommending the tour company I used, as number one on this list.

For the rest, I’ve emailed, called, and spoken with numerous guides to get the best info for you.

Now it’s time for YOU to find which tour is best.

Don’t have time to read about all the tours on the list? No worries — the best Auschwitz tours Krakow has to offer is this Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and Memorial Guided Tour from Krakow . It has about 1,434+ stellar reviews, so you can’t go wrong. 

During an Auschwitz tour from Krakow you will gain insight into the tragic events that took place during WWII as you visit various concentration camps, monuments and memorials. 

It’s a moving experience, one that you need to prepare for. At the bottom of this article I have a guide on how best to prepare.

No doubt, tours to Auschwitz offer an educational and emotional journey into a dark period of European history that you won’t soon forget.  Choosing the best Auschwitz tour from Krakow is key, so let’s get to the list so you can book your tour.

Quick Guide: Best Krakow to Auschwitz Tours

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Auschwitz Small Group Tour Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and Memorial Guided Tour from Krakow ✔️ Hotel Pickup ✔️ Learn the tragic history

Auschwitz Private Tour ✔️Private Driver ✔️Private Guide

Day Trip to Auschwitz & Wieliczka Salt Mine ✔️2 sites in 1 day ✔️Transport to both sites

Selecting the Optimal Auschwitz Tour from Krakow

What attire is appropriate for auschwitz, read more posts about travel, culture and facts in poland, practical tips for your auschwitz guided tour, best krakow to auschwitz tours, best krakow to auschwitz tours,  1. auschwitz-birkenau museum and memorial guided tour from krakow.

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (1,434+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7 hours | 📌 BOOK NOW

This is my top recommended tour for Auschwitz if you’re traveling from Krakow with a guided tour.

I recommend that you take this Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and Memorial Guided Tour from Krakow because with this tour company, they really figured out all the logistics so I didn’t have to worry about anything.

If you want to experience one of the most important places in European history, with little hassle this company is my top choice.

With 4.5/5 stars and 1,434 reviews, this 7 hour tour is an absolute must for anyone looking to learn more about World War II and the Holocaust. It seems long, but remember that you are also accounting for travel to and from Krakow.

Great tour, easy logistics, awesome guides and staff. Would recommend to anyone in Krakow, this tour made a day trip to Auschwitz possible and meaningful. -Robyn G. (SEE MORE REVIEWS )

Your journey to Auschwitz-Birkenau begins with your choice of pickup from your hotel in Krakow and a dedicated headset so you don’t miss anything that your experienced local guide will tell you about this incredible experience.

Both Spanish and English tours are available, catering to more  visitors so they are able to understand the history of this tour. I appreciated that the drivers ere able to converse with me in English.

Once you arrive, you’ll be taken on a tour of Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II . It’s important to note that there will be lots of walking involved so wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be on your feet all day.

I was tired by the end of the day, and I went when it was very hot, so bring some water.

Also, don’t forget to bring your ID along with you and if you’re a student, make sure to bring your student ID for a discount.  Be sure you mention this to the tour when booking!

Food and drinks are not included in the tour and you must contact the company 2 days prior to confirm your pickup, otherwise it will be at a specified meeting point. Maximum of 30 travelers are allowed per tour.

They also have a great 24 hour cancellation policy so you have plenty of time if you change your mind! I love this aspect, because my plans did change and this flexibility helped me.

Reviewers are stating that this tour was emotional, sensitive to the topic and professional! I wholeheartedly agree.

So what are you waiting for? Book this Krakow to Auschwitz tour now!

2. Auschwitz Private Tour

 ⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (40+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7 hours | 📌 BOOK NOW

Are you looking for the ultimate krakow to Auschwitz tour without having to rideshare with a group? Look no further! This Auschwitz Private Tour is exactly what you need.

This tour was well worth the cost. I had a private driver and a private guide and was hand-held from start to finish. Both were extremely knowledgeable about the Camp and Polish and Nazi history. One on one guiding though Auschwitz with time to discuss and reflect made a very unforgettable experience easier to experience. Would highly recommend this tour. -KATHRYN (SEE MORE REVIEWS )

Many tours to Auschwitz from Krakow require you to hop on a bus or minivan with others. 

This private tour includes admission, so there’s no waiting in long ticket lines.

Plus, it comes with a private guide and your own personal vehicle for transportation from pick-up to drop-off. That way, you don’t need to worry about organizing how to get there on your own.

The tour itself lasts 6-7 hours and reviews have rated it 5/5 stars with a total of 40 reviews, so you know it has to be good!

It’s even wheelchair and stroller accessible, and offers four languages to choose from including English, Spanish, German and French .

No need to worry about the knowledge of your guide either – all guides are knowledgeable professionals who will provide you with an unforgettable experience. 

Not sure if this is the right private tour for you? We have you covered with this extensive list of private Auschwitz tours from Krakow.   

Private Krakow to Auschwitz tours are becoming more popular! If this is what you’re looking for, the Auschwitz Private Tour is definitely worth considering. Book now for an unforgettable experience!

3. Day Trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine from Krakow including Lunch  

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (1,491+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 10 hours | 📌 BOOK NOW

Looking for a way to explore two of Poland’s most iconic sites in one day ? Look no further than this incredible krakow to Auschwitz tour that includes lunch and hotel pick-up! You’ll journey to both Auschwitz and Birkenau, followed by the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

If you are in Krakow for a short time, I highly recommend you do this tour. I loved the salt mines and I’ve been 4 times now. I think this company does a great job of managing to organize two tours in one day.

Absolutely do it if you are short on time.

The salt mines: absolutely amazing, informative, eye opening, and so much history. Auschwitz: harrowing, important to see, and above all respectful to the victims of such an awful place. Our guide was full of respect, compassion, and knowledge which really came through in his talks to us and the rest of the group. Absolutely must see it. -CONNOR (SEE MORE REVIEWS )

Your full-day excursion starts off with a convenient pickup from anywhere within Krakow city limits . Then, you’ll enjoy a documentary movie on the drive to Auschwitz and Birkenau so that you can learn even more about this important historical site. 

Once there, an English speaking guide will take you through both sites, giving insight into the remarkable stories behind them.

You’ll have time to explore the area and see the museum before heading off for lunch.

Having a boxed lunch on your way to Wieliczka gives you that extra time you would otherwise spend sitting down to eat elsewhere.

After enjoying your meal, you’ll arrive at the Wieliczka Salt Mine. This extraordinary site was built in the 13th century, and is among the oldest of its kind.

There are several levels to explore, with chapel sculptures carved out of rock salt and a sparkling underground lake – truly breathtaking!

For Wieliczka, note that to reach the first level of the mine which is 64 meters underground ! You have to descend a wooden stairway which has has approximately 378 stairs. It takes a few minutes but I enjoy it every time I go.

After the tour, you will be taken up to the surface with a lift .  At Wieliczka, you will be attending a tour at 4 or 5pm that takes about 2.5 hours.

It’s also a bit chilly in the Salt Mine with temperatures approximately 14 degrees C (57 degrees F).  Be sure to wear warm clothes and comfortable shoes.

Your Auschwitz from Krakow tour includes all admission fees and lunch , making it great value for your money.  Infant seats are available during transportation.

Plus, this tour is rated 4.5/5 stars with nearly 2,000 reviews – so you know it’s an amazing experience that won’t disappoint.

So what are you waiting for? Book this incredible Krakow to Auschwitz tour now and get ready to explore two of Poland’s most iconic sites in one unforgettable day!

4. Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and Memorial Certified Guided Tour from Krakow (with add on walking tour of Kraków in evening )

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (839+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7 hours | 📌 BOOK NOW

Are you looking for an informative Auschwitz tour with some evening fun in Krakow? Look no further than the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum Guided Tour from Krakow! 

This tour has an added bonus!! A one hour walking tour of krakow in the evening!  Rated five stars by 40 reviews, this 7 hour tour is sure to leave an indelible impression on your trip.

Excellent and well organised excursion. Our driver was fantastic, very professional and friendly. The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and spent time answering our questions. I would highly recommend. -LISA (SEE MORE REVIEWS )

Your experienced and knowledgeable guide will pick you up from your choice of location, and drop you off afterwards.  A documentary movie “Liberation of Auschwitz” will be shown during the drive . 

They will provide you with the best information about Auschwitz-Birkenau, its history, and its importance in understanding the Holocaust for generations to come.

The tour is available in English, Spanish, German, and French languages . Wheelchair accessible as well as stroller accessible options are available, and infant seats can be provided.

Admission ticket to Auschwitz-Birkenau is included in the price.

At the end of your 7 hour krakow to Auschwitz tour, your guide will drop you off with a voucher for an evening walking tour of Krakow .

The tour begins at Plac Matejki Square and ends by the dragon sculpture by the Wawel hill. This tour will give you an up-close and personal look at the Old Town highlights of Krakow, so make sure to take it all in! Book your tour now!

5. Auschwitz-Birkenau Best Value Shared Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (840+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7 hours | 📌 BOOK NOW

Are you looking for a tour that’s value-packed and convenient ? Look no further than the Auschwitz-Birkenau Best Value Shared Tour !

This 6-7 hour excursion is perfect for travelers who want to explore one of the most iconic sites and gain a deeper understanding of Auschwitz-Birkenau on a day trip from Krakow.

Pickup from several meeting points or your hotel and enjoy round-trip transport in an air conditioned vehicle. As you travel, take advantage of the wifi onboard so you don’t use up all your data.

Plus, the tour operator provides bottled water which is especially great for hot summer months! Infant seats  are available which makes this a great tour for families with small children!

This is an experience that everybody especially the young need to do the tour guide we had was emotionally invested and was by far the most knowledgeable, most approachable, the driver was friendly knowledgeable again, I will use Viator again for sure. -RICHARD (SEE MORE REVIEWS )

A boxed lunch is included in this tour!! You can also purchase an extra boxed lunch from the driver once you get onboard in the morning.  

Once you arrive at Auschwitz-Birkenau, you’ll get priority admission and take a guided tour with headsets . English speaking driver is also included so you can relax knowing that all your questions will be answered.

At the end of the day, the tour drops off in one of 7 points in Krakow . you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund!  I’m on board with that!

This Krakow to Auschwitz tour has over 840 reviews on TripAdvisor and an impressive 4.5/5 star rating. Plus, there are dozens of pickup options, so you’re sure to find one that’s convenient for you. And best of all – taxes and fees are included , so there won’t be any surprises!

Ready to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau on a budget? Book your krakow to auschwitz tour with the Auschwitz-Birkenau Best Value Shared Tour .

6. Auschwitz Birkenau: Live-Guided Tour with Transportation and Hotel Pickup

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (590+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7 hours | 📌 BOOK NOW

Ready to explore Auschwitz and its chilling history but want to have OPTIONS on getting there? 

Maxing out at 30 travelers, the Auschwitz Birkenau: Live-Guided Tour provide several options for you to choose from including just the ticket and guide within Auschwitz with no transportation or a tour with transportation.

For those that want more, they also offer the option to purchase a lunch box and even have have the option of choosing a minivan with a maximum of 8 people on board.

Driver was brilliant explained everything to us and took us to our guide. He was excellent at communicating the events of the day. Guide was amazing she was extremely knowledgeable. Great service . -CATHERINE (SEE MORE REVIEWS )

What sets them apart from the competition is that they offer pickup and drop-off at any address in Krakow, making it even easier for you to enjoy this educational and captivating tour without worrying about meeting points.

7. Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine Day Tour from Krakow with Private Car

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (63+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:11 hours | 📌 BOOK NOW

Since many of you may be thinking about hitting the two most famous sites in the area , Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp and Wieliczka Salt Mine . We thought we would give you another Auschwitz and Wieliczka Salt Mine option- this time, with a private vehicle !  Because sometimes we don’t want to share a tight space on the road.

As there was a fair bit of walking on both tours, it was a blessing to have a private car which was comfortable, clean and at our disposal. The driver was great, he was punctual in picking us up at the hotel on the morning and shared lots of additional information regarding Auschwitz. This was an excellent tour and I would totally recommend it. Vanston (see more REVIEWS )

This 11 hour tour is a small group experience and you get your own private Mercedes Benz vehicle. On the drive to Auschwitz, they screen a documentary with clips from documentaries and interviews to give you context on what happened during and after the Second World War.

The tour also covers admission and English-speaking guides at both locations. 

You’ll have a 1-hour lunch break before entering the Salt Mine. For your convenience, they can also provide additional lunch boxes for purchase so you don’t have to worry about bringing your own food. 

The best part is that you won’t have to worry about organizing how to get there as pickup and travel in a private vehicle is included. They also offer flexible drop-off locations so you can choose where you’d like to be dropped off at the end of your day.  

So if you are iffy on whether to visit both based on transportation sharing options, this tour might be perfect for you, your family or friends!

  8. Best VIP Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7 hours | 📌 BOOK NOW

As one of the best Auschwitz tours, this VIP private Auschwitz Birkenau Tour from Krakow will take you to one of the most notorious sites in history and provide an invaluable insight into the Holocaust.

This highly personalized tour is meant for those who don’t want to plan any logistics or worry about bookings, tickets or what to do.

On this tour, you’ll be provided with comfortable private transportation including pick-up and drop-off at your hotel. 

This tour has it all: Premium transportation to all attractions. The guide was local, extremely knowledgeable, had intimate knowledge of the area and was very personable. Not mono-toned and overly rehearsed like so many other tours. The lunch provided was at a old traditional and unique restaurant. Fantastic. What I liked so much about this tour was the guide was no a clock watcher. We were given ample time to view all the venues. It was almost like the tour was designed around our wants and needs. -DARCY (SEE MORE REVIEWS )

Your chauffeur is experienced in providing excellent hospitality and local knowledge. 

You will also have a private guide throughout the Auschwitz-Birkenau tours who can answer questions about the site as you visit it. To keep your energy up throughout the day, bottled water and local treats such as snacks or sweets are included. 

Lunch is offered at a nearby restaurant, giving you a well-deserved break before heading back to Krakow and exploring the Jewish Ghetto on a walking tour.

English is offered when visiting these sites. The chauffeur service and Krakow Tour are also organised in English for those visitors who prefer to use it. 

For guests with limited mobility, the tour is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs and infant seats can be provided upon request.

If you want everything done for you, this VIP tour is perfect.

 9. Best Krakow Auschwitz Tour with Hotel RT Transport

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7 hours | 📌 BOOK NOW

This 5 star, Krakow Auschwitz tour is approximately 7 hours and is a great way to get a comprehensive overview of the former Nazi concentration camp. 

Roundtrip transfer from Krakow is included in the cost and pickup and drop off at hostel, hotel or apartment is available. 

This is one of the best parts of the excursion, as the convenience of being picked up at your accommodation is advantageous.

Plus, for a pleasant drive throughout the tour, English speaking drivers in comfortable minivans will take you on this journey.

Our driver Patrick picked my partner and I up from our hotel right on time and had a pleasant drive in the minibus along with a few other couples. Our tour was very organised, Patrick took us to the main group that we joined with at Auschwitz I. Our tour guide there was excellent, it didn’t feel like she was rushing us (eventhough it was rather busy with big groups) and she talked passionately about the harrowing events which took place there. I would definitely recommend this tour company to anyone who wants a hassle free day drip to Auschwitz and back. -JENNIFER T. (SEE MORE REVIEWS )

On top of that, all tours are led by knowledgeable museum guides who speak perfect English and provide detailed information about Auschwitz-Birkenau history.

Guests get their tickets paid for at both camps, and can also benefit from headphones that are included so as to gain a better understanding of the facts given by the tour guide.

This Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour has been rated well and rightfully so! 

Additionally, there is a 24 hour cancellation policy ensuring that you won’t have to worry about any last minute changes in plans.

 10. Best Small Group Auschwitz Tour From Krakow

This Auschwitz & Birkenau Small Group Live Guided Tour with Hotel Pick Up Transport is among the best of the small group tours.

The tour has something for everyone but is especially great for travelers who have luggage.

You willl receive hotel pick up and drop off, transfer in an air conditioned minivan transport, and English guide and infant seats if needed.

Adrian picked us up outside the hotel in the most beautiful car we’d ever been in. He helped us with ideas for trips. Communication from Adrian was exactly what we needed to feel confident as soon as we landed. We thought the price was excellent value for money and would recommend to anyone visiting Krakow to start their holiday in style. -JULES (SEE MORE REVIEWS )

This small group tour has a maximum of 22 participants which allows for a more intimate tour which won’t overwhelm you.

The best part if that the bus can store your luggage in the locked bus.

This is a great advantage because it means you don’t have to carry your bags around while exploring the camp – allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the experience.

This tour is also ideal for those who need a full-day guided tour from pick up at your hotel to drop off afterwards. 

Plus, with such a small group size, everyone can get their questions answered and have an intimate experience of this harrowing reminder of history.

 11. Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour with Kazimierz/Schindler’s Factory Option

⭐️ RATING: 4. 8 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7 hours | 📌 BOOK NOW

This tour is ideal for those who want an immersive experience with skip the line tickets, and also the opportunity to explore Krakow’s hidden gems, such as the Kazimierz district or Schindler’s Factory. 

This tour is wheelchair accessible, and includes both hotel drop off and pickup as well as an introductory history lesson en route!

Bottled water is also available throughout the journey.

Our tour guide, was well informed from the moment she picked us up at 0630 until our return to Krakow. She continually provided interesting facts and stories of not just Auschwitz, but Krakow as well. She explained things in such detail, that only someone who has studied the material would respect. -MARGITA. (SEE MORE REVIEWS )

As part of this unique tour, you have the option to explore Krakow’s vibrant Jewish Quarter, Kazimierz.

This district, once a thriving center of Jewish culture, carries with it a rich heritage that intertwines with the city’s history. 

Plus, if you opt for a tour of the Jewish quarter, you’ll also get to enjoy some delicious Polish street food tastings!

Alternatively, you can opt for a visit to Schindler’s Factory , where the remarkable story of Oskar Schindler and his efforts to save over a thousand Jews during the war unfolds.

These additional private tours allow you to delve deeper into Krakow’s past, complementing the solemn experience of Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Entry fees and private or shared Auschwitz-Birkenau tours are included in the package (depending on the option selected).

  12. Best Day Trip to Auschwitz-Fully Guided Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (840+ reviews)| ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7 hours | 📌 BOOK NOW

You need a great storyteller that is able to convey the stories of Auschwitz and the realities surrounding the camp.

This fully-guided Auschwitz & Birkenau Tour from Krakow offers a highly-qualified 5-star rated licensed local English speaking guide at the helm as well as a customer service focused approach for its clients.  

They provide professional assistance in case any issue arises during your visit.

Excellent communication before and during the trip. Kept up to date with all information regarding pick up, time, vehicle etc. Excellent service. -victoria b. (SEE MORE reviews )

The tour includes entry fees to both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II, as well as headsets so that you won’t miss a single word your guide shares. 

Your group size will also be limited to no more than 30 people, giving you plenty of time to take in the sights without feeling rushed.

You will receive a roundtrip journey by van or mini bus from Krakow (with hotel pickup or designated meeting point).

In addition, at the end of the tour, there’s an opportunity for relaxation at a bookstore, grocery store or resting spot before returning to Krakow.

And if desired, there is even some time between camps for a snack – something we highly recommend.  There is a restaurant on site where you will be able to get food during this break.

And if needed, their dedicated team is committed to providing highly qualified customer service at any point during your tour.

I recommend this tour if you want some free time at the end to explore the museums grounds or bookstore a bit.

 13. Best Self Guided Tour with Private Transfer

Are you looking to explore Auschwitz-Birkenau in a self-guided tour with private transport from Krakow?

Do you want to explore the camps without the hassle of a guide? 

Want to spend as much time as possible at the camp without being hurried along?

This self guided tour is ideal for anyone who does not want to be rushed along at the camps.

This convenient and hassle-free tour offers pickup from any hotel in Krakow City, with infant seats available if needed.

Our driver arrived exactly on time. Was very helpful. Stayed in the queue for us to get our tickets while we got a drink and toilet break. Explained the 2 camps and gave us his number to contact him if we needed anything. We spent as much time in both camps as we wanted to, then text to say we were ready. He was there waiting for us. -sharon s. (SEE MORE reviews )

It includes transport by air conditioned mini van.

After arriving at Auschwitz, your driver will be on standby for your departure time.

What makes this tour stand out is that it gives you the freedom to explore on your own terms while still having transportation provided for you. 

You can take your time learning about the history of Auschwitz-Birkenau, wandering through its grounds and visiting all of its buildings without worrying about getting back to Krakow in time for another activity.

While admission ticket to the camps is not included in the tour package price, there are multiple ways to purchase one, including online or at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum entrance.

All you need to do is provide your passport information and you’ll be able to enter.

If you’re looking for a way to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau with the flexibility of making it your own journey, I highly suggest this tour for you!

  14. Auschwitz Birkenau Tour with additional Holocaust Site

On this Auschwitz Birkenau tour and Schindler optional, you’ll explore one of the most infamous sites in modern history. 

Spend 9 hours visiting two iconic locations with A knowledgeable local guide—Auschwitz I and Auschwitz Birkenau concentration camps, as well as Schindler’s Factory Museum in Krakow.

You can upgrade to a VIP Auschwitz-Birkenau and Schindler Factory tour that includes bottled water, lunch boxes and an upgrade in transportation.

If you just want the Auschwitz tour, you have the option of choosing the standard Auschwitz tour without the Schindler Factory.

Our guide had an excellent knowledge of polish history. We could understand complicated circumstances in which Jewish people were placed at that time. So we really appreciated his service. -SHIRO (SEE MORE REVIEWS )

They offer round-trip transport from Krakow that includes entrance fees.

During the journey, they provide live commentary so that you can better understand what you’re seeing throughout the day. 

With a local guide, you have the option of choosing either English or another language at Auschwitz.  Only English is an option for the Schindler add on however.

For those with the optional Schindler add on, you’ll then head to Schindler’s Factory Museum to learn more about Oskar Schindler who is credited with saving over 1,000 Jewish lives during World War II. 

His story is depicted in the movie Schindler’s List which was released in 1993.

During your tour at the museum you will also have a chance to explore an interactive exhibition about life under Nazi occupation in Krakow. Admission ticket for the museum is included.

On top of all these amazing sights you will also get a taste of authentic Polish street food by visiting Kazimierz—the former Jewish district in Krakow.

Plus, service animals are also allowed to join the tour!

I would recommend taking advantage of the Schindler Factory tour option—standard or VIP for a chance to explore two iconic locations and gain a deeper understanding of WWII history.

 15. Auschwitz Birkenau Guided Tour from Krakow-Door to Door

Don’t worry about booking transfers or waiting in long ticket lines – this door-to-door transport from Krakow includes admission

Pick up and drop off can be done at any hotel or place in the city center of Krakow if you choose the “hotel pick up” option.

You’ll explore Auschwitz-Birkenau with a guide and a headset, visiting both camps with an English speaking museum guide. 

Great communication from the operator, told us what time to meet, offered packed lunch option and what car to look out for. Excellent knowledge of local area. The tour itself was very sad but interesting. The guide spoke amazing English and knew a lot about the camps. -george g.(SEE MORE reviews )

With this group tour, you’ll get to experience the history of Auschwitz-Birkenau with a maximum of 30 travelers.

During your tour, you’ll visit the infamous Auschwitz I and ‘Biggest Graveyard in the World’ Birkenau Memorials. 

You’ll learn about the Nazi concentration camps and their terrible atrocities.

You can expect to spend around 2 hours at Auschwitz I, followed by an additional hour at Birkenau.

Your guide will be on hand throughout to share stories and answer any questions that you have about this historic location.

 It’s important to note that while both parts are wheelchair accessible, there is quite a lot of walking involved so please bear this in mind when planning your day.

The Essential Guide to Visiting Auschwitz from Krakow

Why visit auschwitz from krakow.

Krakow, a major city neighboring Oświęcim, serves as the most convenient base for those intending to visit Auschwitz.

The city’s well-connected international airport and its relative proximity to the Auschwitz Memorial and Museum—approximately an hour’s drive away—makes Krakow an ideal starting point.

Moreover, a guided tour from Krakow to Auschwitz is highly recommended for an enriching, respectful, and well-navigated experience.

Auschwitz, steeped in somber history, can be a challenging place to visit. Choosing an organized tour from Krakow offers several benefits:

✔️ Hassle-free transportation : Krakow to Auschwitz can be tricky to navigate via public transport. Organized tours ensure effortless travel arrangements.

✔️ Expertise : Tour guides have in-depth knowledge about the site and can answer any questions you might have. Their expertise enhances your learning experience, providing you with insights you might not have gathered on your own.

✔️ Respectful guidance : Tour guides can help you navigate the area with the right sensitivity, preparing you emotionally for the harrowing sights you’ll encounter.

✔️ Group Experience : Going on a guided tour often means you’ll be part of a group, providing a sense of camaraderie. Experiencing Auschwitz’s poignant history alongside others can offer comfort and shared reflections.

✔️ In-depth understanding : Guided tours provide intimate knowledge and personal perspectives, offering a depth of information beyond what’s available through signboards or audio guides.

✔️ Language Assistance : Many tour guides are multilingual, ensuring that language barriers won’t impede your understanding. This can be especially beneficial if you don’t speak Polish or German.

✔️ Pre-planned logistics : All details are sorted in advance, freeing your mind to focus on learning and understanding.

✔️ Enhanced Context : Guided tours can provide a more nuanced understanding of Auschwitz’s history, offering additional context that might not be readily available from reading placards or listening to audio guides.

Frequently Asked Questions for Your Auschwitz Tour

What is the difference between auschwitz and birkenau.

The Auschwitz-Birkenau complex consists of two main parts. Auschwitz I, often just referred to as Auschwitz, is the primary camp where your tour will begin.

This are is marked by the infamous “Arbeit Macht Frei” gates.

Birkenau, also known as Auschwitz II, is a 2.5-kilometer walk from Auschwitz I, often identified by the extensive railway tracks.

Since most of your tour will be outdoors, dress comfortably and according to the weather. Closed-toe shoes are crucial due to the rugged and often dusty terrain.

🔐 Undergo Security Screening

Before entry, visitors are subject to security checks.

Large bags and luggage exceeding 30x20x10 cm are prohibited.

The Museum’s website details all visitor regulations.

🆔 Carry Identification

For verification, ensure your booked ticket corresponds with your identification.

Bring a valid photo ID (passport, license, etc.) for seamless entry into the campgrounds.

🍛 Plan Your Meals

Tours often have limited time allocated for meals, and on-site food options are scarce.

There’s a small restaurant at Auschwitz I.

Time constraints may not allow for a meal here. Pack your own lunch and snacks, or opt for a tour that includes meals.

🧥 Dress according to the Weather

Tours of Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau proceed regardless of weather conditions. With a significant portion of the tour conducted outside, ensure to dress appropriately for the weather, be it rain, shine, or snow.

✓ Mental Preparedness

Auschwitz’s history can be emotionally overwhelming.

Prepare yourself mentally for the visit, and take breaks if needed.

⚠️ Respect the Site

Remember that Auschwitz is not just a historical site but a memorial.

Treat it with the respect and solemnity it deserves.

🎟 Book Tickets in Advance

To avoid long queues or potential disappointment, it’s advisable to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

📸 Camera Policy

Respect the camera policy at Auschwitz. Some areas prohibit photography, so ensure you follow all signage and instructions.

More FAQ’s Krakow to Auschwitz Day Tours

Here are more questions and answers to help you find all the information you need to ensure you make the right decision.

Remember, a visit to Auschwitz is a solemn journey through a grim chapter of history. It’s a poignant reminder of the inhumanity of the Holocaust and a tribute to the lives lost.

How much is a tour from Krakow to Auschwitz?

The cost of a tour from Krakow to Auschwitz can vary depending on the tour provider, the type of tour, and the time of year. Generally, in 2023, you can expect to pay around 40-50 USD per person for a group tour, but private tours can cost more, particularly if it is a full day tour with hotel pickup.  Almost all tours include entrance tickets, but be sure to read the full details of each Krakow Auschwitz tour.  

How far is the Auschwitz tour from Krakow?

Auschwitz is located about 70 kilometers west of Krakow, which is approximately a 1.5-hour drive by car or bus or 2-hour train ride away.  If booking a day trip to Auschwitz from Krakow, almost all Krakow Auschwitz tours include transportation from Kraków.  If you choose to tour Auschwitz on your own, make sure you know which are the best routes to take when traveling by car .

Which Auschwitz tour is best?

This really depends on what YOU are looking for.  A private Auschwitz visit from Krakow? Then this private Auschwitz tour is for you. Or what about an Auschwitz trip that is part of a group (thus a bit cheaper).  If so, this Auschwitz tour is our top pick.  There are many different Auschwitz trips available, ranging from group tours to private tours and different types of tours, including guided tours and self-guided tours. We’ve given you our top options for what we think are the best Auschwitz tours from Krakow!

How do I get to Auschwitz from Krakow?

The easiest way to get to Auschwitz from Krakow is by taking a tour. Many Krakow tours to Auschwitz provide transportation from Krakow to Auschwitz as part of their tour package. Alternatively, you can take a train or bus from Krakow to Oswiecim, which is the nearest town to Auschwitz, and then take a shuttle bus or taxi to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.  We have a ton of information on how to get from Kraków to Auschwitz .

Is it best to book an Auschwitz tour in Krakow?

Yes, it is generally best to book an Auschwitz tour in Krakow, as there are many reputable tour providers to choose from and it can be more convenient to arrange your Auschwitz concentration camp tour in advance.

Is it cheaper to book an Auschwitz tour in Krakow?

It’s hard to say for sure whether it’s cheaper to book an Auschwitz tour in Krakow or on site, as prices can vary depending on the tour provider and time of year. However, booking in advance can often save you money and ensure availability.  With an Auschwitz tour from Krakow, hotel pick up is usually included, and that gets put into the price of the tour as well.

How to get from Krakow CITY CENTER to Auschwitz?

Krakow is fairly large, but if you are in the city center and not on the outskirts, its fairly easy to get to the concentration camp complex. You can get from Krakow city center to Auschwitz by taking a tour that includes transportation or by taking a train or bus to Oswiecim and then taking a shuttle bus or taxi to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.  Check out our comprehensive guide on getting from Kraków to Auschwitz .

Where to book an Auschwitz tour in Krakow?

ONLINE!  It’s super easy to book a Birkenau memorial tour easily from your computer!  This comprehensive guide gives you the best tours heading to the Birkenau concentration camp, and we have done all the research for you already!  What are you ready for?  Check out all our tours above and book one NOW!

Is Auschwitz a UNESCO World Heritage site?

Auschwitz became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979 and was one of the first few world heritage sites recognized in Poland.

Auschwitz was a network of concentration and extermination camps established by Nazi Germany during World War II.  It was the largest concentration camp operated by the Nazis.

It is estimated that over 1.1 million people were killed in the gas chambers, worked to death, or died of starvation, disease, or medical experimentation at Auschwitz. The site is a symbol of the Holocaust, one of the most significant atrocities in human history.

What was Auschwitz before WW2?

Before World War II, Auschwitz was a small town in Poland with a population of around 12,000 people.

It was known for its large agricultural industry and its historical significance as a former royal town of the Polish Crown.

In the early 20th century, the town was part of the Austrian Empire and later became part of the newly established Polish Republic. In the 1920s and 1930s, the town’s population grew, and several industries were established, including a rubber factory and a sugar refinery.

However, during World War II, the town became the central location for a concentration camp, and served to house political prisoners due to the overcroding of local prisons in Poland. 

The first transport to Auschwitz was of nearly 800 Polish political prisoners from the Tarnow.

I’m thinking of flying into Warsaw to visit Auschwitz. What is the difference between Warsaw and Krakow?

If you’re thinking about visiting another city, Warsaw is a great addition a to anyone’s itinerary. If you’re flying into Warsaw to visit Auschwitz, there are tours to Auschwitz from Warsaw!

Krakow and Warsaw are two of the largest cities in Poland, but they have different histories and cultural influences.

 Krakow is known for its historic Old Town, Wawel Castle, and Jewish quarter, while Warsaw is the political and cultural capital of Poland, with a mix of historic and modern architecture.

Both cities are absolutely worth visiting!

Final Thoughts on the Best Krakow to Auschwitz Tour

The Krakow to Auschwitz Memorial Guided Tour is the ideal choice for those who are looking for an efficient, reliable way to experience concentration camp history. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transport, and dedicated headsets, you’ll be able to explore these two camps with ease. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take a guided tour of Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II.

Poland Travel Planning Guide

🚑 Should I buy Poland travel insurance?

100% YES – With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD amount per day, you have peace of mind with a plan from  Travel Insurance Master , one of the biggest nameS in travel insurance.  It’s quick and simple to use.

🚙💨  Should I rent a car in Poland?

Yes- Renting a car in Poland is one of the best ways to see the country!  I always rent with Discover Cars , which checks both international companies and local Polish companies, so you get the best rates.

📲  Will my phone work in Poland?

Maybe- It depends on your company, but traveling abroad can get costly depending on who you’re with.  If you don’t have coverage for Europe, you can get access to an eSim with unlimited data with Airalo .

🎫  Do I need a visa for Poland?

Likely Not  — U.S., Canadian and most European Passport holders don’t need a visa for Poland; but check here  to see if you do need a Poland travel visa. For U.S. citizens , you can stay up to 90 days without a visa.

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Fred Again ‘Places We’ve Never Been Tour’ includes stop in Buffalo

• Updated: Aug. 09, 2024, 12:33 p.m.
• | Published: Aug. 09, 2024, 12:32 p.m.

GLASTONBURY, ENGLAND - JUNE 23: Fred again performs at Day 3 of Glastonbury Festival 2023 on June 23, 2023 in Glastonbury, England. Shirlaine Forrest/Redferns

• Madison Kemeny | [email protected]

Grammy Award-winning producer, singer-songwriter and DJ Fred Again, stylized as Fred again.., announced his 2024 “Places We’ve Never Been Tour” on Monday, August 5 in support of his forthcoming album, “Ten Days,” coming on September 6.

The fourth studio album features the already-released singles “Adore U,” “Ten” and “Places to Be,” featuring Anderson Paak and Chika. Other collaborations include Skrillex, the Japanese House, Joy Anonymous, Sampha, Four Tet and more.

The 14-stop tour kicks off on September 11 in Denver, CO, and will include a stop at Buffalo’s KeyBank Center on October 7. Other nearby stops include two nights at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena . The tour concludes on October 13 in Fort Worth, TX, however, more shows will be added in the future according to Fred Again’s announcement on Instagram .

“Whenever we go to the US I hear about (and sometimes see from the plane!!) alll these mad places that we haven’t gotten to go to and explore,” he wrote. “So yeah I can’t waittttt to see these parts and play some shows in some magical places …..and obviously this poster isn’t evvvvvery show! It’s jus every one that we’ve confirmed.”

Where to buy Fred Again tour tickets

Tickets went on sale to the general public today (August 9) at 12 p.m. local on Ticketmaster .

Tickets are also available on secondary market platforms such as Vivid Seats , StubHub and SeatGeek , where tickets are listed below or above face value, depending on demand.

For Fred Again’s Buffalo show, ticket prices start at $63.55 for upper-level seating on Ticketmaster , however, tickets are selling fast, and general admission floor tickets are already sold-out.

Here’s a look at the best resale prices available (including fees):

Upper-level seating:

• Vivid Seats : Starting at $94.26
• SeatGeek : Starting at $94
• StubHub : Starting at $81

Lower-level seating:

• Vivid Seats : Starting at $119.88
• SeatGeek : Starting at $119
• StubHub : Starting at $116

Floor general admission:

• Vivid Seats : Starting at $249.97
• SeatGeek : Starting at $234
• StubHub : Starting at $250

Prices and availability are noted at the time of publishing and are subject to change.

A complete list of Fred Again’s “Places We’ve Never Been Tour” dates is available here .

Can’t get enough live music? Fred Again isn’t the only touring artist. Check out other favorites who know how to put on an unforgettable show, including Sabrina Carpenter , Childish Gambino , Taylor Swift , King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard , Shawn Mendes and Imagine Dragons .

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The Heartbreak of Taylor Swift Fans

In today’s edition, Alex Ross on a Holocaust survivor’s extraordinary story. But first, exclusively for newsletter readers, the editor Tyler Foggatt reports from Vienna, where three shows from Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour were cancelled following a terror threat. Plus:

• What does Kamala Harris stand for?
• Donald Trump is pining for the President
• The history of the Faustian myth

Tyler Foggatt   Senior Editor

Earlier this week, I travelled to Vienna, Austria, to attend one of the three Taylor Swift concerts scheduled for this weekend. The city was overrun by Swifties, many of whom had made epic journeys to get to Vienna, the second-to-last stop on the European leg of the Eras Tour. My friend, who had flown in from Tirana, Albania, said that she encountered a group of girls at the Tirana airport who were giddily singing “I Can Do It with a Broken Heart.” They had come from Skopje, Macedonia—at least five hours away from Tirana by bus—and were headed to Vienna to fulfill what they described as their “lifelong dream of seeing Taylor.”

On Wednesday evening, less than twenty-four hours before the first concert was scheduled to begin, I was at a brewpub near the center of the city, when all of a sudden people began emitting loud sobs, looking at their phones. All three concerts had been cancelled, owing to a planned terrorist attack. Austrian authorities had arrested two teen-age ISIS sympathizers who had allegedly planned to “kill as many people as possible,” as one of the suspects reportedly said, using chemical substances, explosives, knives, and machetes. A seventeen-year-old suspect had recently been hired by an events company that was providing services to the stadium where Swift was set to perform. The restaurant, eerily, began playing a sad, acoustic version of “Bad Blood.”

Last year, after seeing a show on the Eras Tour in Philadelphia, I wrote a piece describing, among other things, how safe I felt at the concert—a rarity at any mass gathering in the United States. Other fans, who saw the tour in places like Los Angeles, Kansas City, and Edinburgh, made similar comments online: not once did they worry about a fight breaking out in the crowd or about going to the bathroom alone. The concerts are joyous occasions where even the security guards are singing and dancing. That is what is especially troubling about the events of the past few weeks, which not only include the foiled terrorist plot in Vienna but a stabbing attack in the United Kingdom, at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class, where three young children were murdered and ten others were injured.

In Vienna, the fans—who have been refunded the cost of their concert tickets but not of their extensive travel—are experiencing two feelings at once: relief that everyone is safe, but also devastation that the shows have been cancelled. “We’ve been looking forward to this for a year,” a woman from Spain, who was wearing a denim jacket that she had embroidered with the titles of Swift’s various albums, told me. The city was a beautiful place to be stranded, she said, but “we didn’t come here to see Vienna.” She was reluctant to do much sightseeing, or to go anywhere where there were large crowds.

Some Swifties have been trying to make the best out of a bad situation. They have been gathering at Corneliusgasse (the city’s version of Swift’s “Cornelia Street”) and in the city center, trading friendship bracelets and holding their own impromptu concerts. Last night, my friend and I walked to the city center, where hundreds of Swifties in the outfits they had planned to wear to the show—gold sequinned dresses, floral jumpsuits, cheerleading uniforms—were singing an a-capella version of “Shake It Off.” Two fans even got engaged, as a crowd of people sang “Love Story” around them. On social media, someone compared the horde of singing Swifties to the Whos in Whoville after the Grinch stole Christmas.

Editor’s Pick

“The word ‘indomitable’ might have been invented for her,” Alex Ross writes of the cellist Anita Lasker-Wallfisch—a Holocaust survivor, memoirist, and “unrepentant smoker,” who once performed Schumann’s “Träumerei” for Josef Mengele. Ross visits her at her home in London, where she had recently sat with the son of Rudolf Höss, the head of the death camp at Auschwitz, for a new documentary, in which Höss’s descendants reckon with his brutal legacy. “She is perhaps the most awe-inspiring person I have ever met,” Ross notes in his piece about an artist who, throughout her remarkable life, has remained resilient and witty and kind.

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• Play today’s bite-size puzzle. A clue: “Sula” author Morrison: four letters.

P.S. Artistic swimming, formerly known as synchronized swimming, is the Olympic event to watch today—despite what its critics, namely Anthony Lane, might say about it. “There are some sports, sadly, that are doomed to stay irredeemable—in which the skills required, however towering, cannot hope to emerge from the smog of absurdity,” he wrote in 2008 , from the Beijing Games. “Synchronized swimming, it is universally agreed, presents too inviting a target.”

Hannah Jocelyn contributed to this edition.

Exploring Eastern Europe: Warsaw, Krakow, Prague & Budapest

May 1 - 13, 2025

Group Size: 18-26 travelers Price:  $7,995 per person, double occupancy / $10,095 single occupancy

Trip Overview

This 11-day journey through Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary offers a fascinating blend of history, culture, and architectural splendor against a backdrop of poignant historical sites.

In Warsaw , the resilience of the Polish spirit is palpable amidst the rebuilt Old Town and thought-provoking museums. Krakow enchants with its medieval charm, the grandeur of Wawel Castle, and the solemnity of Auschwitz nearby. Prague , with its fairy-tale skyline, offers the Gothic beauty of Charles Bridge, the Astronomical Clock, and a vibrant arts scene. Finally, Budapest dazzles with its stunning Danube vistas, thermal baths, and the grandeur of Buda Castle and Parliament.

The rich tapestries of Eastern and Central European experiences—both past and present—weave together in a seamless, memorable adventure.

Schedule by Day

Depart the US on overnight flights to Warsaw.

Arrive in Warsaw and transfer to the hotel, situated in the center of old town Warsaw. This afternoon, visit the Canaletto room at the reconstructed Royal Castle, damaged in the second World War.

Warsaw’s reconstruction represents the iron resolution of the Polish people and the victory they achieved by taking back their culture. Warsaw’s Old Town and Royal Castle were added to the UNESCO World Heritage list as an “outstanding example of near-total reconstruction of a span of history covering the 13th to the 20th century”.

Gather for a welcome dinner this evening at a local restaurant.

Overnight : Hotel Verte

Meals:  D

This morning, enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town along narrow cobbled roads and through picturesque streets filled with colorful cafes and shops to visit the city’s Old Market Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stop at the Basilisk statue, admire the bronze Warsaw Mermaid, the symbol of the city, before continuing to the 14th century Gothic Arch-cathedral of St. John the Baptist.

End the morning at the Warsaw Uprising Monument, a memorial that honors those who fought against Nazi occupation and the threat of a Soviet takeover.

After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, visit the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews where one thousand years of history is told in a symbolic place in the center of Warsaw. Walk to the nearby former Umschlagplatz, the square where hundreds of thousands of Jews were loaded onto trains to concentration camps. A monument engraved with 448 names, it is a symbolic representation of all those imprisoned in the ghetto, erected here in 1988.

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals:  B, L, D

Begin the day at the Church of the Holy Cross to pay tribute to Polish composer Frédéric Chopin and admire the Nicolaus Copernicus Monument before continuing onto the Life Under Communism Museum. After lunch, visit the Galeria Forty Forty located in an abandoned fort in Warsaw. The gallery attempts to eschew the limitations often imposed by closed exhibition spaces and celebrates spontaneity.

Return to the hotel mid-afternoon and enjoy a dinner at leisure.

Meals: B, L

After breakfast, depart Warsaw and drive 2.5 hours to Czestochowa, considered the spiritual capital of Poland with a rich religious, cultural, and industrial history. Our focus here will be the Jasna Góra monastery complex, one of the most beautiful monasteries in Eastern Europe and home to the famous ‘Black Madonna’ painting as well as a Baroque cathedral and grounds.

Walk a few minutes to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, Kredens Restaurant in Częstochowa before driving just over two hours to Krakow.

After checking in to the hotel, we will depart for a walking tour of the Old Town of Krakow, including the 700-year old Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Cathedral, an immense Gothic church and Krakow’s principal temple since the 13th century.

Overnight: H15 Palace Hotel

Meals: B, L, D

This morning, meet with Jonathan Ornstein, director of the Jewish Community Center of Krakow and enjoy conversation about contemporary Jewish life in Poland.

Travel aross the Vistula River to the district of Podgorze, where the Nazis established a ghetto square for the Jews that remined in Krakow after the mass deportations of 1941. Continue to the Ghetto Heroes Square that honors the suffering with a series of empty chairs of bronze and iron, symbolizing the empty seats that the deaths of residents of the ghetto left behind. Return across the river and explore old Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz and see the oldest synagogue still staning in Poland.

After lunch at Hamsa, drive to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, added to the UNESCO’s 1st World List of Cultural and Natural Heritage in 1978.

Evening at leisure.

Meals : B, L

This morning, head west to see the biggest concentration camp from the Second World War, Auschwitz. The guided experience at Auschwitz-Birkenau will take just over three hours.

After lunch head to the Nowa Huta District. Designed as a utopian socialist new town, Nowa Huta was the largest urban spatial development in postwar Poland.

Drive a short distance to Huta Im. T. Sendzimira, the administrative headquarters of the steel factory from which you can see the miles and miles of industrial sprawl built during the Stalinist-era. Here, we have arranged a private visit to the bunkers.

Free evening.

Depart Krakow this morning and drive 5.5 hours to Prague.

Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at Mylned in the old town, where a riot of archetectual history from Gothic to Baroque to Art Deco dominates.

Begin exploring Prague by foot and bus, focusing on former Czechoslovakia’s and Prague’s time under communist rule from 1948 to 1989. Start by walking to the Old Jewish Cemetery, which is among the oldest surviving Jewish burial grounds in the world.

After visiting the cemetery, we will spend time focusing on one of the city’s most famous residents – Franz Kafka. Close by is a sculpture inspiried by Klafka’s short story, “Description of a Struggle”.

Check-in to the hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight : Alchemist Grand Hotel

This morning, we visit the Museum of Communism before continuing on to the Prague Castle Complex. Walk through the complex to the Lobkowicz Palace Museum, the only privately owned building built in the second half of the 16th century. Set in 22 galleries, the museum displays works by artists such as Antonio Canaletto, Pieter Brueghel the Elder, Lucas Cranach the Elder, and Diego Velázquez, as well as decorative art, military and hunting paraphernalia, musical instruments, and original manuscripts and early prints of composers including Beethoven and Mozart.

After lunch at the Lobkowicz Palace visit the Franz Kafka Museum before returning to the hotel via the Memorial to the Victims of Communism.

Dinner at leisure.

Overnight: Alchemist Grand Hotel

Depart the hotel this morning for a 5.5 hour drive to Budapest. After about three hours, we make an en route stop in Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia. Enjoy its preserved old towns to Goth and buildings inspired by art nouveau, to its baroque palaces and centuries-old cathedrals and castles.

After lunch in the old town, enjoy a walking tour stopping in the Main Square, admiring the famous Bratislava Street statues, National Opera and the National Philharmonic Orchestra, Cathedral.

Continue onto Budapest, just over a two-hour drive. Cross the Danube River and transfer to the Hotel Moments sailing past neo-Gothic turrets of the Hungarian Parliament, the palm leaves Statue of Liberty on the Gellert Hill, the cupolas of the Art Nouveau Gellert Spa, the elegant curves of the Gresham Palace and the soaring domes of the majestic St Stephens Basilica.

Overnight: Hotel Moments

Depart the hotel this morning on foot to explore Pest. Stop at Liberty Square, a symbol of freedom from communism and explore the huge neo-Gothic Parliament (Orszaghaz), the most visible building of Budapest’s left bank.

Visit the Shoes on the Danube Promenade, a haunting tribute to a horrific time in history where approximately 20,000 Jews were brutally shot along the bank after being forced to remove their shoes.

Cross the river and enjoy lunch at Buda before visiting Buda Castle, the former Hungarian and Austro-Hungarian royal palace. End the day at Budapest’s Gellert Hill at “The Garden of Philosophy”.

After breakfast, stop first at Hero’s Square before the House of Terror. Continue on to the incredible Ezavo Ervin Library, a stunning step back in time when libraries were like mansions.

Enjoy lunch today at the Central  Café where some of the greatest minds in the history of Hungarian art and science converged in this café. After lunch, visit the Opera House for a guided tour, one of the most beautiful Neo-Renaissance buildings in Europe.

The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure – the suggested activity is a visit to one of the baths.

Enjoy a farewell dinner tonight at a very special restaurant called Konyy. Each week, the menu changes inspired by a particular book.

Transfer to the airport for international flights home.

• $7,995 per person, double occupancy
• $10,095 per person, single occupancy

Accommodations

• Three nights at Hotel Verte in Warsaw
• Three nights at H15 Palace Hotel in Krakow
• Two nights at Alchemist Grand Hotel in Prague
• Three nights at Hotel Moments in Budapest

What to Expect

Busy pacing may include multiple hotel changes plus internal flights or long drives. May involve exposure to the outdoors, full days of touring, and walking up to two hours.

Study Leader(s)

Related Trips

For More Information

Please email [email protected] or call our office at 800-422-1636 or 617-496-0806.

• Warsaw Attractions
• Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp
• Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
• Warsaw to Auschwitz Tour
• Wroclaw to Auschwitz Tour
• Krakow to Auschwitz Tour
• Movies & Books about Auschwitz
• Plan Your Visit
• Guided Tours
• Wieliczka Salt Mine
• Oskar Schindler's Factory Tours
• Energylandia Amusement Park
• Wawel Castle
• Zakopane Thermal Baths
• St Mary's Basilica
• Chocholow Thermal Baths
• Rynek Underground Museum Tickets
• Plaszow Concentration Camp
• Be Happy Museum in Krakow
• Nowa Huta Tours
• John Paul II International Airport
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
• Things to do
• Festivals and Events

Auschwitz tour from Warsaw

• Guided Tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau from Warsaw with Lunch
• You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• Skip the line and enter the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp on this guided tour with transfers from Warsaw.
• Visit the rooms that held over 1.3 million prisoners during the Holocaust with preserved wooden watchtowers, railway ramps, and barbed fences.
• See what’s remaining of their belongings such as shoes, pieces of clothing, suitcases, and documents.
• Take a lunch break by enjoying a delicious meal at a local restaurant.
• Get dropped off at your location in Warsaw in a comfortable and spacious car or minibus, once the tour ends.
• Small group tour of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp
• Skip-the-line entry
• Licensed guide
• Transfers by car or minibus
• English-speaking driver
• Tip: Take some time out to visit the bookstore at the exit gate of Auschwitz I. Here, find books that were written by survivors of the camps that have been translated from their native language into English.
• This guided tour to the Auschwitz Museum is not recommended for children aged 14 and under.
• The tour is conducted in English.
• It is advised that you wear appropriate and respectful clothing while on this tour.
• The maximum size of backpacks or handbags brought into the Auschwitz museum cannot exceed dimensions: 30x20x10 cm.

• From Warsaw: Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour with Premium Train Transportation
• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• This Skip-the-Line, fast train trip to Auschwitz Museum gives you access to all that the museum has to offer.
• Learn about the history of the largest concentration camp complex in history.
• Absorb all you can about the role of these camps during the Holocaust from your locally licensed guide.
• Visit the original roads, fences, gas chambers, and watch towers of that time.
• Drop by Auschwitz II- Birkenau, which was the original detention center for political prisoners.
• Get picked up and dropped off from your accommodation for a painless trip.
• Pick up and drop off at your accommodation
• Transportation in a Premium Fast Train & High Standard Van
• Licensed local guide speaking in your chosen language
• Entrance fees
• Audio guide
• Food and drinks
• This tour is pram/stroller accessible.
• Photography is allowed.
• Outside food and drinks are allowed on this tour.
• The tour is offered in English, French, and German.

• Small Group Tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau with Transfers in a Minivan & Lunch
• Explore the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where over 1.3 million people were killed by the Nazis in WWII.
• Learn from your expert guide about the genocide, resistance, and liberation of the camp.
• Travel comfortably in a minivan and enjoy hotel transfers to the camp and back from Warsaw with a small group of up to 8 people.
• Witness the original buildings, barracks, gas chambers, and crematoria of Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau.
• See personal artifacts and hear moving stories about former prisoners before finishing your day with lunch at a nearby restaurant.
• Guided tour of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
• English-speaking guide
• Small group of up to 8 people
• Round-trip hotel transfers by a minivan
• Entrance fee
• Tip: Pay close attention to the "Arbeit Macht Frei" gate, which translates to "Work Sets You Free." This phrase was a cruel deception, meant to mislead and dehumanize the prisoners.
• Remember that this is a memorial site and a place of remembrance, so it's essential to be respectful throughout the visit.
• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

• Day Tour of Krakow and Auschwitz from Warsaw with Lunch
• Visit the Auschwitz and Birkenau museums and concentration camps, admire historical landmarks in Krakow, and delight in a Polish lunch on a full-day guided tour.
• Unravel the tragedies of the Holocaust at the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps, and observe preserved artifacts from the Nazi prisons.
• Learn about the ancient attractions in Krakow, such as the 70 meters tall Town Hall Tower, the UNESCO World Heritage site of “Sukiennice," the Royal Castle, and more.
• Savor a Polish soup and main course at an exclusive restaurant with an option to choose from a special menu (extra fee applicable).
• Small-group tour of Krakow & Auschwitz
• Skip-the-line entry to Auschwitz-Birkenau museums & camps
• English-speaking tour guide
• Hotel pick-up & drop-off
• Tip: When in Krakow, spare 2–3 hours to visit the Krakow Arcade Museum with over 150 arcade games. It mainly focuses on 80' and 90' classics such as Pac-Man, Galaga and Mortal Kombat.
• Guests are required to carry an identification document to enter the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum.

3-Hour Private Walking Tour of Jewish Heritage in Warsaw

• Experience Warsaw's Jewish heritage on this walking tour through the Muranów district with an English-speaking guide.
• Learn about the historic Nozyk Synagogue – the city’s only surviving pre-war house of worship – the Ghetto Wall, Ghetto Heroes Monument, and more.
• Visit Gesiowka, a Nazi concentration camp where almost 5000 Jews were imprisoned, and view the noteworthy POLIN Museum from the outside.
• 3-hr WWII Jewish Ghetto area walking tour
• Expert English-speaking guide
• Entry to POLIN Museum
• Prozna Street
• Grzybowski Square
• Nozyk Synagogue
• Ghetto Wall
• Zamenhof Street
• Gesiowka concentration camp
• The Ghetto Heroes Monument
• POLIN Museum (from the outside)
• Tip: During your stay in Warsaw, do not forget to visit the lively Hala Mirowska market. Find the freshest fruits, veggies, flowers, locally produced cheese, and much more.

Top things to do in Warsaw

Embarking on an Auschwitz Tour from Warsaw is a profound journey that delves into the tragic history of the Holocaust. Auschwitz holds deep historical importance as a former Nazi concentration and extermination camp. By visiting this solemn memorial, you'll gain a profound understanding of the atrocities committed during World War II and pay homage to the millions of innocent lives lost.

Keep reading to know your ticket options, find handy information for your trip, and gain insights into the significance of Auschwitz.

Auschwitz tour from Warsaw in a nutshell

Warsaw to Auschwitz distance:  330 kilometers

Travel duration:  3 to 4 hours 

Best time to visit:  Visit on a weekday to avoid large crowds. The months of March to May & September to November offer the most pleasant weather.

Auschwitz-Birkenau hours:

• December:  7:30 AM - 3:30 PM 
• January & November:  7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
• February:  7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
• March & October:  7:30 AM - 6:30 PM
• April, May, & September:  7:30 AM - 7:30 PM 
• June, July, & August:  7:30 AM - 8:30 PM

Things to know before going on a guided Auschwitz tour from Warsaw

• Expert guides are available in multiple languages. They provide valuable insights, historical context, and stories related to the concentration camp, enhancing your understanding of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
• Leave the logistics to the professionals, with transportation, entrance tickets, and hotel transfers all taken care of to ensure that you have a hassle-free experience.
• Guided tours cover key sites within Auschwitz-Birkenau, ensuring you don't miss any important locations or details. The guides are sensitive to the emotional impact of the visit and offer support and guidance throughout the tour.

Your Auschwitz tour from Warsaw explained

Tours with Train Travel

Enjoy a comfortable and scenic train journey from Warsaw to Auschwitz and back. Explore the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum accompanied by an expert and multilingual guide who will provide insightful commentary throughout the tour. Enjoy free pick up and drop off at your accommodation by a local driver.

Duration: 15 Hours

Recommended Tours:

• Auschwitz-Birkenau and Krakow Tour Starting From Warsaw by Train

Tours with Minivan Travel

Travel in a comfortable minivan from Warsaw to Auschwitz and enjoy the company of a small group, fostering a more engaging experience. A knowledgeable guide will accompany you throughout the tour, providing in-depth information about Auschwitz. Enjoy free hotel pick-up and drop-off.

Duration: 12 -14 Hours

Tours with Lunch

Save time and energy by having a delicious lunch included in your tour package. Immerse yourself in the history of Auschwitz-Birkenau while also savoring authentic Polish dishes and specialties. Benefit from the company of an expert English-speaking guide and free hotel pick up and drop off.

Duration: 12 - 16 Hours

Exploring Auschwitz

Auschwitz I

Auschwitz I is the first concentration camp in Poland and was opened in 1940. It holds the original brick barracks, prison cells, the watchtowers, and the infamous Arbeit Macht Frei gate, which translates to "Work Sets You Free."

Auschwitz II-Birkenau

Auschwitz II-Birkenau, the largest and deadliest part of the complex, is where the majority of the Holocaust's victims perished. The ruins of the gas chambers and crematoria stand as solemn witnesses to the past. 

 Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

This holocaust museum serves as a place of remembrance and education. The museum's exhibitions, preserved documents, and personal belongings of the victims provide a deeper understanding of the Holocaust.

What to expect on your Auschwitz tour from Warsaw?

An immersive historical journey

• Explore Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, the two main concentration and extermination camps.
• Discover the remnants of the Holocaust and learn about the atrocities committed during World War II.
• Walk through the original barracks, gas chambers, crematoria, and other chilling structures.

Emotional impact

• Prepare for an emotional experience as you witness the remnants of a dark chapter in human history.
• Pay your respects at memorials and see the memorabilia left by other visitors for the victims.
• Reflect on the importance of remembrance, tolerance, and peace.

An educational experience

• Explore the Auschwitz museum's exhibitions that house an extensive collection of photographs, personal belongings of prisoners, and documents.
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the Holocaust, its causes, and its consequences.
• Deepen your knowledge about the Nazi regime, its ideology, and the systematic persecution of millions.

Plan your Auschwitz tour from Warsaw

• December: 7:30 AM - 2 PM
• January & November: 7:30 AM - 3 PM
• February: 7:30 AM - 4 PM
• March, October: 7:30 AM - 5 PM
• April, May & September: 7:30 AM - 6 PM
• June, July & August: 7:30 AM - 7 PM

Closed on:  January 1, December 25, and Easter Sunday

Best time to visit: Weekdays during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November).

Address:  Ofiar Faszyzmu 12, 32-600 Brzezinka, Poland Find on Map

Getting to Auschwitz from Warsaw:

• By train:  Regular trains run from Warsaw Central Station (Warszawa Centralna) and take about 3.5 - 4.5 hours to reach Oswiecim station, located 2 km away from the Auschwitz concentration camp.
• By Bus:  You can take a direct bus from Warsaw's main bus station to Auschwitz. The bus journey can take around 4.5 to 5.5 hours.
• By Car:  If you prefer driving, it will take about 3-4 hours to drive from Warsaw to Auschwitz. Paid parking facilities are available near both the camps in Auschwitz.
• Guided tour:  You can also take a guided tour from Warsaw to Auschwitz, including free transfers and avoid the hassle of reaching Auschwitz yourself.

Frequently asked questions about Auschwitz tour from Warsaw

Auschwitz tour from Warsaw can be booked online. Booking in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot.

It's best to visit Auschwitz when it's less crowded, like on weekdays or the off-peak months of September to May, to avoid large crowds.

The tour typically lasts a full day, starting early in the morning and returning to Warsaw in the evening. It's an immersive experience that requires time for reflection and exploration.

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, as the tour involves extensive walking on uneven surfaces. Respectful attire is encouraged out of reverence for the solemn site.

Photography is permitted in most areas of Auschwitz, but certain sections may have restrictions out of respect for the victims.

It is possible to visit Auschwitz without booking a guided tour, but joining a guided tour offers a curated experience that enhances your understanding of the site.

Yes, transportation is included in the tour package. Comfortable air-conditioned vehicles will take you from Warsaw to Auschwitz and back, ensuring a hassle-free journey.

The tour is suitable for mature audiences due to the sensitive nature of the site. Children under the age of 14 are discouraged from visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Warsaw is approximately 330 km away from Auschwitz.

About Auschwitz Concentration Camp

Visitng Auschwitz

Auschwitz History

Courtesy USC Athletics

USC athletes get crash course on antisemitism in trip to Poland

Twenty student athletes traveled to Auschwitz, and met with U.S. special envoy Deborah Lipstadt in Washington

Until last month, University of Southern California cornerback Prophet Brown had never left the country. He didn’t even have a passport. 

The Sacramento native, whose father is from Panama, certainly did not anticipate his first international trip being to Poland — let alone Auschwitz. 

Brown traveled to Eastern Europe in July as part of the USC Student Leadership Summit, a program, run by the Shoah Foundation, that brings athletes from the sports powerhouse to Washington, D.C., and then Poland to learn about Judaism, antisemitism and the Holocaust. (It helps that the program offers athletes a rare opportunity to spend time abroad without missing practice.)

“That’s always something that I’ve been interested in, doing study abroad. But as an athlete, that’s not always available to us,” Brown told Jewish Insider in an interview in July, soon after returning from Poland. (For a group of elite athletes, it didn’t hurt that their trip took place during the Euros, allowing the USC students a firsthand view of the soccer competition among European nations that takes place every four years.)

“Before this program, I had, I would say, a very surface-level understanding and knowledge about antisemitism, and the history behind everything,” Brown added.

Twenty athletes from USC’s football, track and field, women’s soccer and women’s beach volleyball teams took part in the summit. In Washington, they visited the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and they heard from speakers including Holocaust survivor Irene Weiss and  Deborah Lipstadt, the U.S. special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism. (Lipstadt won the crowd over when she booed along with them after describing a stint early in her career spent at the University of California Los Angeles, USC’s biggest rival.) 

For most of the students, it was their first time thinking in-depth about antisemitism, and why they should act to call it out.

“I believe I was put on this earth for a reason, and that’s to help others, make people happy, put a smile on their face, be a voice if need be,” Brown said. “So going on this leadership summer program, one of the last things they said to us is, ‘Don’t make this trip pointless.’ Basically, don’t click through all this, learn about all this and then just keep it for yourself.” Back on campus, Brown and the other athletes who traveled with him are now expected to be ambassadors, students with clout among their classmates who feel empowered to speak out against antisemitism.

At a time when Middle Eastern politics have sown deep division on American college campuses, the idea of bringing a diverse group of students together to learn about antisemitism — and how it intersects with other forms of hate, particularly racism — offers a refreshing antidote to otherwise disheartening headlines from elite universities like USC. 

The students all sought out the program on their own after hearing about it from teammates or coaches who traveled to Poland in its first iteration in 2023. They came in with an open mind, despite the early meetings of the program taking place against the backdrop of campus protests about the war in Gaza. 

“It shows that the protests that we saw, the vitriol that was coming from students and way too many faculty across the country, really was a minority phenomenon,” said Robert Williams, executive director of the USC Shoah Foundation, which was founded by Steven Spielberg 30 years ago to preserve survivors’ testimony. “Most kids, they’re either apathetic or they want to know more, and everybody who participated in this program definitely wanted to know more.” 

Brown, a communications major, has identified the pitfalls of social media — and said the trip helped him consider the values of taking a step back before speaking, or posting.

“We live in a time with a lot of social media, a lot of the internet and everything going on. And sometimes people don’t learn before they carry on with things,” Brown said. “I would tell a lot more people, ‘Don’t be afraid to learn.’ I feel like sometimes we jump into topics we’re not so knowledgeable about — in sports, we call it a bandwagon, jump onto bandwagons and just go with the flow, but there’s a lot of information out there that can be learned, whether it’s books, whether it’s going to museums, whether it’s talking to others. People have stories that you could learn from. I feel like not being afraid to learn, and vocalize what you’ve learned, can help a lot.”

The idea for the program, and the focus on teaching athletes about the Holocaust, came well before the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attacks in Israel touched off a wave of antisemitism in the United States and abroad. It was sparked by NBA star Kyrie Irving making a series of antisemitic remarks and social media posts in late 2022, which prompted an eight-game suspension for Irving from the Brooklyn Nets. 

“We were trying to figure out a way that we can reach up-and-coming leaders in society, to teach them more about the relevance of the Holocaust, the history of the Holocaust and how they can identify contemporary forms of antisemitism,” Williams told JI. “It made sense to go after [and] to work with the athletics department, to see if we could train kids on those sets of issues. USC Athletics was very, very eager to do that.”

The trip to Poland included a requisite visit to Auschwitz, but it also featured stops at synagogues in Krakow and the city’s historic Jewish quarter. The athletes’ education about the Holocaust also taught them about Jewish life in the country before the Nazis sought to destroy it — and after, as Krakow has seen a revival in modern Jewish life. It was Brown’s first time at a synagogue. But it was the visit to Auschwitz that cemented a deep bond among the participants.

“It was an emotional, almost spiritual feeling, being there and in the presence of, basically, history,” Brown said. “After our tour, our group did do a debriefing, and that’s where we kind of tied in the importance of antisemitism, and calling it out, and being vocal leaders about it.” 

He thought about the connections between anti-Black racism and antisemitism, and learned just how persistent antisemitism has been throughout history. Seeing the historical evidence of those horrors up close, first in museums and then in the remnants of a Nazi death camp, taught him lessons he hadn’t considered at school. 

“As an African American myself, I’ve learned about African American history, but going to the African American museum and seeing this stuff that we’re not really taught in school or growing up or throughout time, it really was crazy,” Brown said. “Then when we were learning about antisemitism and things going on there, you’re like, well, these things are hand in hand.”

For Brown, the lesson was simple, less a new conclusion than a doubling down on a deeply held belief.

“Certain things such as racism and antisemitism, there’s really no right or wrong. You’re just wrong when you’re doing it,” he explained. “​​I feel like there’s a lot of stuff being downplayed, in a sense, or justified that shouldn’t be justified. And more people need to speak out about it.”

Back on campus, Brown is again training with his teammates for a big season. It’s the first year USC is in the Big 10, one of the most iconic conferences in the NCAA. For Brown, that means gearing up to take on the defending national champions, the Michigan Wolverines, in a late September away game in Ann Arbor.

For Williams and the Shoah Foundation, that means an opportunity to consider bringing their unique antisemitism education ambitions to America’s best collegiate athletes. 

“Our ambition was and remains to expand this not just to other student athlete groupsֹ — USC is now part of the Big 10, so perhaps is something we work with our Big 10 partners on — but also to use the framework of this program to teach other leadership quadrants, whether those are policymakers, Hill staffers, lawyers or business leaders to use this as a framework for teaching about Holocaust relevance and contemporary forms of antisemitism for a wider range of audiences,” said Williams. “We’re really only just getting started with this program.”

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Basic information

•  Admission  to the grounds of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial is free of charge. The entry cards should be reserved on visit.auschwitz.org . For better understanding the history of Auschwitz we suggest a visit with an guide-educator

• The fees are charged for guided tours. Visitors in groups are required to engage an Auschwitz Memorial guide.  There is also possibility  for individual visitors to join a guided tour . 

• The Museum also organizes  online guided tours   for groups and individual visitors.

• While on the grounds of the Museum, you are required to observe the appropriate solemnity and respect. Before the visit please read " the rules for visiting ".

• Due to overwhelming demand, please book in advance and arrive at the Memorial at least 30 minutes before the start of the tour due to security checks. The main car park and entrance to the Museum is located at  55 Więźniów Oświęcimia Street .

• The grounds and buildings of the Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau camps are open to visitors. The duration of a visit is determined solely by the individual interests and needs of the visitors. As a minimum, however, at least three-and-a-half hours should be reserved.

• The maximum size of backpacks or handbags brought into the Museum does not exceed dimensions: 35x25x15 cm.

• Visitors may leave their luggage in paid luggage storage. The dimensions of the luggage storages expressed in centimeters are 90x50x22, 60x50x22 and 85x65x42, internal dimensions are: 90x50x30, 60x50x30 and 90x65x50, and their maximum load is 30 kg.

Taking pictures  on the grounds of the State Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau in Oświęcim for own purposes, without use of a flash and stands, is allowed for exceptions to a room with the hair of Victims (Block 4) and the basements of Block 11. Material may be used only in undertakings and projects that do not violate the good name of the Victims of Auschwitz. Photography and filming on the Museum grounds for commercial purposes, at spaces closed to visitors or with a drone , require prior approval by the Museum.

• Guides . Visitors in groups are required to engage an Auschwitz Memorial guide; individual visitors may also  engage a guide-educator . For them we offer  organized tours .
• Groups of more than 10 people  are required to hire a headphone guiding system.
• Disabled . Because of the need to preserve the historical authenticity of the site of the Memorial it may be difficult for dissabled persons to move around the grounds and buildings. In order to help visitors with disabilities wheelchairs are available free of charge at the Visitor Service Centre. More information...
• It is not recommended  that children under 14 visit the Memorial

While on the grounds of the Museum,  you are required to observe  the appropriate solemnity  and respect.

• via @auschwitzmuseum" aria-label="Udostępnij na Twitter">

Images from www.auschwitz.org may be used only in publications relating to the history of the German Nazi concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz-Birkenau or the activities of the Auschwitz Memorial. Their use must not tarnish the good reputation of the victims of KL Auschwitz. Any interference in the integrity of the images – including cropping or graphic processing – is prohibited. The use of the images for commercial purposes requires the Museum’s approval and information about the publication. Publishers undertake to indicate the authors and origin of the images: www.auschwitz.org, as well as to inform the Museum of the use of the images ([email protected]).

How the Truist Championship came to be

New title sponsor takes over signature event in the charlotte area.

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CHARLOTTE – In a way, Tuesday’s announcement that Truist has become the title sponsor of Charlotte’s PGA TOUR event at Quail Hollow Club began with a phone call five years ago.

Truist, one of the premier commercial banks and financial services companies in the United States, had just announced it was moving its headquarters to the city. So, Harris, a real estate mogul who is one of the most influential business figures in Charlotte, as well as the founder of Quail Hollow, decided he should extend a virtual hand of welcome to Truist chairman and CEO Bill Rogers.

“It was a time when everybody else who was relocated was asking for money and all he was looking for was an opportunity to do the job, take care of the community and take care of the people,” Harris said. “And I called him on the phone, and I said to him, Bill, I don't care whether you do any business with us at all from a real estate company, but if we can do anything to make your move work better, please call us and ask us.

“I never dreamed I was going to end up on the tee in his logo.”

But it’s there, at least figuratively. A golf ball at the top of a tee in the center of a crown, signifying what is nicknamed the Queen City. Underneath, in the company’s signature purple, are the words Truist Championship.

“I think he actually knew this day was coming,” Rogers said with a chuckle on Tuesday before a packed house at the Innovation and Technology Center in Truist’s downtown Charlotte headquarters that had been outfitted in a green grass carpet for the festivities.

Truist has signed on with the TOUR in a big way with a seven-year contract that runs through 2031. The Truist Championship, which has raised more than $30 million for Charlotte-area charities since its inception in 2003, will be one of the TOUR’s elite Signature Events for the duration of the contract.

Quail Hollow Club will be the host of the Truist Championship for six of those years. The exception is May 5-11 2025 when the tournament moves to the Wissahickon Course at the historic Philadelphia Cricket Club because Quail Hollow is hosting the PGA Championship.

Rogers sees the one-year move as part of the “journey” rather than a detour, a chance to learn what it’s like to be a title sponsor in another strategic market for his company and one that is starved for golf. And he’s pleased that Charlotte and its citizens know Truist is in this for the long haul.

Truist named title sponsor of PGA TOUR’s Charlotte-based Signature Event

“I think you're supposed to make a statement, and I think that was the intent,” Rogers said. “Everybody, all of us who entered into it, automatically said, we want it to be long-term. Even though we were going to have Philadelphia as part of that, we wanted this to be a long-term commitment because that's the value.

“So, the city can know this is going to be here. The community knows we're going to be here for those seven years. The players know this is going to be a sustainable tournament. Let's commit to that. It's all those things. So, we all started day one saying, let's make this a long-term commitment.”

PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan sees Truist’s seven-year investment as a validation of the Signature Event series that began in 2023 and features eight limited field events with $20 million purses this season.

“I think that's a really strong testament to the model that we've worked with our players to develop,” Monahan said. “It's still early days, but that's a really positive sign.”

Monahan and Rogers first met in 2017 at a reception for the Presidents Cup, the highly successful team event that was played at Quail Hollow two years ago. Monahan remembers being impressed by Rogers and his company’s commitment to the community.

“I think there was a recognition that should there ever be an opportunity that they might be the perfect partner to have,” Monahan said. “But it wasn't like we were sitting there and talking about it. It was just I had a lot of admiration for him as a leader.”

The two men stayed in touch, though, and over the years, Rogers got to experience first-hand and understand the value of PGA TOUR events in places where they are played. So, when the sponsorship opportunity became available, Truist stepped in.

“We wanted to have a signature investment in Charlotte,” Rogers said. “We wanted it to be purposeful. We wanted it to have a long impact and it's a little bit of serendipity.

“So, the things sort of all met, the timing all sort of came together. To be honest with you, I wouldn't even know who approached whom, when. It might've been that first call I got from Johnny I don't know. But it just started organically, and this built over time.”

Monahan loves seeing the momentum already, nine months away from the first tee shots being hit by the TOUR’s top players at Wissahickon. Committees comprised of business, civic and sports leaders in Charlotte and Philadelphia are already being formed to help the TOUR’s Championship Management division stage the very best events possible.

“It matters to them. They're really invested,” Monahan said of the TOUR’s newest title sponsor. “… Bill was up on stage, but as he said, he is representing everybody. It's a part of this brand and there's a real excitement across the whole company and the area. And you never take for granted this moment. This benefits this community. It benefits our players. It allows us to continue a pretty special tradition here in Charlotte. So, it’s a great day.”

Missy Elliott tour 2024: How to get last-minute tickets for just $66

• Published: Aug. 08, 2024, 6:05 p.m.

Missy Elliott will perform in New Jersey and New York while on her first-ever tour. Donald Traill/Invision/AP

• Nicole Iuzzolino | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Missy Elliott is ready to give New Jersey and New York fans the night of their lives.

During her “Out Of This World Tour” with Ciara, Busta Rhymes and Timbaland, she will perform in at the Prudential Center in Newark on Aug. 9 and at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. on Aug. 12 .

If you want to get your hands on last-minute tickets, here is how you can.

How to get cheap, last-minute Missy Elliott tickets

The cheapest ticket available at the time of publication for Missy Elliott’s Newark show, before fees, is $66 on Vivid Seats .

For her Barclays Center show, the cheapest ticket available at the time of publication is $81 on StubHub , with the most expensive ticket being $5,464.

You can also check out other secondary sites, such as StubHub , Vivid Seats , TicketCity and SeatGeek , to find cheaper tickets than what Ticketmaster is offering. Between the four secondary sites, cheap ticket prices range between $71 and $95.

First-time Vivid Seats users can save $20 on ticket orders over $200 by entering promo code NJ20 at checkout.

A complete list of Missy Elliott’s tour dates is available here .

Missy Elliott Tour 2024: Dates, schedule & more

Missy Elliott began her tour on July 4 in Vancouver, BC and will wrap up her tour on Aug. 22 in Rosemont, Ill.

This is also her first tour ever, which means tickets will probably sell fast if you don’t get your hands on them soon.

If you are interested in her Barclays Center concert, and you are an American Express cardholder, you can receive special benefits at Brooklyn arena, including access to the American Express Card Member Entrance and an exclusive discount at concession stands.

Upcoming 2024 tours

Missy Elliott isn’t the only artist heading out on a massive tour this year.

Here are other artists you do not want to miss seeing live: Taylor Swift , Sabrina Carpenter , Zach Bryan and Nicki Minaj .

The Best Upcoming 2024 Tours

• Morgan Wallen tour: Where to find the cheapest tickets on StubHub, Vivid Seats & more
• Ice Spice tour 2024: How to get last-minute tickets for just $44 for her NYC shows
• Green Day tour 2024: How to get last-minute tickets for just $83
• The cheapest Olivia Rodrigo tickets: Where to find the best prices for all her U.S. tour dates in August

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com .

Nicole Iuzzolino can be reached at [email protected] . Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips .

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