From Krakow, you can organize a day trip to the remains of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. This is your chance to witness one of the greatest horrors of modern times. On this tour, you’ll learn more about the sad history of the Holocaust by visiting the memorial (with a guide) and the Auschwitz-Birkenau museum.
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4.8/5 – Google
Book your visit
Adress : Więźniów Oświęcimia 20, 32-603 Oświęcim
Opening hours : Lun – Dim : 07h30 – 16h
Phone number : +48 33 844 80 00
Our thoughts on the Auschwitz camp visit
Interests
- Historical place
- Guided tours in English
- Total immersion
What we think about it
This is a historic visit that should be made at least once in your life. A duty to remember. We can only recommend it.
History of the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp
The Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp is one of the main symbols, if not the symbol, of one of the darkest and most difficult periods in our history. It was founded by the Nazis in 1940, and enlarged a year later. The camp became a veritable concentration and extermination camp complex, in which millions of Jews were to die.
The camp was divided into three parts:
- Auschwitz I: the main camp, where political prisoners and prisoners of war were forced to perform hard labor.
- Auschwitz II: the largest of the three sites. It was the main extermination site.
- Auschwitz III: this was a forced-labor camp, where prisoners were exploited day and night in factories.
The camp operated for 5 years, before being discovered and liberated by the Soviet army. Since then, it has served as a memorial. A place to discover, especially if you want to take part in remembering the atrocities committed during the Second World War.
Where is Auschwitz-Birkenau located?
The former Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp is located in Poland, 70 kilometers from Krakow. Getting there is easy. You can take a car, bus or train from Krakow. You’ll need to allow between 1h and 1h30 (depending on road conditions and traffic) to get there.
How do I visit Auschwitz-Birkenau?
Are you staying in Krakow and absolutely must see this historic monument? You can book a day trip, during which you’ll be picked up in front of your hotel. You’ll then travel in a minivan to Oświęcim. From there, your tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau begins, lasting around 3.5 hours.
What can I visit on this tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau?
During your tour of the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp, you’ll discover the Auschwitz-Birkenau National Museum. A tour of over 3 kilometers through the two former concentration camps, only a few kilometers apart. On this tour, you’ll pass by some of the best-known remnants of the two camps, including :
- The camp entrance, with the inscription “Arbeit macht frei” (“Work conquers freedom”)
Authentic barracks, where prisoners were left to die - Old gas chambers
- Personal goods and pictures
- Train platforms and tracks, where new people were brought to the site.
This is your chance to discover how millions of people tried to survive those few years of the Holocaust. It’s a poignant and painful experience, but one that’s essential if you too wish to play your part in remembering the past.
Can I visit Auschwitz-Birkenau in English?
The answer is yes. In fact, it is possible to visit the concentration camp with an English guide. When you book your tour, you can choose the language in which you would like to be guided. You’ll then join a group of people who speak the same language as you. Groups are usually made up of around 20 people.
Things to know before you go
How much does it cost to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau?
Are you passing through Krakow and would like to visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp? It’s not very expensive. If you use Treepeo, in collaboration with GetYourGuide, you’ll benefit from preferential rates. A full day’s visit will cost you around 20 euros per person. Everything is included (except lunch)!
How do I book my ticket to Auschwitz-Birkenau?
Booking your visit to the concentration camp is simple. Simply enter the number of tickets you wish to reserve and the language in which you would like your tour to be organized. Then simply pay.
You’ll need to arrive about 15 minutes before the start of your visit (although we recommend arriving much earlier). Please make sure you write your surname correctly, as you may be refused entry if the name on your booking is not identical to the name on your ID.