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Product #170214
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Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum guided tour

Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum guided tour

Poland-Lesser Poland , krakow
No cancellation
Please present the e-voucher on-site
  • Visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau complex, the largest of the Nazi concentration camps, and learn more about the everyday life of prisoners from a licensed guide.
[5% App discount] Code: APP5OFF , HK: APP15HK
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Product Info

-What you can expect-
After the invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany, all the western regions of Poland were annexed by the Third Reich. The town was renamed as Auschwitz, and the same name was given to a complex of concentration and extermination camps that were built there. The history of the Auschwitz concentration camp can be divided into two primary periods: the years 1940-1942, when it functioned as a concentration camp and a place of slow extermination, and the years 1942-1944, when it was transformed into the biggest centre of immediate mass extermination of Jews. It is estimated that over 1.1 million women, men, and children died in the camp during these four years.

A visit to the Auschwitz Museum allows you to learn about the cruel fate of these people and to broaden your historical knowledge of the Holocaust. A trip to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum is a specific encounter with the history of Nazi cruelty and the fate of the Holocaust victims, which is the saddest in the history of humanity. During the tour, you will see a permanent exhibition, original camp buildings in the main part of the complex (Auschwitz) and the most important sites in Brzezinka (Birkenau). During the tour, your group will be accompanied by an experienced museum guide who will tell you step by step about the sad fate of the camp victims.

Purchase Notice

Duration: Lasts 8 hours

Reminders

  • Please refer to your voucher for final information regarding meeting points, pick-up locations, and pick-up time

  • Meeting point description: The meeting point is the coach stop next to Krakow Main Post Office.(Wielopole 2, 33-332 Kraków, Poland)

  • The museum can change your visit time, so your pickup time may change accordingly. You will receive final confirmation via email 1–2 days before the tour. Due to the extremely high visitors’ volume and internal policies, Auschwitz-Birkenau reserves the right to cancel tours or guides at any time, even a few days or hours before the visit. If this happens, you'll be informed and if possible, offered an alternative date or program

  • All participants must provide their full name and contact details at the time of booking. Please ensure that the name on your ID exactly matches the name provided at the booking to avoid issues at the entrance

  • Luggage is not permitted in the camp except for hand baggage. Hand baggage is considered to be luggage with maximum dimensions of 30cm x 20cm x 10cm. To enter the museum, it is required that you do not bring any luggage

  • Child and Infant tickets do not include headsets at Auschwitz I Camp

  • The guided tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours and is conducted according to Auschwitz Birkenau State Museum Rules and Regulations

  • All visitors are required to pass through security checks before entering the museum grounds

  • You can take a snack and a drink with you if you wish but remember that the program of the trip does not include any lunch break

FAQ

1. Does the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum guided tour include both the Auschwitz I and Birkenau (Auschwitz II) sites?

Yes, a comprehensive guided tour typically covers both key sites of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum: Auschwitz I (the main camp) and Birkenau (Auschwitz II, the extermination camp). Visitors will travel between the two sites, usually by a shuttle service provided by the museum. A licensed guide accompanies the group throughout, providing historical context and insights into both areas.

2. How long is the typical visit duration for the Auschwitz-Birkenau complex with a guided tour?

A guided tour of the entire Auschwitz-Birkenau complex usually lasts approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. This duration includes time spent at both Auschwitz I and Birkenau (Auschwitz II), as well as travel time between the sites. It allows for a comprehensive and respectful exploration of the memorial, ensuring visitors have enough time to absorb the profound history.

3. What is the recommended dress code and visitor preparation for touring the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial?

Visitors should dress respectfully and comfortably, as the tour involves a significant amount of walking both indoors and outdoors. It is advisable to wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Comfortable walking shoes are essential due to the extensive grounds. Be prepared for varying weather conditions, as parts of the tour are exposed to the elements.

4. What is the best time of year or month to visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum?

Auschwitz-Birkenau can be visited year-round. Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) generally offer milder weather and fewer crowds compared to peak summer months. Visiting in winter can provide a more somber and reflective atmosphere, although it will be colder and potentially snowy. Advance booking is highly recommended regardless of the season.

5. How do visitors travel between the Auschwitz I and Birkenau (Auschwitz II) sites during a tour?

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum provides a free shuttle bus service that runs regularly between Auschwitz I and Birkenau (Auschwitz II). The distance between the two sites is approximately 3.5 kilometers (2 miles). The shuttle makes travel convenient and is typically included as part of the guided tour experience. Walking between the sites is also an option, taking about 45-60 minutes.

6. Can visitors explore the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial without booking an organized guided tour?

Yes, it is possible to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau without an organized guided tour. Individual visitors can enter for free, but during peak hours (e.g., between 10 AM and 3 PM), individual entry without a pre-reserved spot on a guided tour may be restricted to manage visitor flow. While individual visits are permitted, joining a licensed guided tour is generally recommended for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the historical context.

7. What are the main public transportation options to reach the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial from Krakow?

From Krakow, visitors can conveniently reach the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial by bus or train. Direct buses frequently depart from Krakow's MDA main bus station to Oświęcim (the town where Auschwitz is located), with a journey taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Trains also run from Krakow Glowny (main station) to Oświęcim, though the train station is a bit further from the museum entrance, requiring a short local bus or taxi ride.

8. What is the process for booking a guided tour for the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and Memorial?

Booking a guided tour for the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial is highly recommended and can be done conveniently online. You can reserve your tour well in advance through KKday, which offers a streamlined booking experience and ensures your spot, especially during peak travel seasons. Booking through KKday allows you to secure a licensed guide and a comprehensive visit without hassle, providing clear information and reliable service.

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