Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine from Krakow with lunch
- Uncover Poland's history with a guided tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine with lunch included. Book now for an unforgettable day of exploration!
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Please refer to your voucher for final information regarding meeting points, pick-up locations, and pick-up time
Meeting point description: Please be ready outside your accommodation in Krakow. The local operator will contact you the day before the tour to confirm the exact pick-up time.
Know in advance: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
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 will be informed and if possible, offered an alternative date or program
All visitors are required to pass through security checks before entering the museum grounds
The temperature in the salt mine is approximately 14 degrees C (57 degrees F), please wear warm clothes
You'll be picked up from your accommodation in Krakow. Please provide the name and address of your hotel at checkout
The maximum size of bags and backpacks allowed in the museum is 30 x 20 x 10 cm. You can always leave your belongings in the bus
Please note that to reach the first level of the mine (64 meters underground), you must descend a wooden stairway that has 378 steps. After the tour, you will be taken up to the surface with a lift
Remember to bring:A valid ID or passport
Comfortable shoes
An extra jacket
FAQ
1. What is the recommended dress code for visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau?
When visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau, it is recommended to dress respectfully and modestly. This generally means covering your shoulders and knees. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as the tour involves significant walking both indoors and outdoors across uneven terrain. It's also advisable to check the weather forecast and dress in layers, as parts of the memorial are open-air.
2. What is the typical duration for a combined tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine?
A combined tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine is a full-day experience, typically lasting around 10 to 12 hours from departure to return. This duration includes travel time from Krakow, guided tours at both sites (approximately 3.5-4 hours for Auschwitz-Birkenau and 2.5-3 hours for the Salt Mine), and dedicated time for lunch, which is often included in such tours.
3. What should visitors expect from a guided tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau?
Visitors on a guided tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau should expect a profoundly moving and educational experience. A professional guide will lead you through both Auschwitz I (the former main camp) and Birkenau (Auschwitz II), providing historical context, personal stories, and insights. The tour covers barracks, gas chambers, and other preserved structures, offering a somber but crucial understanding of the site's history and significance. Be prepared for extensive walking and a quiet, reflective atmosphere.
4. What is the approximate travel time between Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine?
The approximate travel time by road between Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine is typically between 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Both sites are located in different directions from Krakow, making the transfer a significant part of a combined tour's logistics.
5. Is a shuttle service available for transport between Auschwitz I and Birkenau (Auschwitz II)?
Yes, a free shuttle bus service operates regularly between the Auschwitz I Memorial Museum and Birkenau (Auschwitz II). The distance between the two main parts of the memorial is approximately 3 kilometers (about 2 miles), so utilizing the shuttle is highly recommended for convenience and to save time, especially during organized tours.
6. What are the public transportation options for reaching Auschwitz-Birkenau from Krakow?
To reach Auschwitz-Birkenau from Krakow by public transport, the most direct option is to take a bus from Krakow's MDA main bus station. These buses typically travel directly to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum in Oświęcim. Alternatively, you can take a train from Krakow Główny (main train station) to Oświęcim, and then transfer to a local bus or taxi for the short ride to the museum entrance.
7. Is it possible to use ride-sharing services or taxis to get to Auschwitz-Birkenau from Krakow?
Yes, it is certainly possible to use ride-sharing services like Uber or Bolt, as well as traditional taxis, to travel from Krakow to Auschwitz-Birkenau. This option offers convenience and direct transportation, with a typical travel time of about 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic. It provides a flexible alternative to public transport or organized tours for independent travelers.
8. What should visitors know about walking or accessing Birkenau (Auschwitz II) from Auschwitz I?
Visitors should be aware that walking from Auschwitz I to Birkenau (Auschwitz II) is feasible but takes approximately 30-45 minutes, covering about 3 kilometers (2 miles). Given the emotionally demanding nature of the visit and the extensive walking already involved within the sites, using the complimentary shuttle bus service or included tour transportation between the two camps is generally recommended to conserve energy and time.
