Please refer to your voucher for final information regarding meeting points, pick-up locations, and pick-up time
Meeting point description: Meet your tour leader at Straszewskiego Street 14. Please arrive at the meeting point 5 minutes prior to the departure time and present your voucher at the bus entrance.(Straszewskiego 14, 31-101 Kraków, Poland)
Accessibility:This tour is not recommended for people with a disability due to a gravel surface and many buildings with no ramps or lifts. If so, people with a disability must be accompanied
Not allowed:Pets aren't allowed in the mine
Smoking and the use of open fire in the mine are strictly forbidden
Baby carriages and luggage larger than 30×20×10 cm are not permitted
Know in advance:The local partner will contact you to arrange the exact time of the tour. Remember to enter your valid phone number at checkout
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 may change your visit time, affecting your pickup time. Final confirmation will be emailed 1-2 days before the tour. Due to high visitor numbers, Auschwitz-Birkenau may cancel tours or guides at short notice. If this occurs, you'll be informed and offered alternatives when possible
All visitors are required to pass through security checks before entering the museum grounds
The duration and order of the tour can change due to available entrance places, extra lunch time or traffic
Remember to bring:Warm clothing, as the temperature in the mine ranges between 14 and 16 °C
A valid ID
Comfortable shoes. There are 800 steps to climb, and 350 of these are at the beginning, taking you down into the mine
Yes, it is possible to visit both the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and the Wieliczka Salt Mine within a single day. Many organized tours from Krakow are specifically designed for this purpose, providing transportation and ensuring efficient scheduling for guided visits to both solemn historical sites and the unique underground mine.
Yes, a comprehensive Auschwitz tour almost always includes a visit to both Auschwitz I (the main camp) and Birkenau (Auschwitz II). Birkenau, located a short distance from Auschwitz I, was the largest extermination camp and is crucial for a complete understanding of the history. Visitors are usually transported between the two sites as part of the guided experience.
Visitors typically travel between Auschwitz I and Birkenau (Auschwitz II) using a free shuttle bus service provided by the museum, which runs frequently. Alternatively, the distance is approximately 3 kilometers (1.9 miles), which can be walked in about 45 minutes. Taxis are also available for convenience.
Photography is generally permitted at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial for personal use, but with specific restrictions. Flash photography is prohibited inside buildings. Certain areas, particularly within Auschwitz I, may have explicit 'no photography' signs for respectful considerations or conservation. Always adhere to the solemnity of the site and posted guidelines.
From Krakow, you can reach the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial by public bus or train. Direct buses frequently depart from Krakow's MDA main bus station to Oświęcim, stopping directly at the museum. Trains also run from Krakow Glowny (Main Station) to Oświęcim station; from there, a local bus or taxi can take you the remaining 2 kilometers to the memorial.
A standard guided tour of the Wieliczka Salt Mine typically lasts about 2 to 3 hours. It involves descending hundreds of steps underground to explore a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring impressive chambers, chapels carved entirely from salt, intricate salt sculptures, and underground lakes. The tour follows a specific historical route showcasing the mine's unique beauty and heritage.
During a visit to Auschwitz I, key areas to focus on include the brick barracks which house numerous exhibits with historical documents and personal belongings. Important sections are Block 4 (Extermination), Block 5 (Material Evidence of Crimes), Block 11 (the 'Death Block') with its courtyard, and the original gas chamber and crematorium. These provide profound insights into the camp's history.
For a full-day combined tour, wear comfortable walking shoes as both sites involve extensive walking. Dress in layers, as the Wieliczka Salt Mine maintains a consistent cool temperature underground, while Auschwitz-Birkenau is mostly outdoors and exposed to weather. Carry water and be prepared for a long, emotionally impactful day.