Planning a visit to Auschwitz in December? You’ll find a unique and solemn experience awaits. The site is open every day except Christmas, with guided tours available from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM. The price includes tours of both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau camps, along with a headset rental for clear audio throughout your visit.
As you explore these historic grounds, knowledgeable guide-educators will lead you through the former camps. They’ll share important facts and stories, helping you grasp the site’s grim past. The tour typically lasts about 3.5 hours, giving you time to absorb the atmosphere and reflect on the events that took place here.
Remember to book your tickets in advance through the official website. This ensures you get your preferred time slot and helps you avoid queues on arrival. Dress warmly for the winter weather and wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking quite a bit during the tour.
Planning visit to Auschwitz in December
Booking your Auschwitz tour in December requires careful planning. You’ll need to consider reservations, transport options, and opening hours to make the most of your visit to this important memorial site.
Reservation Details
To visit Auschwitz-Birkenau, you must book your entry pass in advance. Go to visit.auschwitz.org to reserve your spot.
Choose between a guided tour or self-guided visit. Guided tours last about 3.5 hours and cover both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. They’re available in several languages, including English. Book at least two months ahead, especially for December visits, as slots fill up quickly.
For individual visitors, there’s an option for online guided tours. These last about two hours and include both camp sites. You’ll get live narration from a guide plus multimedia materials.
Getting to Auschwitz-Birkenau
The memorial is about 70 km west of Krakow. You can reach it by:
- Public bus: Regular services run from Krakow main bus station.
- Train: Take a train to Oświęcim station, then a local bus to the museum.
- Car: About a 1.5-hour drive from Krakow.
- Organised tour: Many companies offer trips from Krakow with hotel pickup.
Consider the winter weather when planning your journey. Roads can be icy, so allow extra travel time.
Opening Hours
In December, Auschwitz-Birkenau is open daily but with shorter hours than in summer. The site typically opens at 7:30 am and closes earlier, around 2 pm. Check the official website for exact times during your visit.
Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled entry time. This allows for security checks and collecting your headset if you’re on a guided tour.
Remember, the weather can be quite cold in December. Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven ground.
Auschwitz December Tours and Education
Auschwitz-Birkenau offers various tour options and educational programmes. These help visitors learn about the camp’s history and honour the victims.
Types of Tours Available
You can choose from several tour types at Auschwitz-Birkenau. General tours last 2.5 or 3.5 hours and cover both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau camps. A guide-educator leads these tours, providing insights into the site’s tragic past.
For a more in-depth experience, you might opt for a one-day study tour lasting about 6 hours. This extended visit includes additional areas like the national exhibitions and the ‘Sauna’ building.
Online guided tours are also available, lasting 2 hours. These virtual visits allow you to explore the memorial from home.
Study Programmes and Workshops
The Auschwitz Memorial offers educational programmes for those seeking a deeper understanding. Two-day study tours provide a comprehensive look at the camps, with each day focusing on different aspects.
Workshops and specialised tours can be arranged for groups. These programmes often explore specific themes related to the camp’s history.
You’ll find that licensed museum guides lead all tours. They ensure accurate information is shared while maintaining a respectful atmosphere.
Museum Exhibitions
The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum offers a range of exhibitions that provide insight into the Auschwitz camp’s history. You’ll find both permanent displays and temporary exhibits that use various media to tell the stories of those who suffered there.
Permanent Exhibitions
The main exhibition at Auschwitz I covers the history of the camp and the Holocaust. You’ll see original artefacts, documents, and photographs spread across several buildings. Block 5 houses exhibits on material evidence of crimes, including victims’ personal belongings.
In Block 14, you can explore the Russian exhibition. The Central building in Auschwitz II-Birkenau offers a look into prisoner processing.
Many country-specific exhibitions exist too. For example, the French exhibition in Block 20 tells the story of French deportees.
Temporary Displays
Temporary exhibitions change regularly, offering fresh perspectives on the camp’s history. These often feature special collections or focus on specific themes related to the Holocaust.
You might see displays of artistic works created by survivors or contemporary artists responding to the Holocaust. Some exhibitions use multimedia materials to bring testimonies to life.
The museum sometimes hosts travelling exhibitions, bringing in content from other institutions to broaden your understanding of this period in history.
Read also KrakowTOP articles:
- Auschwitz and Zakopane Tour – Unique combination tour including Auschwitz and the mountain resort town
- How to Prepare for Auschwitz Tour – Essential tips for mental and practical preparation
- Cheapest Way to Visit Auschwitz – Budget-friendly transportation alternatives
- Last Minute Auschwitz Tours – How to book tours on short notice
- Taxi from Krakow to Auschwitz – Taxi options, estimated costs and duration
- Warsaw: Full-day Tour to Krakow and Auschwitz by Train – Comprehensive tour using train transportation from Warsaw
Accessibility and Services
Auschwitz offers various accommodations and amenities to make your visit comfortable and accessible. The site strives to cater to visitors with different needs and provides essential services.
Special Access Requirements
Wheelchair access is available at both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. Most areas of the memorial are wheelchair-friendly, with ramps and lifts in place. You can request a wheelchair at the entrance free of charge.
For visitors with hearing impairments, headsets are provided during guided tours. These ensure you can clearly hear the guide’s explanations even in crowded areas.
If you have mobility issues, you can use a shuttle bus between Auschwitz I and Birkenau. This service is included in your tour ticket.
Visitor Amenities
You’ll find several amenities to make your visit more comfortable. There are car parks available near both sites, but be aware that parking fees may apply.
Toilets are located near the entrance of both camps. You’ll also find a small café and bookshop at Auschwitz I where you can purchase refreshments and educational materials.
Remember to bring your passport or another form of ID, as it’s required for entry. Lockers are available to store large bags, which aren’t allowed inside the memorial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a visit to Auschwitz in December requires some key information. Here are answers to common questions about touring the site during this winter month.
What are the operating hours of Auschwitz during December?
Auschwitz is open to visitors from 7:30 am to 2:00 pm in December. The site closes earlier in winter due to shorter daylight hours. It’s best to arrive early to make the most of your visit.
Can you visit Auschwitz without a guide, and how do you secure entry tickets?
You must visit with a guide from October to March. Book tickets online through the official Auschwitz website at least two months in advance. Guided tours are the only option during winter months.
What are the recommended tour packages available for Auschwitz in December?
The standard guided tour lasts about 3.5 hours. It covers both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau camps. For a more in-depth experience, consider the 6-hour study tour.
Start Planning Your Krakow Trip Now!
- Unsure where to stay in Krakow? Discover top-rated Old Town and Kazimierz hotels with Booking.com. Reserve now, pay later, and enjoy free cancellations.
- Book your airport transfer now and enjoy a hassle-free ride directly to your hotel. Driver will meet you at John Paul II International Airport Kraków–Balice.
- Take a Sobering Tour of Auschwitz. Arrange a visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum to pay tribute and learn about this significant historical site.
Due to high demand, especially during the winter season, it’s strongly recommended to book your tickets, tour to Auschwitz and accomodation well in advance to secure your preferred dates and times! ⏰ Book Auschwitz Tour 🔖
- Explore the Fascinating Wieliczka Salt Mine! Book your guided tour today and discover this UNESCO World Heritage site just outside Krakow. These tours are popular year-round, so book early to avoid disappointment and ensure your spot.
- Looking for ideas? Check out our KrakowTOP.org recommended itineraries, including the famous Christmas Market, holiday events, and must-see Krakow attractions like Wawel Castle, Oskar Schindler’s Factory and St. Mary’s Basilica.
How should one dress when visiting Auschwitz?
Dress warmly in layers for December visits. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on uneven ground. Bring a warm coat, hat, gloves, and scarf to stay comfortable outdoors.
Are there any restrictions on when you can visit Auschwitz in December?
The site is closed on Christmas Day (25 December) and New Year’s Day (1 January). Book your visit on other days in December. Check the official website for any unexpected closures or changes.
What is the most convenient way to travel from Krakow to Auschwitz?
The easiest way is to book a tour with transport included. Alternatively, take a bus from Krakow’s main bus station. The journey takes about 1.5 hours. Trains are also available but require a shuttle bus to reach the site.
