Visiting Auschwitz is a profound and moving experience. Many people wonder if they can simply show up without planning ahead. The short answer is no. You need to reserve an entry pass in advance to visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial.
The Auschwitz museum limits daily visitors to preserve the site and provide a meaningful experience. You can book your entry pass online at visit.auschwitz.org. This system helps manage crowds and ensures you can access the grounds on your chosen date.
While entry to Auschwitz is free, guided tours have a fee. A tour gives you deeper insights into the camp’s history. Plan to spend at least 90 minutes at each site – Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled time to go through security checks.
Planning Visit to Auschwitz Without a Reservation
Visiting Auschwitz requires careful planning. You’ll need to consider the different sections of the camp and when to go.
Understanding Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau
Auschwitz has two main parts: Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. You should visit both to get a full picture of the Holocaust’s impact.
Auschwitz I was the first camp. It has brick buildings and the infamous “Arbeit Macht Frei” gate. You’ll see exhibits about prisoner life and Nazi crimes here.
Auschwitz II-Birkenau is much larger. It shows the massive scale of the killing operation. You’ll see the ruins of gas chambers and crematoriums.
Plan to spend at least 90 minutes at each site. The two camps are about 3 km apart. A free shuttle bus runs between them.
Checking Opening Hours and Admission Policies
Auschwitz is open daily, but hours change by season. In summer (June-August), it’s open from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM. Hours are shorter in other months.
Entry to the grounds is free. But you need to reserve a time slot online. This helps manage visitor numbers.
Auschwitz Guided tours are available for a fee. They cost 100-110 PLN, depending on the language. Tours give you deeper insights into the camp’s history.
You can visit without a guide. But a tour can help you understand the site better.
Reservation Procedures and Entry Passes
Visiting Auschwitz requires getting an entry pass in advance. The process differs for individuals and groups. Here’s what you need to know about securing your visit.
Securing Entry Passes for Individual Visitors
You must book your entry pass before going to Auschwitz. Visit the official website at visit.auschwitz.org to make a reservation. Entry passes are limited, so book early. Your pass will be personalized and pre-paid.
Arrive at least 30 minutes before your tour starts. You can’t enter without a pre-booked pass. While you can try to get a pass on-site, there’s no guarantee of availability.
Free entry is possible, but you still need to reserve a pass online. For a deeper understanding, consider booking a guided tour for a small fee.
Group and Study Tour Reservations
For group visits, you’ll follow a different booking process. Make your reservation at visit.auschwitz.org. You have 3 days to complete the booking after starting it.
Enter all visitors’ names when reserving. Pay for your passes within the given time to confirm your booking.
Study tours require special arrangements. Contact the museum directly for these educational visits. They may offer tailored programs for students.
Book well in advance for group tours. This ensures you get your preferred date and time. Remember, all visitors need a personalized entry pass, even in a group.
Tour Options at Auschwitz
You have several ways to explore Auschwitz-Birkenau. The museum offers guided tours with experts and self-guided options for those who prefer to go at their own pace.
Exploring with Guide-Educators
Guided tours last about 3.5 hours and cover both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau camps. A guide-educator leads groups of up to 30 people. You’ll get a headset to hear the guide clearly.
The tour starts at Auschwitz I. A shuttle bus takes you to Birkenau. This is included in your ticket price.
For a deeper look, you can book a one or two-day study tour. These last 6 hours or two 3-hour sessions. If you’re short on time, there’s a 2.5-hour version before closing hours.
Self-Guided and Online Tour Alternatives
You can visit the camps on your own without a guide. This lets you set your own pace and focus on areas that interest you most.
The museum suggests setting aside at least 3.5 hours for a self-guided visit.
If you can’t travel to Poland, there’s a 2-hour online guided tour option. A museum educator leads these virtual visits.
This lets you learn about Auschwitz from home. It’s a good choice if you want to prepare for a future in-person visit.
Getting to Auschwitz
Auschwitz is easy to reach from nearby cities. You have a few options for transportation to the memorial site.
Travel Options from Kraków and Oświęcim
You can get to Auschwitz from Kraków by bus, train, or car. Buses run regularly from Kraków’s main bus station to Oświęcim, taking about 1.5 hours. This is often the simplest choice.
Trains also connect Kraków to Oświęcim, with a journey time of 1.5-2 hours. The Auschwitz museum is a short walk or taxi ride from the Oświęcim train station.
If you prefer to drive, the trip from Kraków takes about 1 hour. There is parking available at the memorial site.
From Oświęcim town center, you can take a short local bus ride or taxi to reach the Auschwitz museum. The museum is about 2 km from the town center.
Visiting Guidelines and Etiquette
Visiting Auschwitz requires preparation and respectful behavior. Follow these guidelines to ensure a meaningful experience while honoring the site’s significance.
Security Checks and Items Permitted on the Premises
You’ll go through security checks when entering Auschwitz. Bring only essential items in a small bag. Large backpacks and suitcases aren’t allowed.
Permitted items:
- Small cameras (no flash)
- Water bottles
- Guidebooks
Prohibited items:
- Weapons
- Alcohol
- Drones
Dress appropriately for the weather. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven ground. In winter, bring warm layers as much of the tour is outdoors.
Observing Solemnity and Respect
Auschwitz is a place of remembrance for Nazi crimes. Show respect for victims and their families during your visit.
Do:
- Speak quietly
- Listen to your guide
- Ask questions respectfully
Don’t:
- Take selfies
- Eat or drink inside buildings
- Touch exhibits or remains
Remember you’re visiting a former concentration camp where many people suffered and died. Reflect on this as you tour the gas chambers and other areas.
Your behavior impacts other visitors. Stay with your group and follow all rules set by the memorial staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many visitors have questions about planning a trip to Auschwitz. Here are some key things to know about visiting this important historical site.
How long is a typical visit to Auschwitz?
A typical visit to Auschwitz takes about 3-4 hours. This includes seeing both the Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau sites.
You’ll want at least 90 minutes for each part of the camp. This gives you time to walk the grounds and see the exhibits.
Are there any costs associated with entering Auschwitz?
Entry to the Auschwitz Memorial is free. You don’t have to pay to go onto the grounds.
There is a fee if you want a guided tour. You can book these tours online ahead of time.
Is it possible to explore Auschwitz without a guide?
Yes, you can visit Auschwitz without a guide. You can walk around on your own and see the exhibits.
But a guide can give you more info about what you’re seeing. They can answer questions and share important facts.
What are the options for touring Auschwitz from Krakow?
You have a few choices for visiting Auschwitz from Krakow. You can take a bus or join a group tour.
Some tours include transport and a guide. Others just give you a ride there and back.
Can one do a day trip to Auschwitz?
Yes, you can visit Auschwitz as a day trip. Many people do this from Krakow.
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.
The trip takes about 1.5 hours each way. With travel time and 3-4 hours at the site, it makes for a full day.
Should visitors opt for a guided tour when visiting Auschwitz?
A guided tour can be very helpful at Auschwitz. Guides know a lot about the site’s history.
They can point out things you might miss on your own. But it’s up to you if you want a guide or not.
