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How to Prepare for Auschwitz Tour

Planning Your Pilgrimage: How to Get Ready for Your Auschwitz Visit

Preparing for a tour of Auschwitz, the site of the former Nazi concentration and extermination camp, requires a respectful acknowledgment of its history as the epicentre of the Holocaust, where over a million people were murdered.

As you plan your visit, remember that this is not just a place to learn about history but a memorial to the victims. It’s essential to approach the tour with a sense of reverence and reflection, considering the gravity of the atrocities committed there.

Visiting Auschwitz demands both emotional and practical preparation. The scale of the site is vast, encompassing both Auschwitz I (the original camp) and Auschwitz II-Birkenau (the extermination camp), and you’ll likely spend several hours on site.

How to Prepare for Auschwitz Tour

Dressing appropriately for the weather with comfortable footwear is important, as tours can last a few hours and involve much walking.

Since guided tours are mandatory to gain deeper insight into the historical context and significance of the site, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially since the number of daily visitors could be limited for conservation and commemorative reasons.

Bear in mind that the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp operates with specific rules to preserve the dignity of the site. Photography is permitted in most areas, but out of respect for those who died, certain areas prohibit it.

Before your visit, it might also be beneficial to acquaint yourself with the historical background of the camp and the broader context of the Holocaust to contextualise what you will see and experience.

Engaging with this sobering chapter in human history is an educational and sombre journey, which is why being psychologically prepared is as necessary as the practical aspects of the tour.

Historical Contex about Auschwitz

How I should prepare for going to Auschwitz

Before visiting Auschwitz, it’s essential to understand its place in history as it is integral to comprehending the scale of atrocities committed during the Holocaust in World War II.

Knowledge of the camp’s evolution from a concentration camp to a major site of extermination offers critical insight for your visit. Read also How Much is the Entry Fee for Auschwitz?

World War II and the Holocaust

Historic photos of Auschwitz

During World War II, the Holocaust was a systematic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of six million Jews by the Nazi regime and its allies.

The regime also targeted other groups, including political dissidents, the disabled, and ethnic Poles. Auschwitz became a symbol of this horrific era, representing the culmination of the Nazi’s ‘Final Solution’.

How to Prepare for Tour to Auschwitz

Auschwitz I: The Main Camp

Auschwitz I was established in 1940 and initially served as a concentration camp for political prisoners.

It later expanded to include forced labour and held a pivotal role in the execution of the Holocaust. When you walk through Auschwitz I, you will see blocks that were once barracks, now serving as the exhibition rooms documenting the history of the camp and its victims.

Auschwitz block 11

Auschwitz II-Birkenau: The Extermination Site

Auschwitz II-Birkenau was constructed in 1941 and evolved into the largest extermination site during the Holocaust.

Here, you will encounter the remnants of gas chambers and crematoria used in the genocide of Jews and others. The site stands as a stark reminder of the mass atrocities committed by the Nazi regime.

Planning Your Visit

When planning your visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau museum, consider the time of year, ticketing options, tour choices, and transportation. Proper planning is crucial to ensure a respectful and educational experience.

Best Time to Visit

Auschwitz Krakow Weather

Visiting Auschwitz is a profound experience, and choosing the best time is important for reflection and understanding.

The museum operates from 7:30 am to 7 pm in the peak months of June, July, and August, with reduced hours during the rest of the year.

Weather-wise, the summer months offer longer days but can also be quite crowded. Off-peak seasons like spring and autumn may provide a more contemplative environment with fewer visitors.

Purchasing Auschwitz Tickets

Admission to the Auschwitz Museum is free, but guided tours with educators incur a fee. To ensure your spot, it’s advisable to book trip to Auschwitz in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Tickets for guided tours are priced at about 110 PLN for languages other than Polish, with a slight reduction for tours in Polish.

Auschwitz Tour Options

For a comprehensive understanding of the site, engaging in a guided tour is highly beneficial. You have three primary options for tours:

  1. Joining a guided tour at the museum: This allows you to explore independently before or after your scheduled tour time.
  2. Booking an all-inclusive guided tour: Often includes transport and takes care of all logistics.
  3. Visiting without a guide: Not recommended if you wish to gain in-depth insights into the historical context of the camps.

Most Auschwitz tours take about 3.5 to 4 hours to cover both the Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau sites comprehensively.

Getting to Auschwitz

Auschwitz is accessible from major nearby cities like Kraków and Katowice. Read also How to get to Auschwitz from various Polish cities and Auschwitz Tours from Krakow

From Kraków:

  • Shuttle Bus: Direct shuttle services are available.
  • Public Transport: Trains and local buses run, but may require additional travel to the museum from the stops.

From Katowice:

  • Less frequent but available public and shuttle services.

Allow roughly 3 hours for travel back and forth from Kraków, setting aside an entire day for the visit. Always check the latest schedules and book your transport in advance to ensure availability.

Upon Arrival to Auschwitz Museum

Auschwitz museum tour how to prepare

As you arrive at the Auschwitz Museum, you will need to undergo security checks and make decisions about what to carry with you. Understand these procedures to ensure a smooth visit.

Security Procedures

When entering, security screenings are mandatory. You are expected to pass through a metal detector, and your bags will be inspected.

There’s a list of prohibited items that you cannot bring into the museum, such as large bags and sharp objects. Ensure that your personal belongings adhere to the museum’s guidelines to avoid delays.

What to Bring and Storage

You are allowed to bring a small handbag or backpack, but its dimensions should not exceed 30x20x10 cm.

Before the security check, decide what is essential as you may not be able to return to the lockers once the tour starts.

Storage facilities are available for items that are not permitted during the tour:

Item Size Available Storage Option
Larger backpacks Lockers
Oversized handbags Storage Rooms

Please remember to keep any necessary items, such as water and small snacks, with you, as the tour can be lengthy. However, maintain a light carry-on to enhance your comfort during the visit.

Touring the Auschwitz Memorial

Auschwitz 2 prisoners

When visiting the Auschwitz Memorial, it’s essential to approach the experience with the gravitas it demands, adhering to guidelines to respect the site and those it commemorates. Here you’ll find specific rules and behaviour expectations, alongside how to navigate the camps with reverence and reflection.

Rules and Conduct

Visiting Auschwitz rules

When visiting, you must follow the rules for visiting to show the utmost respect for the victims of the Holocaust.

Photography is allowed in most areas but must be undertaken with solemnity and reflective behaviour. Specific rules include:

Engaging with an educator or guide, who is thoroughly knowledgeable about the Holocaust and the specific history of Auschwitz, can significantly enhance your understanding and ensure respectful conduct across the memorial’s grounds.

Exploring the Camps

Exploring Auschwitz camp

Auschwitz consists of two main parts: Auschwitz I, the original concentration camp with the infamous Arbeit macht frei gate, and Auschwitz II–Birkenau, the extermination camp that holds the remains of the crematoria and prisoner barracks.

  • General tour: Lasts approximately 3.5 hours and covers permanent exhibitions and notable sites in Auschwitz I, as well as pivotal structures in Auschwitz II-Birkenau, such as the unloading platform and crematoria ruins.
  • Study tour: Extends to roughly 6 hours, allowing for a deeper exploration and educational experience with an emphasis on historical context and the stories of individual prisoners, including Jews, Roma, and Poles.

Always remember that your tour isn’t just educational; it’s also a personal journey that may have a profound emotional impact. Take the time to reflect on the gravity of what occurred here, and honour the memory of those who suffered.

Educational Resources about Auschwitz

How to learn more about Auschwitz

Before visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, it’s vital to engage with educational resources that provide valuable guidance. These materials aid educators in effectively conveying the historical significance of the site to learners, ensuring a deep, respectful understanding of the experiences of the Jews, Roma, Poles, and others who suffered there.

Guided Education Tours

When planning your visit, consider joining a Guided Education Tour. These tours are designed to cater to the educational needs of visitors, offering in-depth insights and facilitating a deeper understanding of the site’s complex history.

A well-informed guide can provide context and answer your questions in various languages, making the experience accessible to an international audience.

Benefits of Guided Tours:

  • Provides accurate historical context
  • Addresses the specific experiences of victim groups such as Jews, Roma, and Poles
  • Encourages reflection and understanding

The International Center for Education

The International Center for Education about Auschwitz and the Holocaust plays a crucial role in preparing visitors for the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial. This institution develops comprehensive resources for educators to use, both in preparation for and during the visit.

Resources Available:

  • Educational packs in English language for international visitors
  • Online courses for individuals unable to visit the Memorial
  • Teaching guides to discuss the Memorial’s history effectively

Through these resources, your preparation will encompass organisational, substantive, and emotional aspects, ensuring a visit that honours the memory of those who suffered while educating current and future generations.

Commemorating the Victims

When you visit Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum, commemorating the victims is a profound act of respect and reflection. Recognizing the enormity of the Nazi crimes committed against Jews, Roma, Polish political prisoners, and others demands a thoughtful approach.

Auschwitz camp and Memorial

Ceremonies and Events

The Auschwitz Memorial organises various ceremonies and events to honor the victims. These occasions are moments for you to participate actively in paying tribute:

  • International Holocaust Remembrance Day (27 January): Mark this day with the global community, remembering the liberation of Auschwitz and honouring the victims of the Holocaust.
  • Roma and Sinti Genocide Remembrance Day (2 August): Reflect on the persecution of the Roma community by attending commemorative events at the Memorial.
  • Anniversary of the Camp’s Liberation (27 January): Participate in events at the museum, which often include talks, educational sessions, and memorial services.
  • Personal Reflection: You are encouraged to spend moments in quiet contemplation at the various sites within the Auschwitz-Birkenau complex to individually honour those who suffered and perished.

Events and Ceremonies Auschwitz

The support of counselling services is available at the Memorial for those who find the experience overwhelming. It is crucial that while you engage in these acts of commemoration, you approach the experience with the gravity and solemnity it warrants.

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Prepare for Auschwitz Tour

Frequently Asked Questions about Auschwitz tours

Before visiting Auschwitz, it’s important to prepare adequately. Here are some commonly asked questions to help you plan your visit effectively.

What should one wear when touring Auschwitz, especially during colder months?

During the colder months, you should wear warm layers including thermal underclothes, a hat, gloves, and a windproof jacket. Solid, waterproof footwear is essential due to the amount of walking on potentially muddy or snowy terrain.

What are the best ways to travel to Auschwitz from Krakow?

The best ways to travel from Krakow to Auschwitz are by joining an organised tour, which typically includes transport, or by taking a public bus or train. A private taxi service can also be arranged for convenience.

What feelings might one experience after touring Auschwitz, and how can they cope?

You might experience a range of emotions from sadness to anger. It’s essential to reflect on these feelings, possibly discuss them with others, or write about your experience. Memorial sites often promote understanding through remembrance.

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  • 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 🔖

How much time should be allocated for a comprehensive tour of Auschwitz?

To thoroughly explore both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, allocate at least half a day (approximately 5-7 hours) for your visit.

Are there any facilities available for refreshments or meals on-site at Auschwitz?

There is a small snack bar at Auschwitz I for refreshments, but for substantial meals, you should bring your own or eat before or after your visit, as options are limited.

What considerations should be made when visiting Auschwitz with children?

When visiting with children, consider the emotional impact and the graphic nature of certain exhibits. Prior discussions about the history of the site may help prepare them for the visit. Official guidance suggests that the tour is suitable for ages 14 and up.

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