Auschwitz Birkenau Tours
Discover the somber reality of the Holocaust at the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in Krakow. On an Auschwitz Birkenau tour, explore the memorial, visit not just the prisoner barracks, but the gas chambers as well. Get skip-the-line entry, guided tours, round-trip transfers from Krakow, and combo offers with your tour.
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Auschwitz-Birkenau: Fast-Track Tickets & Official Guided Tour (Without Transfers)(1.2K)
from €20
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Auschwitz-Birkenau: Guided Tour with Hotel Pickup from Krakow CenterInstant Confirmation
(584)
from €29
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Duration
3 hrs 30 mins - 7 hrs
7 hrs
7 hrs
Inclusions
Fast-track entrance to Auschwitz-Birkenau
Pre-booked ticket for Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II–Birkenau
Local host who will meet you close to Auschwitz I
Guided tour by an official Auschwitz-Birkenau guide (English, German, French, Spanish, or Italian-speaking)
Headsets
More Inclusions
An expert licensed English, French, Spanish, Italian, or German-speaking guide
Pick-up from the hotel or from the nearest possible pick-up point
Transport by an air-conditioned minivan or minibus
Service of an experienced driver/English-speaking tour manager
Entry tickets
Audio equipment rental
More Inclusions
Expert tour guide (choose from English, French, Spanish, German, Italian and Polish)
Round-trip transportation from Krakow with pick up from the meeting point
Skip-the-line access
Entrance fees
More Inclusions
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
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Auschwitz Birkenau Tours Guide
Auschwitz Birkenau Tours Guide
Auschwitz-Birkenau was the largest Nazi Germany-operated concentration camp from WWII, estimated to have witnessed the murder of over 1 million prisoners. Today, this UNESCO-protected site functions as the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum – a tribute to the horrors of the Holocaust. To truly understand the scale of such a tragedy, a visit here is highly recommended. Read on to find out about the best Auschwitz-Birkenau tours, what to expect here, timings, getting there, and more.
All Your Auschwitz Birkenau Tour Options
All Your Auschwitz Birkenau Tour Options
Dive deep into the barbaric reality and aftermath of the Holocaust on an Auschwitz-Birkenau tour. You have four tour and ticket options to choose from: self-guided tours, guided tours, fast-track entry, and combo tours.
The self-guided tour lets you explore the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum at your own pace with a round-trip from your hotel to camp and back. Learn the history and horrors endured by the captives, including facts about the gas chambers and crematoria buildings, from an expert on a guided tour.
The fast-track tickets not only let you jump past the long lines and make it into the camp but also gives you the edge of listening to the details of the camp from an expert tour guide. Combo tours combine a visit to Auschwitz with attractions in Krakow, such as the Wieliczka Salt Mine.
Self-guided Tour
Guided Tours
Fast Track Entry
Combo Tours
Opt for a self-guided Auschwitz Birkenau tour and explore at your own pace. Feel free to go around the museum and discover the tragedies of World War II in your own time. Your experience would also include round-trip return transfers from Krakow.
Recommended experiences
Embark on a self-guided tour of the Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial and take your time looking through the victims’ images, letters, documents, and other memorabilia. Enjoy round-trip transfers on an air-conditioned coach.
There’s nothing quite like a guided tour to experience a place you’re not familiar with. With a landmark as historically significant as Auschwitz, you would want your experience to be enriching and insightful – only possible with the knowledgeable, multilingual tour guide who would accompany you throughout your visit. Your experience would also include round-trip transfers and fast-track entry to the museum.
Recommended experiences
Visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp and memorial with your tour guide to get a detailed insight into the enormity of the Holocaust's horrors. This tour also includes skip-the-line access to the places you visit and a round-trip transfer back to your hotel.
Most tourist places are tormented with long queues that are time-consuming. To avoid wasting time at the entrance, or if you have a tight schedule, opt for these fast-track entry tickets. Bypass the long waiting lines and get direct entry into the memorial. This fast-track entry also includes a tour guide and round-trip transfers.
Recommended experiences
Skip the queues at the entrance and follow our licensed tour guide for a comprehensive historical overview of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. You can choose a tour in English, German, Spanish, or French. The ticket also provides free pick-up services from a central point in Krakow.
A combo tour is the best way to explore more of a new city. With a combo Auschwitz tour, get unlimited access to the memorial, after which you can visit other top attractions in Krakow such as the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Your experience would also include round-trip transportation and the services of a local guide.
Recommended experiences
This combo tour offers a round-trip transfer in an air-conditioned coach to Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and the Wieliczka Salt Mine for a comprehensive tour of Krakow.
Which Auschwitz Birkenau Tour Should You Pick?
Which Auschwitz Birkenau Tour Should You Pick?
If you are on a budget
Self-guided tours are the best pick for anyone on a budget and who wants to explore the camp by themself. This tour also includes a round-trip which makes it worth the affordable price.
If you want to learn more about the concentration camps
A guided tour is for anyone who wants a detailed experience. An expert guide will narrate and walk you through the significant landmarks and stories of the camp.
If you are short on time
A fast-track tour is the best pick for anyone who wants to explore the camps without the hassle of waiting in long lines. Since an Auschwitz tour demands 3-7 hours of your time in the first place, these tickets make sure you don't waste a minute if you are short on time.
If you want to explore more in Krakow
A combo tour is for anyone who has an entire day at their disposal and wants to explore more of Krakow. Get entry to not just the infamous Memorial and Museum of Auschwitz-Birkenau, but other attractions such as the Wieliczka Salt Mine.
Auschwitz Birkenau Tour Offers
Auschwitz Birkenau Tour Offers
Discounted Tickets
Discounted Auschwitz tour prices are available for infants under 3 years, children between 3 - 11 years, and students with valid ID.
Cashbacks
Headout offers discounts and cashback up to 10% on selected tours and slots.
Plan Your Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour
Plan Your Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour
Opening Hours
Getting There
Guidelines/Facilities
What are the Auschwitz Birkenau tour timings?
The Auschwitz Birkenau tour timings vary across the year and are as follows:
January & November: 7.30 AM - 3:00 PM
February: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
March, October: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
April, May & September: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
June, July & August: 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
December: 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM
The Auschwitz Birkenau tour timings vary across the year and are as follows:
January & November: 7.30 AM - 3:00 PM
February: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
March, October: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
April, May & September: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
June, July & August: 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
December: 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM
When is the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum closed?
It is open on all days of the year except for 1 January, 25 December, and Easter Sunday.
It is open on all days of the year except for 1 January, 25 December, and Easter Sunday.
What is the best time to go for an Auschwitz-Birkenau tour?
Between March to May would be the most pleasant time to go for a tour, due to the off-season. The summer season between June to September tends to get quite busy and hot, and the winter months tend to get quite cold, not ideal for a tour. We also recommend traveling on weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds.
Between March to May would be the most pleasant time to go for a tour, due to the off-season. The summer season between June to September tends to get quite busy and hot, and the winter months tend to get quite cold, not ideal for a tour. We also recommend traveling on weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds.
How long is an Auschwitz-Birkenau tour?
You can expect to spend 4-7 hours on an Auschwitz-Birkenau tour.
You can expect to spend 4-7 hours on an Auschwitz-Birkenau tour.
Where is the Memorial and Museum of Auschwitz-Birkenau located?
The Memorial and Museum of Auschwitz-Birkenau is located at Więźniów Oświęcimia 20, 32-603 Oświęcim, Poland.
Google Map Directions
The Memorial and Museum of Auschwitz-Birkenau is located at Więźniów Oświęcimia 20, 32-603 Oświęcim, Poland.
Google Map Directions
Are return transfers included on an Auschwitz-Birkenau tour?
Yes, most Auschwitz-Birkenau tours include return transfers since the site is away from the city. You would travel on an air-conditioned private coach and would be picked up and dropped off at a common meeting point in the city.
Yes, most Auschwitz-Birkenau tours include return transfers since the site is away from the city. You would travel on an air-conditioned private coach and would be picked up and dropped off at a common meeting point in the city.
Can I get to Auschwitz-Birkenau by train?
You can take a train from Krakow to Oswiecim station, a town 2 kilometers from Auschwitz. The journey will take approximately 1.5–2.5 hours. The walk to the Memorial and Museum of Auschwitz-Birkenau from the station takes 15 minutes.
You can take a train from Krakow to Oswiecim station, a town 2 kilometers from Auschwitz. The journey will take approximately 1.5–2.5 hours. The walk to the Memorial and Museum of Auschwitz-Birkenau from the station takes 15 minutes.
Is an Auschwitz-Birkenau tour wheelchair accessible?
No, Auschwitz-Birkenau tours are presently not wheelchair accessible.
No, Auschwitz-Birkenau tours are presently not wheelchair accessible.
Are guided tours included on an Auschwitz-Birkenau tour?
Yes. All tours include the services of a knowledgeable tour guide throughout your experience. You would have the option to choose between various languages such as English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, and more.
Yes. All tours include the services of a knowledgeable tour guide throughout your experience. You would have the option to choose between various languages such as English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, and more.
Is a storage facility available at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial?
Yes, a luggage storage facility is available near the main entrance of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial.
Yes, a luggage storage facility is available near the main entrance of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial.
Is photography permitted on an Auschwitz-Birkenau tour?
The insides of the Auschwitz Memorial can be photographed. However, visitors should avoid flash photography and tripods.
The insides of the Auschwitz Memorial can be photographed. However, visitors should avoid flash photography and tripods.
Is there a dress code for visitors on an Auschwitz-Birkenau tour?
No, there’s no prescribed dress code for visitors on an Auschwitz-Birkenau tour. Visitors are requested to avoid wearing graphic prints.
No, there’s no prescribed dress code for visitors on an Auschwitz-Birkenau tour. Visitors are requested to avoid wearing graphic prints.
What guidelines are in place for visitors at the Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial and museum?
- Guests are requested to adhere to a respectful decorum at all times in recognition of the loss of human life at Auschwitz.
- Dress appropriately without any controversial symbols/flags/emblems on clothing attire.
- Outside food and drinks and smoking is not permitted within the premises.
- Mobile phones must be kept on silent or vibrate-only mode.
What To See On An Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour in Krakow
What To See On An Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour in Krakow
Here is what you can expect on your Auschwitz from Krakow tour:
Auschwitz I
Auschwitz was a Nazi concentration and extermination camp which was established by Germans on the outskirts of Oswiecim, a Polish city, in 1940. By 1942, it had grown to be the largest of the extermination camps used to carry out the 'Endlösung der Judenfrage,' often known as the ultimate solution to the Jewish question. During World War II, over a million people died or were killed at Auschwitz. The Auschwitz Concentration Camp stands firmly as a symbol of Nazi Germany's brutal and systematic campaign to deny minorities of life and dignity. The earliest and served as a site of the camp, Auschwitz I, saw roughly 16,000 prisoners exterminated. It was created to incarcerate Nazi opponents, offer a supply of forced laborers, and act as a place of massacre.
Auschwitz II-Birkenau
Auschwitz II, often known as Auschwitz-Birkenau, began construction in October 1941, around 72 kilometers from Krakow. Birkenau, the largest of the Auschwitz camps, was separated into different parts with electrical barbed-wire walls. It served as a facility for the killing of Jews since it opened in March 1942. It was home to several death camps and crematoriums. There were slave labor camps in over 40 smaller institutions known as subcamps. Birkenau was the final resting place for the majority of Auschwitz's victims. You can see the railway tracks and original cattle cars used to carry the deportees, as well as the ruins of the crematorium and barracks.
Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum
Auschwitz-Birkenau museum gives a peek into the everyday life of the inmates. Items including barracks, old beds, shoes, clothes, photos, notebooks, and pots are well preserved and part of their permanent exhibits. Visitors can also see the genuine human hair remains and photographs of captured prisoners.
Bunkers
The bunkers form an essential part of the camps that you cannot miss. Bunker 5, located in Auschwitz I, is the most heart-rending of them all. The abandoned and lost items belongings, such as glasses, shoes, pots, and pans carried from their homes, and the shaved hair of the victims are on display. Bunker 11, also known as the death block, is where the Zyklon B gas was first used to kill the victims. Bunker 27 showcases a massive book with the names of most of the Jewish victims.
Top Things To Do In Krakow
Top Things To Do In Krakow
Here are the other top things to do in Krakow:
Oskar Schindler's Factory
The Oskar Schindler Enamel Factory displays a permanent collection of Kraków during Nazi Occupation 1939-1945, which is among the most fascinating and essential exhibitions. It depicts both the individual and collective aspects of the horrors that war inflicted on the Polish people. It portrays the compelling past of Krakow during World War II, about the residents who were taught Nazi propaganda, Jews condemned to live in a ghetto, and war horror victims. Oskar Schindler's Factory tours provide a deeper take on the horrors of the war and how Schindler saved thousands of Jews.
Wawel Royal Hill
This 14th-century architectural marvel, one of Poland's greatest castle complexes, is a must-see. On display are the many European architectural designs from the medieval, renaissance, and baroque periods, and a lovely Italian-styled patio. With Wawel Royal Hill Krakow tours, you can visit the Royal private apartments and discover the castle's enduring relevance in Polish history. Their rooms are filled with amazing tapestries, chandeliers, and artworks, joining the ranks of bygone Polish Kings.
Krakow River Cruise
Take in the sights of the lovely city from the stunning Vistula River. With the help of Krakow River Cruise tickets, gasp at the beautiful scenery of the city's most noteworthy sights. The voyage begins at the bottom of Wawel Hill, at the waterfront. Witness beautiful sights as you pass beneath the Debnicki and Grunwaldzki Bridges. Get to see the Congress Center, the old Salvatore Church, and the Manggha Japanese Museum, along with the residence where Pope John Paul II lived, on a cruise in Krakow.
Wieliczka Salt Mine
The Wieliczka salt mine, located 14 kilometers southeast of Kraków, has been receiving visitors since 1722 and is one of Poland's most popular attractions. It's a 300-kilometer labyrinth of tunnels and chambers spread across nine levels, the deepest of which is 327 meters underground. Only a small portion of this huge tunnel is exposed to the public during a two-hour guided tour. With Wieliczka Salt Mine tickets, marvel at the one-of-a-kind salt statues, underground chapels, and works of art at Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Post-COVID-19 Safety Measures on Auschwitz-Birkenau Tours
Post-COVID-19 Safety Measures on Auschwitz-Birkenau Tours
- For safety reasons, the number of visitors permitted inside the museum is limited.
- To avoid long lines at the site, visitors are recommended to book Auschwitz tours online and in advance.
- All visitors must wear a mask while visiting the museum
- All parts of Auschwitz-Birkenau are cleaned and disinfected daily.
- At the admission station, all visitors are required to have their temperature taken.
- Throughout the tour, visitors need to follow social distancing protocols.
- Visitors are advised to sanitize their hands at the sanitization station.
Auschwitz Birkenau Tours FAQs
Auschwitz Birkenau Tours FAQs
Can you book Auschwitz Birkenau tours available online now?
Yes, you can book Auschwitz Birkenau tours online now. Guests are advised to pre-book their tickets online to get their preferred date and time of travel.
What safety measures are in place during an Auschwitz-Birkenau tour?
There are many safety measures in place during an Auschwitz-Birkenau tour including temperature checks, the requirement to wear masks, keeping a safe distance between visitors, hand sanitization regularly, and more.
What are the different types of Auschwitz Birkenau tours?
There are four primary Auschwitz Birkenau tours to choose from: self-guided tours, guided tours, fast track entry tickets, and combo tours. Self-guided tours allow you to explore the camp at your own pace, while guided tours include an expert guide who will provide a detailed explanation of the site and walk you through important landmarks. Fast track tickets are very helpful if you have limited time and do not wish to stand in long waiting lines, and combo tours are for those who want to explore beyond the Auschwitz camp in Krakow.
Are discounts available on Auschwitz Birkenau tours?
Discounted Auschwitz tour prices are available for infants under 3 years, children between 3 to 11 years, and students with valid ID.
Are audio guides available with Auschwitz Birkenau tours?
Yes, audio guides are available with certain Auschwitz Birkenau tours. Check the ticket details to verify if an audio guide is included. You can also buy an audio guide of your own if you’ve opted for a self-guided tour.
Are tour guides a part of an Auschwitz-Birkenau tour?
Yes, all ticket and tour options include the services of a knowledgeable local guide. They’ll accompany you throughout your visit and relay important, lesser-known information about the horrors that took place at the concentration camps.
Is fast track entry available with an Auschwitz-Birkenau tour?
Yes, you can opt for the fast-track entry Auschwitz-Birkenau tour to skip the waiting lines at the entrance.
Are return transfers included in an Auschwitz Birkenau tour?
Yes. All tours include return transfers. You’ll be picked up from a common meeting point in Krakow and will travel on an air-conditioned private coach. After the tour, you’ll be dropped back at the meeting point in the city.
How long is an Auschwitz Birkenau tour?
On average, an Auschwitz Birkenau tour lasts between 3-7 hours.
What are the Auschwitz-Birkenau museum’s opening hours?
The Auschwitz Birkenau tour timings vary across the year and are as follows:
January & November: 7.30 AM - 3:00 PM
February: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
March, October: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
April, May & September: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
June, July & August: 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
December: 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM
January & November: 7.30 AM - 3:00 PM
February: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
March, October: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
April, May & September: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
June, July & August: 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
December: 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM
How do I get to the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum?
The Auschwitz Museum stands on National Road 933 on the outskirts of Oswiecim. Here are some transportation options for your journey:
By Train: You can take a train from Krakow to Oswiecim station, a town 2 kilometers from Auschwitz. The journey will take approximately 1.5–2.5 hours. The walk to the Memorial and Museum of Auschwitz-Birkenau takes only 15 minutes from the station.
By Bus: 4 bus companies run between Krakow and Auschwitz and will drop you off at the Auschwitz I camp from the Oświęcim, Muzeum Auschwitz. It is located just outside the Memorial and Museum of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
By Car: You can drive to the museum by setting your GPS destination to "Memorial and Museum of Auschwitz-Birkenau” and follow the directions. You can park the car in the parking lot before the entrance.
By Train: You can take a train from Krakow to Oswiecim station, a town 2 kilometers from Auschwitz. The journey will take approximately 1.5–2.5 hours. The walk to the Memorial and Museum of Auschwitz-Birkenau takes only 15 minutes from the station.
By Bus: 4 bus companies run between Krakow and Auschwitz and will drop you off at the Auschwitz I camp from the Oświęcim, Muzeum Auschwitz. It is located just outside the Memorial and Museum of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
By Car: You can drive to the museum by setting your GPS destination to "Memorial and Museum of Auschwitz-Birkenau” and follow the directions. You can park the car in the parking lot before the entrance.
What is the best time to visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum?
Between March to May would be the most pleasant time to go for a tour, due to the off-season. The summer season between June to September tends to get quite busy and hot, and the winter months tend to get quite cold, not ideal for a tour. We also recommend traveling on weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds.
Is the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum wheelchair accessible?
No, the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum is not wheelchair accessible?
Is photography allowed at the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum?
Commercial photography without clearance is not allowed at the Auschwitz Museum, however personal photography is allowed. Flash photography or the use of tripods is also not permitted.
What guidelines are in place for visitors at the Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial and museum?
Guests are requested to adhere to a respectful decorum at all times in recognition of the loss of human life at Auschwitz.
Dress appropriately without any controversial symbols/flags/emblems on clothing attire.
Outside food and drinks and smoking is not permitted within the premises.
Mobile phones must be kept on silent or vibrate-only mode.
Dress appropriately without any controversial symbols/flags/emblems on clothing attire.
Outside food and drinks and smoking is not permitted within the premises.
Mobile phones must be kept on silent or vibrate-only mode.
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