Krakow to 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.
Bestseller
Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour with Fast Track Tickets
Top Experiences
Pro tips to help you make a pick
Due to its significance and popularity, Auschwitz-Birkenau attracts a lot of visitors throughout the year. So book your tickets in advance to secure your spot and avoid long queues.
Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled entry time to allow for security checks and orientation.
Wear comfortable clothing and footwear as you'll be walking and standing for extended periods.
Consider joining a guided tour led by a knowledgeable guide who can provide deeper insights into the history and significance of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Guided tours often offer a more structured and informative experience.
Allow ample time to explore the various exhibits, memorials, and barracks within the Auschwitz concentration camp. Rushing through the site may prevent you from fully absorbing its significance and impact.
Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau can evoke strong emotions and reactions. If you find yourself overwhelmed, don't hesitate to seek support from fellow visitors, tour guides, or designated staff members.
Headout's Top Recommendations
Top things to do in Krakow
About Auschwitz concentration camp
The Auschwitz Concentration Camp witnessed the suffering of millions of Jews during World War II. Its solemn grounds now serve as a memorial and museum, preserving the memory of those who perished within its confines.
Between 1940 and 1945, Auschwitz received over 1.3 million deportees. Tragically, approximately 1.1 million, primarily Jews, met their untimely demise within its confines.
The entrance of Auschwitz I bears the German phrase "Arbeit macht frei," translated as "Work sets you free." Crafted by prisoners, the sign holds a symbolic defiance, as they subtly inverted the letter 'B'.
Attempting to break free from the horrors, over 800 prisoners dared to escape from Auschwitz. However, only 144 succeeded, while 327 were recaptured, and the fate of others remains unknown.
Dr. Josef Mengele, infamously known as the "Angel of Death" at the Auschwitz Concentration Camp, used to conduct medical experiments on prisoners, especially on twins and dwarfs.
Why visit Auschwitz concentration camp?
Highlights
Auschwitz I
Auschwitz I, established in 1940, served as the primary concentration camp and headquarters of the SS garrison. Its gate bares the chilling inscription, "Arbeit Macht Frei" - "Work Sets You Free." The site has ruins of barracks, prison cells, and gas chambers, bearing witness to the horrors of the past.
Auschwitz II - Birkenau
Auschwitz II - Birkenau was built in 1941 as an expansion of the concentration camp to accommodate the influx of political prisoners and Jews. Visitors can view the railway tracks and original cattle cars used for deportations, as well as the ruins of crematoriums and barracks. This site was a focal point for the systematic extermination of Jewish people, with the majority of Auschwitz's victims meeting their fate in Birkenau.
Plan your visit
The main entrance
This entrance is used to enter Auschwitz I or the main concentration camp.
The Hell’s Gate
This entrance leads to Auschwitz II - Birkenau camp which is located 3 km away from Auschwitz I camp.
Auschwitz is closed on:
- January 1
- December 25
- Easter.
Toilets are available at both camps, but you need to pay a small fee to use them.
Lockers are available for a small fee. Please note that these lockers can get full during peak tourist season.
A paid parking facility is available near the entrance. The car park is unguarded but monitored.
Auschwitz is wheelchair accessible with wheelchair-friendly ramps, designated parking spots, and restrooms.
Wheelchairs are available free of charge at the Visitor Service Centre.
Assistance dogs are allowed inside the camp if you have a training certificate and an updated vaccination record. The dog must also be kept on a leash all the time.
Browse by themes
Millions love heading out with us
Carmen
Margaretha
Jose
Francisco
Aaron
See More
Luis
Freland
Marjan
See More
Nearby cities to explore
World at your tap.
Get the Headout app to get tickets on your phone and access app-only deals. Talk about win-win.
