Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

The basics

Auschwitz-Birkenau is comprised of Auschwitz I—the site of a visitor center, museum exhibitions, artifacts, and multimedia displays—and Birkenau (or Auschwitz II), the buildings left almost exactly as they were when the Nazis abandoned them at the end of the war. Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum tours, whether private or with groups, often include round-trip transportation from Krakow (Old Town). They typically visit both sites and are available in several languages. A visit to Auschwitz can also be combined with the nearby Wieliczka Salt Mine (Kopalnia Soli).

Things to know before you go

• Plan to spend roughly 90 minutes at each of the sites, Auschwitz and Birkenau.

• An official visitor center can be found at the entrance to Auschwitz I.

• Although you can arrive independently and purchase your own Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum tickets, guided Auschwitz tours can allow for better understanding, with insight from a tour guide.

• Cell phones are not allowed in the permanent exhibition buildings and photos are not permitted in Room 5 of Block 4 or the cellars of Block 11.

• The museum discourages visits from children under the age of 14.

• While wheelchairs are available at the visitor center, strollers are only permitted outside of the blocks and other structures in Auschwitz I.

How to get there

Auschwitz-Birkenau is in Oswiecim, about 40 miles (65 kilometers) west of Krakow, from where most tours with round-trip transportation depart. A few tours are offered from Warsaw 196 miles (315 kilometers) away, although the trip takes roughly 4 hours. Both memorial sites have paid parking lots, and shuttles run between the two.

When to get there

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is open year-round from morning until between mid-afternoon and evening, depending on the month. The memorial is closed on January 1, Easter Sunday, and Christmas Day (December 25). Arrive early for a quieter experience or visit midweek, outside of school holidays.

Historical sights in Krakow

After a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, you can learn more about Polish history at the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow. Headquartered at the Krzysztofory Palace, the museum actually has 14 outposts across the city, including the Oskar Schindler Factory (Fabryka Schindlera) and the Old Synagogue in Ulica Szeroka. Guided walking or bike tours often combine stops at these sights.

Ways to explore

Auschwitz-Birkenau comprises Auschwitz I—home to a visitor center, museum exhibitions, artifacts, and multimedia displays—and Birkenau (or Auschwitz II), where the buildings are left almost exactly as they were when the Nazis abandoned them at the end of the war. Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum tours, whether private or with groups, often include round-trip transportation from Krakow’s Old Town. They typically visit both sites and are available in several languages. A visit to Auschwitz can also be combined with the nearby Wieliczka Salt Mine (Kopalnia Soli).

Admission to Auschwitz is free, but you need to reserve your entry pass online. Although you can arrive independently, guided Auschwitz tours can allow for better understanding, with insight from a tour guide.

Accessibility

While wheelchairs are available at the visitor center, strollers are only permitted outside the blocks and other structures in Auschwitz.

Age limits

The museum discourages visits from children under the age of 14.

What to pack

Bring your ID as you’ll need to show this to enter.

What to wear

Wear warm clothes, as Krakow is generally cold and most of the tour is outside. The museum can deny entry to people wearing inappropriate clothing.

Not allowed

Cell phones are not allowed in the permanent exhibition buildings, and photos are not permitted in Room 5 of Block 4 or the cellars of Block 11. Silence is also a must.

Amenities

Luggage storage, restrooms

Address

Auschwitz-Birkenau is in Oswiecim, about 40 miles (65 kilometers) west of Krakow, from where most tours with round-trip transport depart. A few tours are offered from Warsaw, 196 miles (315 kilometers) away, although the trip takes roughly four hours.

Driving

From central Krakow, it’s a 1.5-hour journey on the A4 road towards Częstochowska. Take the exit towards Krakow from DK94. Continue on Częstochowska. Take Jasnogórska, Armii Krajowej, Bronowicka, Kazimierza Wielkiego and Łobzowska to Pawia in Kraków. Both memorial sites have paid parking lots, and shuttles run between the two.

Public transportation

From Krakow Main Station, you can take the IC107 train to Oświęcim, from which Auschwitz-Birkenau is a 25-minute walk.

Best times to visit

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is open year-round from morning until mid-afternoon or evening, depending on the month. For a quieter experience, arrive early before the day trip crowds descend.

Best days to visit

Weekdays are the quietest time to visit, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The memorial is closed on January 1, Easter Sunday, and Christmas Day (December 25).

Best months to visit

Krakow can be bitterly cold in winter, so visit during spring or summer to avoid being outdoors in snow or rain.

Special events

Special tributes and commemorations take place on January 27, the anniversary of the liberation of the concentration camp.