Practically everyone has heard about Auschwitz and Birkenau. It is a very specific place, above all, a museum completely different from the others. Below are some tips on how to visit the former concentration camp.
In this article we will answers for most common questions like:
- How long does it take to get to Auschwitz from Krakow?.
- Where is Auschwitz & Birkenau?
- Are Auschwitz and Birkenau the same place?
- Where to book tickets for auschwitz?
- When should I Book the Auschwitz tour?
- How much is it to go to Auschwitz?
- Can I have a guide at the Auschwitz museum?
- Can I go to Auschwitz without a guide?
- Do I need to take an ID or passport with me?
- How long takes the visit Auschwitz?
- What is not allowed to take to the Auschwitz museum ?
- Can you take photos inside Auschwitz?
- Is Auschwitz & Birkenau Indoors or Outdoors?
- Does Auschwitz – Birkenau have toilets?
- What should I wear?
- Can I eat something at Auschwitz?
- How far is Birkenau from Auschwitz?
- How to get to Birkenau from Auschwitz
1. How long does it take to get to Auschwitz from Krakow?
Travel to the Auschwitz museum should take between 1,5 – 2 hours, however depending on the type of transport. To get there you may use a train, car, public bus or use a service of a local tour operator.
2. Where is Auschwitz & Birkenau?
Auschwitz and Birkenau is located in the small town of Oświęcim, which is around 60km from Krakow.
3. Are Auschwitz and Birkenau the same place?
There were two camps. Auschwitz I is located in the city of Oświęcim, Birkenau is only 3 km away in village Brzezinka.
4. Where to book tickets for Auschwitz?
Tickets can be purchased online. You may also buy tickets at the museum box office. The number of tickets is very limited.
5. When should I Book the Auschwitz tour?
It is recommended to book tickets or tours in advance due to their limited number. Most importantly, tickets are available 3 months in advance, tours with local operators usually 12 months in advance. In avarage most of the clients book their tours about 2 months in advance.
⇒ Auschwitz & Birkenau Tour with guide
6. How much is it to go to Auschwitz?
The cost of a guided tour is 75 PLN (approx. 18 EUR). You can also enter Auschwitz for free without a guide.
⇒ Here you can book tickets to Auschwitz
7. Can I have a guide at Auschwitz museum?
The daily guided tour is available for instance in English, Polish, Italian, Spanish, German, French and Russian. There are also several language options during the season. Other guide languages are available on special request.
8. Can You go to Auschwitz without a guide?
It is possible to visit museums on your own. To do this, book a free tour or tickets for individual entrance. Advance booking is recommended.
⇒ Book a Self Guided Tour here
9. Do I need to take an ID or passport with me?
Regarding the terms and conditions of Auschwitz, visitors must have an identity document with them to enter the museum. All tickets are personal. Certainly, before entering, tickets are verified with the guest’s document.
10. How long takes to visit Auschwitz?
The basic tour of both camps usually takes around 3,5 hours. The tour is divided into 2 parts, first takes approximately 2 hours, second approximately 1,5 hours.
11. What is not allowed to take to the museum?
First of all, you will pass a security check before entering the first part (similar to the airport). It is not allowed to bring alcohol, metal or sharp objects, eat inside the museum. The maximum size of the luggage is 10x20x30 cm.
12. Can you take photos inside Auschwitz?
Firstly, taking pictures is allowed, but no flash in buildings. However, there are two places in Auschwitz where photos cannot be taken. Your guide will tell you exactly where. You will also see signs, so you will know that taking photos is not allowed here.
13. Is Auschwitz & Birkenau Indoors or Outdoors?
It’s important to know that there are two places to visit – Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II Birkenau. In the first part, you will be inside the buildings practically all the time, because the tour mainly involves visiting the blocks. Just go from one to the other. The second part is different from the previous one. You spend over an hour outside all the time. All in all it is important to dress appropriately for the weather.
14. Does Auschwitz-Birkenau Have Toilets?
Of course, there are toilets in Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II Birkenau. You have to remember to take your money with you, because the toilets are paid.
15. What should I wear?
You should wear appropriately for the weather, but also remember that you have to respect the memorial place, as it is a cemetery.
16. Can I eat something at Auschwitz?
There are restaurants, but sometimes there is not enough time to eat. You’ll probably spend most of the day there, so it’s good to eat before you go and it’s okay to take some food with you.
17. How far is Birkenau from Auschwitz?
Birkenau is only 3 km from the Auschwitz Museum.
18. How to get to Birkenau from Auschwitz
To get there and back you can use the museum bus which is free. Near the entrance to Auschwitz I there is a parking from which the bus departs. In Birkenau there is also parking for the bus. You will find it easily.
These are 18 things you to know before visiting Auschwitz Birkenau. We hope your visit will be unforgettable and impactful.
