Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour & Museum Expert Guide

Kraków, PL
83% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (495 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    Entry fees
  • inclusion
    High quality, friendly and helpful English-speaking tour leaders
  • inclusion
    Professional assistance in case of any issue
  • inclusion
    Round-trip transportation from and to Krakow by air-conditioned vehicle (van or mini-bus)
  • inclusion
    Headsets to hear the guide clearly
  • inclusion
    Licensed, English speaking local guide

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Food and drinks

Meeting Point

Kiss and Ride Park (Opposite Mercure Hotel)

Meeting point

Pawia 18B, 31-154 Kraków , Poland

End point

End Point

Kiss and Ride Park (Opposite Mercure Hotel)

Meeting point

Pawia 18B, 31-154 Kraków , Poland

End point

Pickup

Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)

Pickup Location
Affinity Flats
Affinity Old Town
Amber Boutique Hotels - Amber Design
Amber Boutique Hotels - Hotel Amber
Amber Design Residence
Amber Hostel
Antique Apartments
Apartamenty InPoint Central
Aparthotel Globus
Aparthotel Old Town
Aparthotel Pergamin
Ascot Premium Hotel
Aston Hostel
Atmosphere Apartments
Batory Annex
Best Western Plus Krakow Old Town
BlueBells Aparthotel by Artery
Campanile Krakow
Dom Polonii
Dom Pugetow
Dream Boutique
DReAM Boutique Residence
Europejski Hotel
Fragola Budget Apartments & Rooms
Golden Tulip Krakow City Center Hotel
Golebia 8 Residence
Grand Hotel
Great Polonia Krakow Old Town
H15 Hotel Francuski
H15 Luxury Palace
Holiday Inn Krakow City Centre, an IHG hotel
Hostel FAUST
Hostel Motion
Hotel Alexander
Hotel Alexander II
Hotel Atrium
Hotel Batory
Hotel Betmanowska Main Square Residence Adults Only
Hotel Bogoria
Hotel Classic
Hotel Downtown Krakow
Hotel Elektor
Hotel Ferreus Modern Art Deco
Hotel Floryan
Hotel Grodek
Hotel H12
Hotel Indigo Krakow - Old Town, an IHG hotel
Hotel Jan
Hotel Matejko
Hotel Maximum
Hotel Pod Roza
Hotel Pollera
Hotel Polski Pod Bialym Orlem
Hotel Rezydent
Hotel Santi
Hotel Saski Krakow, Curio Collection by Hilton
Hotel Stary
Hotel Teatr****
Hotel Unicus
Hotel Warszawski
Hotel Wentzl
Hotel Wielopole
Hotel Wyspianski
Ibis Budget Krakow Stare Miasto
ibis Krakow Stare Miasto
Imperial Hotel
Jagiellonian University Guest Rooms
Kosmopolita Rooms & Apartments
Lavender Hotel
Leonardo Boutique Hotel Krakow Old Town
Leone Aparthotel
Maly Krakow Aparthotel
Mercure Krakow Stare Miasto
Mikolaj Hotel
Mistia Hotel
Neohotel Airport
Nordic House Apartments
Old Time Hotel
Old Time Hotel
Old Time Residence
Old Town Apartment
On/Set Aparthotel
Orbis Hotel Kasprowy
Platinum Aparthotel
Polonia Hotel
Prime Aparthotel
PURO Krakow Stare Miasto
Red Brick Apartments
Renesans Hostel
Sarego Apartment
Senacki Hotel
Sky Hotel Krakow
The Bonerowski Palace
The Loft Hotel
Topolowa Residence
Traditional Guest House
Venetian House Aparthotel
Vienna House By Wyndham Andel's Cracow
Voyage City Apartments
W Palacu
Wawel Hotel
Wit Stwosz Hotel
Wyndham Grand Krakow Old Town
Yarden Hotel by Artery Hotels
Zewecki Hotel

What to expect

1
Krakow's Rynek Glowny Central Square

Start your tour with easy transportation from Krakow. During the trip, a friendly English-speaking leader will be there to help. When you get to Oswiecim, take a quick break for coffee or to check out some outdoor exhibits. Then, meet your local guide. They're officially approved by the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and will show you around.

2
Panstwowe Muzeum Auschwitz-Birkenau

Guided tours of Auschwitz I Museum provide visitors with a profound and educational experience, as knowledgeable guides lead them through the haunting remnants of the camp. Explore the barracks, watchtowers, and infamous "Arbeit Macht Frei" gate while learning about the systematic oppression and unimaginable suffering endured by prisoners. Witness the chilling exhibits, including personal belongings, photographs, and documents, which serve as powerful reminders of the human cost of hatred and intolerance. Pay your respects at the memorials and monuments dedicated to the victims of the Holocaust, and take a moment for quiet reflection at this hallowed ground. A visit to Auschwitz I Museum is not only a historical journey but also a solemn reminder of the importance of remembrance and the ongoing commitment to ensuring that the atrocities of the past are never forgotten.

Duration 150 minutes
Admission Admission Included
3

Brzezinka

After the 1st camp short break up to 15 minutes is planned. You will be taken by us to visit the second part of the tour - Birkenau (Auschwitz II), only 3 minutes away, which is the largest camp built and operated for the specific purpose of making Europe ''Judenrein'' (free of Jews). The same guide continues a poignant lecture about the camp in the village Brzezinka (Birkenau) which was constructed in 1941 on the order of Heinrich Himmler (SS commander) and could hold some 90 000 prisoners. You will be told about terrible stories of unimaginable living conditions as well as cruel selection and pseudo-scientific medical experiments made by prominent Nazi doctors including Josef Mengele. A history about soldiers of the 60th Army of the First Ukrainian Front opened the gates of Auschwitz on January 27, 1945, which meant the final liberation, ends your tour with a feeling, both this genocide should never have happened and it can not happen again.

Duration 90 minutes
4

Krakow

At the end of the tour, there's no hurry from our side. You'll have at least a 20-minute break where you can visit a bookstore, grab some groceries, or simply relax. Then, after another 1 hour and 15 minutes on the road, we'll drop you off at your chosen address in Krakow.

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Breaks during the tour are no longer than 10 minutes
  • Additional information
    Departure time may be changed due to Auschwitz Birkenay policy. Please contact us day before the tour to confirm exact departure time
  • Additional information
    Due to the high tourist traffic, there may be a queue at the entrance. We kindly ask for your patience.
  • Additional information
    Not recommended for people with serious health or mobility restrictions
  • Additional information
    Please make sure to bring with you ID or passoprt. Because before the entrance seciurity will ask about it.
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    We encourage you to bring umbrellas or raincoats in case of bad weather.
Provided by Discover Poland

What our experts say

  • icon
    Bring an umbrella for unpredictable weather.
  • icon
    Consider visiting Wawel Castle post-tour.
  • icon
    Plan a quiet meal at nearby Zajazd Krakow.
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    Remember to bring your ID for entry.
  • icon
    Arrive early to explore the area.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Experience the emotional and historical significance of Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial on a guided tour. This UNESCO World Heritage Site serves as a chilling reminder of the Holocaust, where millions of lives were tragically lost. Immerse yourself in this solemn journey as you explore the remains of barracks, watchtowers, gas chambers, and fences, accompanied by a professional guide who sensitively portrays the horrors endured by the prisoners. Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum stands as a powerful symbol of the consequences of nationalism, showcasing the depths humanity can sink to. Every year, countless tourists pass through its gates, walking beneath the haunting inscription "Arbeit Macht Frei" (Work sets you free). It is an essential visit during your time in Krakow, allowing you to pay tribute to those who suffered and gain a deeper understanding of the darkest period in human history.

What to expect?

During this 420-minute tour, you can anticipate an immersive experience delving into the past. The itinerary begins at the Kiss and Ride park, next to the Mercure hotel in Krakow. From there, you will be transported to Auschwitz-Birkenau, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. At the destination, a professional guide will accompany you as you explore both Auschwitz and Birkenau sites. Witness the remnants of the former camps and gain insight into the lives of prisoners who suffered unimaginable conditions. Your guide will provide informative and thought-provoking commentary, helping you comprehend the scale and significance of this historical site.

Who is this for?

This guided tour is designed for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Holocaust and its impact. It is for those who wish to pay their respects and contemplate the consequences of intolerance and prejudice. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a student studying this period, or simply someone looking to expand your knowledge and empathy, this tour is open to all. It is a solemn and educational experience that encourages reflection and empathy.

Why book this?

By booking this tour, you have the opportunity to honor the memory of those who suffered and ensure that their stories are not forgotten. The professional guide will provide valuable context and insights, allowing you to gain a comprehensive understanding of the history and significance of Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial. This tour offers a unique and powerful opportunity to reflect on the past, fostering a greater appreciation for the importance of tolerance and compassion today. Immerse yourself in this transformative experience and leave with a profound appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit.

Good to know

It is important to note that the majority of the tour takes place outdoors, so it is recommended to dress appropriately for varying weather conditions. Please also be mindful that backpacks or handbags brought into the Museum must not exceed the dimensions of 30x20x10 cm (format A4). Alternatively, there is a deposit service available for larger items. Take the time to prepare yourself emotionally, as the tour can be emotionally challenging due to the subject matter. By being respectful, attentive, and open-minded, you can fully immerse yourself in this historical experience.

Reviews

Individuals who have embarked on this guided tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial have found it to be an incredibly moving and educational experience. Travelers have praised the professionalism and sensitivity of the guides, as they shed light on the atrocities that unfolded within these camps. Visitors express gratitude for the opportunity to pay tribute and gain a deeper understanding of the Holocaust's impact. Many reviewers emphasize the importance of this tour in fostering empathy, urging others to take part in this transformative journey. Overall, the feedback reflects the profound impact this tour has on visitors, with many stating that it is a visit they will never forget.

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