- Location: Auschwitz is located in Southern Poland, close to the industrial town of Oswiecim. The attractions such as the Zamek museum, Main Market Square, etc. are close to Auschwitz Birkenau concentration camps. You can easily reach the destination by bus, train, or car.
- Address: Więźniów Oświęcimia 20, 32-603 Oświęcim, Poland
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Discover the best entrance to Auschwitz-Birkenau
A symbol of death, terror, and dreadful Nazi rule, Auschwitz often known as Auschwitz-Birkenau, was a network of 40 concentration camps in Poland that served as the home to the Nazis' systematic killing in the past. If you are going to visit the camp for the first time, you might be confused about the entrances. We’ve compiled all the important information about the Auschwitz entrances in this article. Keep reading to find out where they are and how to get there.
Where is Auschwitz-Birkenau?
Auschwitz entrances
Auschwitz-Birkenau has two main entrances. Both entrances are in two different locations, but they are easily accessible and only a few kilometers away from each other.
- The main entrance: It is used to enter Auschwitz I or the main camp.
- Hell’s Gate: This entrance leads to Auschwitz II Birkenau.
Auschwitz entrances explained | Location and getting there
The main entrance to Auschwitz I
The entrance to the main camp, Auschwitz I, is located on national route 933, just on the outskirts of Oswiecim. The sign "Arbeit Macht Frei", which means "work makes (one) free," has been inscribed at the entrance gate to Auschwitz I ever since it opened. All the visitors, irrespective of their ticket types, use this gate to enter the camp. Group tours use a side entrance from here to enter the camp.
How to reach? Direct trains can be accessed from Krakow's Main Railway Station which stops at Oswiecim's Central Station, which is 2 kilometers from Auschwitz.
Entrance timings: Except for January 1, December 25, and Easter Sunday, the Museum is open daily, every day of the year from 7:30 AM. The closing time may vary depending on the month of your visit.
Hell’s Gate Auschwitz II- Birkenau
The main entrance to Birkenau can be seen from the loading rail ramp and is commonly known as Auschwitz/Birkenau Hell's Gate. Everyone who visits the main camp also covers the Auschwitz II Birkenau camp through the hell’s entrance gate, irrespective of their ticket type. The main entrance to Auschwitz II is located 3 km away from the main camp.
How to reach? You can walk three kilometers between the two old concentration camps via Leszczyńska and Wyzwolenia streets. However, there are free buses that could take you from camp 1 to camp 2 as well.
Entrance timings: The Museum is open every day of the year from 7:30 AM, with the exception of 1 January, 25 December, and Easter Sunday. Depending on the month you come, the closure time could be different.
Disabled access
People with movement difficulties typically require assistance from someone else because of the uneven brick paving of the roadways and sidewalks within the former Auschwitz I concentration camp. To help visitors with mobility issues, more space has been set aside at the entrance and exit gates. Wheelchair use is more challenging inside brick-and-mortar barracks due to space congestion.
Access to the barracks is made available by means of movable ramps inside the former Auschwitz II-Birkenau complex. However, when making a reservation, you must submit the proper request for the same.
Which Auschwitz entrance should I choose?
Whether you have a skip the line ticket or a normal entry ticket to the Auschwitz camp, you have to use the two main entrances to enter the camps. Having said that, a guided tour or the skip the line access tour could definitely give you benefits over the normal tickets.
Queues at Auschwitz Birkenau entrance
When you reach the Auschwitz Birkenau entrance you’ll find 2 types of queues.
Queue 1: Visitors without pre-booked tickets must stand in this queue.
Queue 2: Visitors who have skip the line tickets or guided tour tickets can use this line and enter directly.
How to enter Auschwitz Birkenau?
- You can enter the Auschwitz Birkenau concentration camps through the main entrance or the Hell's Gate entrance. Upon arrival, you will go through a security check, which is a standard procedure to ensure the safety and security of all visitors.
- Auschwitz-Birkenau is a popular destination, so it's essential to plan. To secure your visit, purchase your tickets in advance. This not only guarantees your entry but also allows you to choose your preferred time slot, making your visit smoother and more organized.
- Before your visit, it's beneficial to educate yourself about the history of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Holocaust. Understanding the significance of the site will make your visit even more impactful.
- While you can explore Auschwitz-Birkenau independently, many visitors opt for guided tours. Knowledgeable guides provide historical context, share personal stories, and ensure you don't miss significant sites.
Frequently asked questions about Auschwitz entrances
Auschwitz Birkenau is located in Oswiecim, Poland.
There are two main Auschwitz entrances to the camp - one to the main camp and one to Auschwitz II.
The main entrance to Auschwitz I is located at Oswiecim and the entrance to Auschwitz II is located 3 km away from the main entrance.
The most preferred Auschwitz entrance by visitors is the main entrance to Auschwitz I concentration camp.
During peak tourist season or timings, the waiting time in the queue can take about 2 hours. Consider buying skip-the-line or fast-track entry tickets to get direct entry into the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.
Skip the line ticket holders can walk past the queues and enter the campsite directly from the main Auschwitz entrance.
Visitors with disabilities can use both Auschwitz entrances.
Visitors who have already purchased tickets can just show their tickets to the staff and enter the museum through the main Auschwitz entrance.
You will have to contact the ticket counter at the Auschwitz main camp to get your tickets and then enter through the main entrance.
Groups mainly use the side Auschwitz entrance to enter the campsite.
The best way to avoid long lines is by booking Auschwitz guided tours or skip the line tickets.
The Auschwitz Birkenau is open daily from 7:30 AM. The closing time could differ based on the months that you choose to visit. Click here for more information on Auschwitz timings.
The early morning slot is the best time to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau peacefully and avoid large crowds.
