Plan A Visit To The Auschwitz Concentration Camp
The largest Nazi concentration camp built in occupied Europe, Auschwitz-Birkenau has become a significant site in the history of the Holocaust. Visiting Auschwitz will allow you to view artifacts, the execution and imprisonment sites, and thousands of preserved objects. A somber and emotional visit, the time you spend at the Auschwitz concentration camp allows you to pay tribute to the many victims of the genocide.
Auschwitz Opening Hours
- What are the Auschwitz-Birkenau opening hours?
Auschwitz opening hours are as follows:
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM January, November
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM February
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM March, October
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM April, May, September
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM June, July, August
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM December
Closed on January 1, December 25, and Easter Sunday. - How long will it take to cover Auschwitz?
Visiting Auschwitz can take a minimum of three-and-a-half hours. Visitors can stay on the site 90 minutes after the last entrance hour. - When is the best time to visit Auschwitz?
If you want to enjoy the good weather, May- September is the best time for visiting Auschwitz. However, if you want to avoid peak season rush, April to May may be a better choice. Earmark a weekday for the visit.
Auschwitz Location
Auschwitz Address: Ofiar Faszyzmu 12, 32-600 Brzezinka, Poland
Auschwitz concentration camp lies on the outskirts of Oswiecim, located about 66 km away from Krakow.
Two international airports, Krakow-Balice and Katowice-Pyrzowice, are within 50 kilometers to the museum.
Getting There
The Auschwitz concentration camp has two sections, Auschwitz I, the primary camp, and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, which is located 3 km away from the main site. Here are some of the best ways for you to get to Auschwitz from Krakow:
Train
Nearest train station: Oswiecim
From Krakow: Direct trains run from the Main Railway Station to Oswiecim's central station, 2 km away from Auschwitz. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
From Warsaw: A super-fast train will get you to Krakow in 2.5 hours. Or, you can take a train from Warszawa Centralna, which arrives at Oswiecim via Katowice. The journey takes approximately 4h 42m.
Bus
Nearest bus stop: Oswiecim Muzeum
From Krakow: Board the bus at MDA Station. The journey will take around 1.5 to 2 hours. Drop-off depends on the bus company.
From Warsaw: A 4-hour journey will get you to Krakow. From the Dworzec Autobusowy, you can get on a train to Auschwitz.
Car
From Krakow: The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
From Warsaw: Auschwitz is just under 4 hours away from Warsaw by road.
Both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau have paid car parks for visitors. You can enter them from Stanislawa Leszczynska 16 street.
Guided Tour
Take a guided tour from Krakow to Auschwitz in an air-conditioned minibus. You will be picked up from a common meeting point and will be accompanied by an expert guide. The journey will take around 7-11 hours.
Auschwitz Facilities & Services
- Storage Facility - Those with bigger luggage may leave their luggage in paid luggage storage.
- Refreshments - Their cafeteria offers hearty meals. You can also have breakfast or lunch at Hotel Olecki Oświęcim, located close to the camp. Eating and smoking are not allowed inside Auschwitz-Birkenau.
- Free Shuttle Bus Service - A free shuttle bus is available to travel between the two camps — Auschwitz I and Birkenau.
- Seminars and workshops - Attend lectures, workshops and seminars organised by the International Center for Education about Auschwitz and the Holocaust, located in Block 12.
- Wheelchairs - Wheelchairs are available free of charge at the Visitor Service Centre for differently-abled visitors.
Tips for Visiting Auschwitz
- To fully understand the historical significance of the place, opt for a guided tour. Book your ticket in advance if you are visiting Auschwitz during the peak season (April to October).
- During peak season if you're visiting the museum by yourself, enter the camp before 10:00 AM or after 3:00 PM.
- Auschwitz is a somber place and you're expected to maintain proper decorum while inside
- Photography is allowed inside the Auschwitz concentration camp.
- There is a lot of walking involved. Wear comfortable shoes and carry plenty of drinking water.
- It is not recommended that children under 14 visit the museum.
- Ensure your backpack or handbag does not exceed dimensions: 30x20x10 cm.
- Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine, one of the oldest operating salt mines that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
All Your Questions Answered About Visiting Auschwitz
A. Auschwitz-Birkenau, Nazi Germany's largest concentration camp and extermination camp, is located near the town of Oswiecim in southern Poland, Auschwitz.
A. The Auschwitz concentration camp was a complex of over 40 concentration and extermination camps. The memorial site covers two preserved parts of the camp: Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, spread over a total area of 191 hectares.
A. Located on the outskirts of the city of Oświęcim, by the national road No. 933, you can travel to Auschwitz from Krakow via car, train, or bus.
A. Yes, the grounds and buildings of the Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau camps are open to visitors.
A. As per the Auschwitz official website, visits by children under the age of 14 are not recommended
A. Earmark a minimum of three hours to visit both, Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau.
A. April to May sees both good weather and lesser crowds. Opt to take the tour on a weekday.
A. There's no dress policy, but visitors are expected to dress respectfully, keeping the historical significance of the place in mind.
A. Yes, but without use of a flash and stands. However, the hall with the hair of Victims (block nr and the basements of Block 11 do not permit photography).
A. Consuming food is prohibited on the memorial grounds.
A. You can visit the cafeteria for some hearty meals.
A. There are paid toilets available in both Auschwitz I and Birkenau. Free toilets are also available at the back of the camp.
