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- Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp
- Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
- History
- Inside
- Krakow to Auschwitz Tour
- Warsaw to Auschwitz Tour
- Wroclaw to Auschwitz Tour
- Movies & Books about Auschwitz
Contents
Plan Your 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-Birkenau | Visitor information at a glance
- What are the Auschwitz-Birkenau opening hours?
Auschwitz is open to visitors from 7:30 AM. The closing hours vary depending on the month. - When is Auschwitz closed?
Auschwitz is closed on January 1, December 25, and Easter Sunday. - Where is Auschwitz located?
Auschwitz is located at Ofiar Faszyzmu 12, 32-600 Brzezinka, Poland - How many entrances does Auschwitz have?
There are two Auschwitz entrances, Auschwitz I Main Entrance and Auschwitz II-Birkenau Hell's Gate entrance. - How many visitors does Auschwitz see per year?
Auschwitz-Birkenau welcomes around 2 million visitors annually.
Where is Auschwitz located?
Address: Ofiar Faszyzmu 12, 32-600 Brzezinka, Poland
Auschwitz location on map
Auschwitz concentration camp location: Auschwitz-Birkenau is situated in the southern part of Poland. Nestled in the town of Oswiecim, this solemn site can be found in the Lesser Poland region.
Closest city to Auschwitz: Krakow (approximately 70 km)
Nearest airport to Auschwitz: John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice (59 km)
Auschwitz LocationGetting to Auschwitz-Birkenau
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 different parts of Poland.
Train
Nearest train station: Oswiecim Central Station
- From Krakow: Direct trains run from the Krakow's main railway station to Oswiecim station, 2 km away from Auschwitz. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
- From Warsaw: Take a train from Warsaw Central Station (Warszawa Centralna) to Oswiecim station. The journey takes approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours.
- From Wroclaw: The train ride usually takes around 3.5 to 4 hours.
- From Gdansk: The train ride takes around 5 to 6 hours.
- From Katowice: You can take a train from Katowice station to Oswiecim station. The train journey takes around 1 to 1.5 hours.
Bus
Nearest bus stop: Oswiecim Muzeum
- From Krakow: Board the bus at Krakow MDA Station. The journey will take around 1.5 to 2 hours.
- From Warsaw: Buses from Warsaw to Auschwitz are available, usually departing from the main bus station. The journey by bus may take around 4.5 to 5.5 hours.
- From Wroclaw: Buses from Wroclaw to Auschwitz are another option, departing from the central bus station. The journey may take around 4 to 5 hours.
- From Gdansk: Buses from Gdansk to Auschwitz can be taken from the main bus station. The bus journey may take approximately 6 to 7 hours.
- From Katowice: Buses depart from Katowice's main bus station and offer a comfortable ride of about 1.5 hours.
Car
- From Krakow: If you prefer driving, it's about a 1.5-hour drive from Krakow to Auschwitz.
- From Warsaw: It's about 3.5 to 4.5-hour drive from Warsaw to Auschwitz.
- From Wroclaw: It's about a 3.5 to 4-hour drive from Wroclaw to Auschwitz.
- From Gdansk: It's about a 5 to 6-hour drive from Gdansk to Auschwitz.
- From Katowice: If you prefer driving, it's about a 1 to 1.5-hour drive from Katowice to Auschwitz.
Parking facilities:
Paid car parking facilities are available near both former concentration camps, including:
- Coach and Car Parking (2.1 km)
- Parking Brzezinka (2.8 km)
- Parking OCK (3.6 km)
If you want to avoid the hassle of planning your travel to Auschwitz, you can take a guided tour to Auschwitz with free transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle. Depending on your ticket, you will be picked up from a common meeting point or your hotel and will be accompanied by an expert guide.
Know before you go to Auschwitz
Entrances
Facilities
Accesssiblity
Weather
Rules
Tips
Dine
Stay
Auschwitz-Birkenau has two entrances:
- The Main Entrance to Auschwitz I: This well-known wrought-iron gate, which bears the haunting inscription "Arbeit Macht Frei" (Work Liberates), marks the entrance to the Auschwitz I camp.
- Hell's Gate Entrance to Auschwitz II Birkenau: The second entrance provides access to the extensive grounds of Auschwitz II Birkenau, highlighted by the iconic railway tracks leading into the camp.
- Restrooms with a small fee to use them.
- Restaurant and a fast-food counter at Auschwitz I camp
- Free shuttle bus service to travel between the two camps — Auschwitz I and Birkenau.
- Luggage storage facility near the main entrance.
- Book shops in both the camps.
- Wheelchairs are available free of charge at the Visitor Service Centre
Auschwitz strives to accommodate visitors with disabilities. Wheelchair-accessible ramps, designated parking spots, and accessible restrooms are available. Additionally, individuals with visual impairments can request an audio guide.
- March-May: Temperature in Auschwitz is around 5°C to 15°C during spring season. Thanks to the post-winter lull, crowds are lesser at this time.
- June-August: Temperature is around 18°C to 32°C during summer months. If you are a sun-lover, August is the ideal month for visiting Auschwitz concentration camp.
- September-November: The fall season see temperatures around 13°C to 6°C. Expect a slight nip in the bud during these months.
- December-February: Auschwitz weather is chilly during these months so pack some extra layers if you will be traveling during the winters. Temperature is around 3°C to -3°C during winters.
- Ensure your backpack or handbag does not exceed dimensions: 30x20x10 cm.
- Photography inside the Auschwitz Memorial is permitted, except for flash photography.
- It is recommended that children under the age of 14 not visit the camp.
- Carrying and consuming food or alcohol is not allowed.
- Smoking cigarettes and e-cigarettes is not allowed.
- There's no dress code in place at Auschwitz. However, visitors are expected to dress respectfully, keeping the historical significance of the place in mind.
- If you plan on visiting Auschwitz during the peak season (April to October), it is wise to book your Auschwitz tickets online in advance.
- All tickets are assigned specific entry times, so it is crucial to arrive at the appointed time to ensure entry.
- Expect a significant amount of walking, so wear comfortable footwear and carry an ample supply of drinking water.
- After your Auschwitz tour, consider a visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, one of the world's oldest operational salt mines, now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Don't forget to bring a valid photo ID along with your Auschwitz tickets for entry. Any official identification with a clear photograph of the visitor will suffice.
Auschwitz I camp has a restaurant and a fast-food counter to get food and drinks but there is no food available at Auschwitz II camp. Eating or drinking inside the camp is not allowed. Here are a few more dining options near Auschwitz-Birkenau:
- A La Carte (2.4 km): Located a short distance from Auschwitz, A La Carte offers a refined dining experience with a menu that combines Polish and European flavors.
- Restauracja na Rynku (4.1 km): This restaurant in the heart of Oswiecim's market square offers Polish classics, including pierogi, schnitzel, and hearty soups. Don't miss their homemade desserts.
- Chata na Zaborskiej Restauracja (4.8 km): Experience authentic Polish cuisine in a rustic setting. Indulge in pierogi, traditional soups, and mouthwatering meat dishes.
- Old Tree Villa (4.9 km): Located in a charming villa, Old Tree Villa offers a diverse menu featuring Polish and international cuisine. The cozy and elegant atmosphere will steal your heart.
Some of the best hotels near Auschwitz include:
Book your Auschwitz tour
Frequently asked questions about visiting Auschwitz
Where is Auschwitz located?
Auschwitz-Birkenau, Nazi Germany's largest concentration and extermination camp, is located near the town of Oswiecim in southern Poland. The exact address is Ofiar Faszyzmu 12, 32-600 Brzezinka, Poland. Find more information on the location of Auschwitz here.
What are Auschwitz opening hours?
Auschwitz is open to visitors from 7:30 AM every day. However, the closing times vary depending on the month. Check the detailed Auschwitz timings here.
What are the different ways to reach Auschwitz?
You can reach Auschwitz from Krakow, Warsaw, Gdansk, Wroclaw, and Katowice via car, train, or bus.
Is there any age limit to visit Auschwitz?
Children under the age of 14 are not allowed to visit Auschwitz.
How long do I need to spend at Auschwitz?
Spend a minimum of three hours to explore both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau.
Is there a dress code to be followed when visiting Auschwitz?
There's no dress policy, but visitors are expected to dress respectfully, keeping the historical significance of the place in mind.
Is photography allowed during my visit to Auschwitz?
Yes, but without use of a flash and stands. Please note that the Room of Hair of the victims and the basements of Block 11 do not permit photography.
Can you take food inside Auschwitz?
No. Consuming food is prohibited on the memorial grounds.
Are there any refreshments offered during my visit to Auschwitz?
Refreshments are not offered during your visit to Auschwitz, but you can visit the cafeteria in Auschwitz I camp for a quick bite.
Are there toilet facilities inside Auschwitz?
There are paid toilets available in both Auschwitz I and Birkenau concentration camps.
What country is Auschwitz in?
Auschwitz is in Poland.
Which is the closest city to Auschwitz?
Krakow is the closest city to Auschwitz. It is located approximately 71 km away.
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