Krakow to Auschwitz Birkenau Guided Tour with Transfer and Ticket
Description
Visit one of the most important memorial sites in Europe on an organized Auschwitz-Birkenau tour from Krakow. The former German Nazi concentration and extermination camp of Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a place of remembrance for more than one million victims of World War II. Preserved barracks, watchtowers, the railway ramp in Birkenau and memorials bear witness to the history of the Holocaust. Several visit options are available (please read carefully before booking): • Options with a Licensed Museum Guide - Guided visit inside both camps. • Independent Visit Option - Entry without a Museum guide inside; introduction provided by our guide before the visit. All options include round-trip transport from Krakow and pre-arranged entry passes. The visit is conducted with appropriate respect. ✔ Visit both camps ✔ Transport from Krakow included ✔ Entry tickets arranged ✔ Licensed guide in selected options
Tour Options
Itinerary
Your tour begins with transportation from Krakow (hotel you specified or a meeting point you choose from). Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum is located in the town Oswiecim, about 1h15min in one way (65km). Every driver we cooperate with has all required by EU permissions for passenger transport. An English speaking and friendly leader of the group will assist you at any time you need. After arriving in Oswiecim, have a short break to grab a coffee or keep an eye on outdoor exhibitions.Then be kindly introduced to your local and professional guide who is licensed by Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum.
Start your tour by walking through the gate to the first camp - Auschwitz I - originally conceived as a concentration camp, to be used as a detention centre for the many Polish citizens arrested after Germany annexed the country in 1939, with the most recognizable sign Arbeit Macht Frei (Work Makes You Free).This part usually takes 2 hours and you will be using a headset to hear your guide clearly. The group according to the Museum’s rule counts up to 30 people making the visit comfortable and accessible for every participant. Visit the original wooden buildings, fortified walls, barbed wires, gas chambers and crematoria - all of those leave a shocking impression allowing to imagine the scale of Holocaust.
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.
When the tour ends, you are not rushed by us. There is at least a 20 minutes break which you can spend in a bookstore, grocery store or just rest. After another 1h15min on the way, you will be taken to a predetermined address in Krakow.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
• Please provide your accommodation address in Krakow, or choose a meeting point if you've selected a lower-priced option. • Departure time depends on Auschwitz Museum availability and will be confirmed the day before the tour. • You will receive a welcome message along with your booking confirmation. • Guests staying near the Main Square will be assigned the nearest possible pickup point. • Guests staying outside the city center will be asked to wait at a designated location. • Due to major roadworks in western Krakow, pickups from that area are currently unavailable. • The meeting point at Floriana Straszewskiego 19 (next to the Philharmonic) is temporarily closed. If you're staying nearby, we will arrange an alternative safe and convenient pickup location.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- [DEPARTURE] Booked times are approximate and may change due to museum scheduling or traffic.
- [DOCUMENTS] **Full names of all participants MUST be provided during booking (the same as on ID or passport, no nicknames). Passport or ID is MANDATORY for each participant and will be checked. NO ID = NO ENTRY!**
- [VISIT] Guided group tour only, no individual pacing. Respectful behavior and smart casual dress required. Eating, smoking, and loud behavior are not allowed.
- [PICKUP] Some Krakow hotels are in restricted traffic zones; pickup will be arranged from the nearest accessible point and you will be informed in advance.
- [LUNCH] Lunch is not included. There is no time for a full meal between visits, and no food facilities on-site, so please bring a snack.
- [SECURITY] An airport-style security check is required before entering the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum.
- [WEATHER] The tour runs in all weather. Up to 70% of the visit takes place outdoors, so please dress appropriately and bring water on warm days.
- [CHILDREN] Children must be accompanied by an adult. Infant seats are available. Due to the sensitive nature of the site, the tour is recommended for ages 13+.
- [PHOTOS] Photography is allowed except in marked areas. Flash is not permitted inside buildings.
- [RENOVATIONS] Due to roadworks in western Krakow, pickups in that area are not possible. The Straszewskiego 19 meeting point is temporarily closed. We will arrange a nearby alternative if needed.
Reviews(9,522)
The visit was very somber, but the guide, and overall experience was informative, introspective and thought-provoking! Despite the remnants of unimaginable horror, this tour educates in the best way possible by showing undeniable evidence of the atrocities committed by normal humans against other normal humans.
Well organised from the time of first booking, to pick up on the day and drop off at the end of the vist. Communication was clear as the day of the visit approached. Be prepared for an early start. Our 8.30 am booking became a pick up time of 5.40 am. One advantage was that we were back in Krakow for lunchtime. The guide was very knowledgeable. The exhibits are confronting but it's important that we bear witness to the horror lest it is forgotten. Be prepared for a long and fast paced walk at Birkenau. The scale of the site is breathtaking.
Amazing trip, solemn atmosphere. Must see trip if your in Poland/Krakow.
From the start I received helpful messages regarding pick up points and lunch options. On the day the pick up was prompt and the guide gave a clear explanation of what to expect from the day and time scales. The tour guide at Auschwitz was informative and interesting. Also kept a good pace for everyone to follow along. Well organised and Highly recommend, Thank you again.
This tour was exceptional. Punctual pickup and excellent communication via WhatsApp. Michael was an excellent tour guide who was informative, respectful and interesting. A surreal experience visiting the camps. Highly recommend,
Dear Rachel, We are thrilled to hear that your Auschwitz-Birkenau tour was informative and memorable. It’s wonderful that Michael’s guidance, punctual pickup, and clear WhatsApp communication enhanced your experience. We appreciate your recommendation and are glad the visit was meaningful. #CustomerFeedback #Auschwitz #Birkenau #HelloCracow #ContinuousImprovement #ExploreKrakow #KrakowTours #AuschwitzTour #HistoricalTours #CustomerServiceExcellence #RespectfulTravel #EducationalTravel #GuidedToursKrakow #TravelWithEase #PunctualAndReliable #SmallGroupTours #PassionateGuides #TransparentTravel #SustainableTourism #CulturalHeritage #KrakowHistory #HistoryMatters #KrakowExperience #TravelWithRespect #InformativeGuide #MemorableExperience #SurrealExperience
Very emotional experience. The tour was very organized and detailed. Everyone in the world should visit these camps.
Dear Michele, We are glad to hear that your Auschwitz-Birkenau tour was both emotional and well organized. It’s wonderful that the detailed guidance contributed to a meaningful experience, and we agree—visiting these camps is an important experience for everyone traveling to Poland. #CustomerFeedback #Auschwitz #Birkenau #HelloCracow #ContinuousImprovement #ExploreKrakow #KrakowTours #AuschwitzTour #HistoricalTours #CustomerServiceExcellence #RespectfulTravel #EducationalTravel #GuidedToursKrakow #TravelWithEase #PunctualAndReliable #SmallGroupTours #PassionateGuides #TransparentTravel #SustainableTourism #CulturalHeritage #KrakowHistory #HistoryMatters #KrakowExperience #TravelWithRespect #EmotionalExperience #WellOrganized #MustVisit
Very informative and moving.
Dear Naomi, We are glad to hear that your Auschwitz-Birkenau tour was both informative and moving. It’s wonderful that the experience provided meaningful insights into this important history. #CustomerFeedback #Auschwitz #Birkenau #HelloCracow #ContinuousImprovement #ExploreKrakow #KrakowTours #AuschwitzTour #HistoricalTours #CustomerServiceExcellence #RespectfulTravel #EducationalTravel #GuidedToursKrakow #TravelWithEase #PunctualAndReliable #SmallGroupTours #PassionateGuides #TransparentTravel #SustainableTourism #CulturalHeritage #KrakowHistory #HistoryMatters #KrakowExperience #TravelWithRespect #InformativeTour #MovingExperience #EducationalVisit
I appreciate the clear communication from the company. The bus was on time and everything went as planned. The tour guide was well informed and made sure we had complete information throughout the tour. O
Dear Michael, We are glad to hear that your Auschwitz-Birkenau tour went smoothly and as planned. It’s wonderful that our clear communication, punctual bus, and knowledgeable guide contributed to a well-informed and seamless experience throughout the visit. #CustomerFeedback #Auschwitz #Birkenau #HelloCracow #ContinuousImprovement #ExploreKrakow #KrakowTours #AuschwitzTour #HistoricalTours #CustomerServiceExcellence #RespectfulTravel #EducationalTravel #GuidedToursKrakow #TravelWithEase #PunctualAndReliable #SmallGroupTours #PassionateGuides #TransparentTravel #SustainableTourism #CulturalHeritage #KrakowHistory #HistoryMatters #KrakowExperience #TravelWithRespect #WellInformedGuide #SmoothExperience #ClearCommunication
The experience was amazing. Words can’t describe what it was like coming back 28 years later. I will say that the guide was amazing g but often left 1/2 the group behind and didn’t loo knack to make sure people were keeping up. That was extremely annoying.
Dear Ashley, We are glad that your return visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau was a meaningful and impactful experience. We apologize that at times some guests were left behind during the tour; we appreciate your feedback and will ensure better attention to group cohesion in the future. It’s wonderful to hear that the guide was knowledgeable and enhanced your understanding of this important history. #CustomerFeedback #Auschwitz #Birkenau #HelloCracow #ContinuousImprovement #ExploreKrakow #KrakowTours #AuschwitzTour #HistoricalTours #CustomerServiceExcellence #RespectfulTravel #EducationalTravel #GuidedToursKrakow #TravelWithEase #PunctualAndReliable #SmallGroupTours #PassionateGuides #TransparentTravel #SustainableTourism #CulturalHeritage #KrakowHistory #HistoryMatters #KrakowExperience #TravelWithRespect #MeaningfulExperience #GroupAttention #InformativeGuide
Excellent tour in a relaxed atmosphere. Coach pick up well managed and only three pick ups in total so no time wasted. Guide’s knowledgeable and polite, putting feelings into what and how they presented this very important part of history.
Dear Ian, We are delighted to hear that your Auschwitz-Birkenau tour was excellent and provided good value. It’s wonderful that the relaxed atmosphere, well-managed coach pickups, and knowledgeable, polite guide enhanced your understanding of this important part of history. #CustomerFeedback #Auschwitz #Birkenau #HelloCracow #ContinuousImprovement #ExploreKrakow #KrakowTours #AuschwitzTour #HistoricalTours #CustomerServiceExcellence #RespectfulTravel #EducationalTravel #GuidedToursKrakow #TravelWithEase #PunctualAndReliable #SmallGroupTours #PassionateGuides #TransparentTravel #SustainableTourism #CulturalHeritage #KrakowHistory #HistoryMatters #KrakowExperience #TravelWithRespect #RelaxedTour #InformativeGuide #GoodValue
