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- Things to do in Krakow
- Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is a solemn and powerful site, located about 70 kilometers from Krakow. It serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust, where millions of people, primarily Jews, were imprisoned and murdered by the Nazis. Auschwitz was the largest concentration camp, and Birkenau, a nearby extermination camp, is infamous for its gas chambers and crematoriums. Today, the site stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and memorial to those who suffered and perished. The museum preserves the remains of the camp and houses numerous exhibits, photographs, and personal items.
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum Tours & Excursions
Krakow - Poland
From Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour & Hotel Pickup
€36
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Krakow - Poland
From Krakow: Auschwitz and Wieliczka Salt Mine Full-Day Trip
€102
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Krakow - Poland
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Tour: A Day of Reflection and History
€28
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Krakow - Poland
Auschwitz-Birkenau & Guided Tour from Krakow: A Deep Dive into History
€44
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Krakow - Poland
Auschwitz-Birkenau: Skip-the-Line Guided Tour from Krakow
€35
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour with Hotel Transfer
€84
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour with Hotel Transfer
€83
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Krakow - Poland
Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour from Krakow
€57
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Krakow - Poland
From Krakow: Auschwitz Birkenau Self-Guided Tour
€35
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Krakow - Poland
From Krakow: Zakopane & Chocholow Thermal Pools
€105
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Zakopane Tatra Thermal Pools & Local Tasting Tour
€105
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Krakow - Poland
Auschwitz & Wieliczka Salt Mine: A Full Day of History and Reflection
€103
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Krakow - Poland
Tatra Mountains and Zakopane: Your Perfect Day Trip
€352
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Zakopane Tour with Thermal Pools and Hotel Pickup
€90
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Extreme Shooting Range with Hotel Transfers
€71
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Jewish Quarter and Schindlers Factory Guided Tour
€50
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Energylandia Theme Park Full-Day Access w/ Transfer
€132
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Zakopane Day Tour with Optional Thermal Baths
€88
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Guided E-Scooter City Tour with Food Tastings
€69
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow St Marys Basilica Visiting with Short Guided Walk
€25
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Shooting Range & Hotel Transfers - Soldier 25 Shots
€93
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Krakow - Poland
Kraków: Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour with Hotel Pickup
€83
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Jewish Ghetto Walking Tour
€11
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow St Marys Church and Rynek Underground Museum Tour
€49
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Extreme Off-Road Quad Bike Tour with BBQ Lunch
€140
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Schindlers Factory Guided Tour
€36
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Schindlers Factory, Jewish Ghetto, & Salt Mine Tour
€131
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Rynek Underground & Wawel Castle, Cathedral Tour
€80
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Wawel Castle, Cathedral, Salt Mine, and Lunch
€136
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Schindlers Factory, Ghetto and Plaszow Camp Tour
€69
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Guided Tour of Wawel Hill and St Marys Basilica
€75
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Kazimierz, Schindlers Factory, & Ghetto Guided Tour
€60
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow Wawel Hill, St Marys Church & Underground Museum
€93
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Nowa Huta Communist Experience Guided Tour
€48
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Krakow - Poland
Discover Kraków: Explore History by Electric Golf Cart
€23
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: Traditional Dunajec Rafting and Mountain Chairlift
€90
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Krakow - Poland
Krakow: UNESCO Underground Boat Expedition & Salt Mine Tour
€70
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The Basics
The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is composed of two main parts: Auschwitz I, the original camp, which includes exhibitions on the history of the Holocaust, and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, the larger extermination camp where many prisoners lost their lives. The museum offers guided tours, which are available in multiple languages, or you can explore independently. The exhibits include photographs, personal belongings, and informative panels that detail the horrors of the camps. Entry is free, though a fee is charged for guided tours, which are highly recommended to fully understand the site’s historical significance.
From Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour & Hotel Pickup
Krakow - Poland
Step back in history with a guided tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau, including hotel pickup from Krakow. This moving experience combines expert guidance, convenience, and unforgettable insights.
€36
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From Krakow: Auschwitz and Wieliczka Salt Mine Full-Day Trip
Krakow - Poland
Explore history and wonder in one day with our Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine tour, a seamless journey through solemn remembrance and breathtaking underground marvels.
€102
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Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Tour: A Day of Reflection and History
Krakow - Poland
Visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, exploring the Nazi camps at your own pace with a detailed brochure in your language.
€28
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Things to Know Before You Go
Before visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, be prepared for an emotionally charged experience. The museum can be overwhelming, especially for those who are not familiar with the scale of the Holocaust. It’s recommended to set aside several hours for the visit. Dress appropriately for the weather, as the site is mostly outdoors. While photography is allowed in many areas, there are restrictions in some parts of the museum and memorial. Visitors should show respect by maintaining a somber tone and adhering to the museum’s guidelines.
How to Get There
To reach the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum from Krakow, there are several options. The most convenient way is to take a direct bus from Krakow’s main bus station, which takes around 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train to Oswiecim (the nearest town to Auschwitz) and then take a local bus or taxi to the memorial site. Many tour operators in Krakow also offer day trips to Auschwitz, which include transportation and a guided tour. If you are driving, there is parking available at the museum.
When to Get There
The best time to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau is early in the day, as the site can get crowded, especially in the summer months. Arriving early will allow you to explore the exhibits at a more relaxed pace and participate in guided tours without the crowds. The museum is open year-round, but it can be colder and less crowded in the winter months. Spring and autumn offer milder weather, but keep in mind that this is also peak tourist season. If you’re visiting during the summer, be prepared for larger crowds and warmer temperatures.
Day Trips from Krakow
A visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau can easily be incorporated into a day trip from Krakow. Many tour operators offer guided day trips, which typically include round-trip transportation, a tour of the museum, and time to reflect at the memorial sites. If you have more time, consider visiting the nearby town of Oswiecim, where you can explore the local area and learn more about its history. For a more comprehensive historical experience, you can also visit the nearby sites in Krakow, such as the Jewish Quarter and the Galicia Jewish Museum, which complement the stories told at Auschwitz.
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