| Auschwitz-Birkenau Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Location | Oswiecim, Poland (about 40 miles west of Krakow) |
| Currency | Polish Zloty (PLN). 1 USD = roughly 4 PLN |
| Language | Polish. English tours available |
| Time Zone | CET (UTC+1) |
| Visa (US) | Not required (Schengen Area) |
| Entry Fee | Free (guided tours 100-150 PLN / $25-38) |
| Best Time | April to October |
Auschwitz-Birkenau is the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp, now preserved as a museum and memorial. Over 1.1 million people were murdered here, the vast majority of them Jewish. A visit is not easy, but it is one of the most important historical experiences you can have. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a place of remembrance that demands respect and reflection. Most visitors combine it with a stay in Krakow, one of Poland’s most beautiful and historically rich cities.
For a broader framework for organizing any trip, our how to plan a trip guide covers the fundamentals.
Best Time to Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau
The museum is open year-round. April through October has longer hours and better weather for the outdoor walking at Birkenau (the larger camp is mostly open-air). Summer is the busiest period. December through February is cold (below freezing) but less crowded and arguably more appropriate to the somber nature of the site. Advance booking is essential for guided tours in any season.
Getting to Auschwitz-Birkenau
Most visitors start from Krakow, about 40 miles east. Options include organized tours from Krakow ($40 to $60 including transport and guide), public buses from Krakow’s main bus station (1.5 hours, about $3), or private car. The museum is in the town of Oswiecim. Krakow’s airport is John Paul II Airport (KRK) with connections from many European cities. From Warsaw, Krakow is 2.5 hours by train.
Top Things to Do in Auschwitz-Birkenau
- Auschwitz I (Main Camp): The original camp with preserved barracks, the ‘Arbeit Macht Frei’ gate, the Wall of Death, and museum exhibits including personal belongings of victims. Guided tours take about 1.5 hours.
- Birkenau (Auschwitz II): The much larger extermination camp 2 miles away. The railway platform, ruins of gas chambers, and the vast scale of the site are deeply impactful. Allow 1 to 1.5 hours. A free shuttle connects the two sites.
- Krakow Old Town: One of the best-preserved medieval town centers in Europe. Rynek Glowny (Main Market Square) is the largest medieval square in Europe. Wawel Castle and the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz are highlights.
- Wieliczka Salt Mine: A UNESCO-listed underground salt mine near Krakow with chapels, lakes, and sculptures carved entirely from salt. Guided tours run about $25.
Where to Stay
Stay in Krakow, not Oswiecim. Krakow’s Old Town and Kazimierz (Jewish quarter) have excellent hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs from $15 (hostel) to $150+ (boutique hotel). Krakow is one of the most affordable cities in Europe for visitors.
Sample 2-Day Auschwitz-Birkenau Itinerary
- Day 1 – Auschwitz-Birkenau: Morning departure from Krakow (organized tour or bus). Visit Auschwitz I and Birkenau (4 to 5 hours total on site). Return to Krakow. Evening walk through Kazimierz for dinner.
- Day 2 – Krakow: Explore the Old Town, Wawel Castle, and Rynek Glowny. Afternoon in Kazimierz visiting Schindler’s Factory museum. Optional: Wieliczka Salt Mine.
Budget Estimate
A visit to Auschwitz is affordable. Museum entry is free (though booking is required). Guided tours from Krakow cost $40 to $60 including transport. Independent travel by bus costs about $6 round trip. Krakow itself is very budget-friendly: meals $5 to $15, hotels $30 to $100, beer $2 to $3.
Planning Tools
Ready to start building your Auschwitz-Birkenau trip? Our free AI trip planner can generate a custom itinerary based on your dates, budget, and interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. Free entry slots and guided tour tickets must be booked online at the museum’s website. In summer, slots can fill up weeks ahead. Book as early as possible, especially for English-language guided tours.
How long does the visit take?
Plan for 3.5 to 5 hours total: about 1.5 hours at Auschwitz I, 1 to 1.5 hours at Birkenau, plus transit between the two sites. Most organized tours from Krakow are 6 to 7 hours total including travel.
Is it appropriate to bring children?
The museum recommends visitors be at least 14 years old. The content is graphic and emotionally heavy. Use your judgment based on your child’s maturity. Children under 14 are admitted but must be accompanied by an adult.