Auschwitz-Birkenau Travel Guide

Plan the perfect trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau, with this comprehensive tour guide featuring places to visit, activities, accommodation, safety tips, and more.


Introduction to Auschwitz-Birkenau

Auschwitz-Birkenau was a complex of Nazi concentration camps and extermination centers during World War II, located in the town of Oświęcim in Małopolskie, Poland. It was the largest center of human extermination in the history of the world, responsible for the deaths of over one million Jews, Roma, and political prisoners during the Holocaust.

Today, Auschwitz-Birkenau is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a living memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. It is an essential destination for anyone interested in learning more about this dark chapter of human history.

List of Places to Visit in Auschwitz-Birkenau

There are several places to visit within the Auschwitz-Birkenau complex, each offering a unique perspective on the events that took place during the Holocaust. Here are some of the most important ones:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Auschwitz I: This was the first camp constructed and served as the administrative center for the complex. Visitors can see the prisoner barracks, torture chambers, and gas chambers.
  • Auschwitz II-Birkenau: This was the largest and deadliest of the camps. Most of the extermination took place here, and visitors can see the remnants of the gas chambers, crematoria, and prisoner barracks.
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum: This museum houses over a million artifacts and documents related to the Holocaust, including personal belongings of the victims and camp records.
  • Memorial of the Victims: This monument is located at the site of the former gas chambers and is a place for visitors to pay their respects to the victims of the camps.
  • Block 11: Known as the “death block,” this is where death sentences were carried out, and prisoners were subjected to brutal medical experiments.

Natural Attractions of Auschwitz-Birkenau: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Birkenau Lake: A scenic place to sit and reflect on the events that took place in the camp.
  • The Museum Park: A forested area with walking paths and plenty of space to explore.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Auschwitz-Birkenau

Visitors can hike or bike around the entire Auschwitz-Birkenau complex, taking in the natural scenery and historical sites along the way. There are marked trails and bike paths throughout the park.

Best Things to Do in Auschwitz-Birkenau: Activities and Tours

There are many ways to explore Auschwitz-Birkenau, from guided tours to self-guided experiences. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • Guided Museum Tour: Take a guided tour of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and learn about the history of the Holocaust.
  • Birkenau Concentration Camp Tour: Visit the most significant camp of the complex with a licensed guide.
  • Solo Exploration: Walk around the camps on your own and take in the history and atmosphere.
  • Photography Tour: Take a guided tour specifically for photographers, focusing on capturing the history and beauty of the camp.
  • Escape Room: Take part in a unique escape room experience, set in the context of a concentration camp.

Week-Long Itinerary for Auschwitz-Birkenau

Day 1: Arrival in Kraków Day 2: Guided tour of the Auschwitz-Birkenau complex Day 3: Visit the Kraków Ghetto and Schindler’s Factory Museum Day 4: Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine Day 5: Day trip to Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains Day 6: Day trip to the city of Tarnów and the Jewish Heritage Trail Day 7: Departure from Kraków

Food and Drink Scene of Auschwitz-Birkenau

The food scene in Auschwitz-Birkenau is centered around traditional Polish cuisine, with several local dishes and drinks that visitors should try.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pierogi: dumplings filled with cheese, potatoes, or meat
  • Kielbasa: a type of Polish sausage
  • Bigos: a traditional stew made with meat, sausage, and sauerkraut

Local Beverages

  • Żubrówka: a type of vodka flavored with bison grass
  • Tyskie: a popular Polish beer

Where to Stay in Auschwitz-Birkenau: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are several options when it comes to accommodation in Auschwitz-Birkenau, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Here are some of the best options:

  • Hotel Galicja: A modern, eco-friendly hotel located just a few kilometers from the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum.
  • Hostel Kanonicza 22: A budget-friendly hostel located in the heart of Kraków.
  • Villa Nova: A luxurious villa set in a scenic area just outside of Kraków.

What to Buy in Auschwitz-Birkenau: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

There are several souvenirs and local products that visitors can buy in Auschwitz-Birkenau, including:

  • Books and movies about the Holocaust and World War II
  • Handmade jewelry and crafts made by local artisans
  • Traditional Polish sweets and candies

Local Culture and Customs of Auschwitz-Birkenau

Polish culture is heavily influenced by centuries of history and tradition. When visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau, visitors should be respectful of the solemnity of the site and the people affected by the Holocaust.

Best Time to Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau

The best time to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau is from May to October, when the weather is mild and pleasant. However, visitors should be prepared for large crowds during the peak tourist season.

Do’s and Don’ts of Auschwitz-Birkenau

Here are some things to keep in mind when visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau:

Do:

  • Respect the solemnity of the site and the people affected by the Holocaust.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as there is a lot of walking involved.
  • Bring water and snacks, as there is no food or drink available within the complex.

Don’t:

  • Take photos inside the museum or other indoor areas.
  • Bring large bags or backpacks, as they are not allowed inside the museum.

Safety and Health

Safety in Auschwitz-Birkenau

Auschwitz-Birkenau is a safe place to visit, with ample security measures in place to protect visitors and staff.

Health in Auschwitz-Birkenau

Visitors should take precautions when it comes to their health, including staying hydrated and protecting themselves from the sun and insects.

Getting to Auschwitz-Birkenau: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Auschwitz-Birkenau

The nearest airports to Auschwitz-Birkenau are Kraków Airport and Katowice Airport, both located within a 2-hour drive of the complex.

Bus Stations Near Auschwitz-Birkenau

There are several bus stations in Kraków that offer transportation to Auschwitz-Birkenau, including the main bus station and the Kraków Airport bus station.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a car or take a taxi from Kraków to Auschwitz-Birkenau.

How to Get Around in Auschwitz-Birkenau

Visitors can get around Auschwitz-Birkenau on foot, by bike, or by bus. The complex is well-signposted and easy to navigate.

Where to Go Next from Auschwitz-Birkenau: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are several exciting destinations to explore within driving distance of Auschwitz-Birkenau, including:

  • Wrocław: a beautiful city known for its stunning architecture and vibrant nightlife.
  • Gdańsk: a historic coastal city with a rich cultural heritage.
  • Zakopane: a popular resort town located in the Tatra Mountains.

Conclusion

Auschwitz-Birkenau is an essential destination for anyone interested in learning more about the history of the Holocaust and paying their respects to the victims. With this comprehensive tour guide, visitors can plan the perfect trip to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including places to visit, activities, accommodation options, safety tips, and more.

''Arbeit macht frei'' (work sets one free) sign on the entrance to Auschwitz I. ''Arbeit macht frei'' (work sets one free) sign on the entrance to Auschwitz I. Barracks in Auschwitz II-Birkenau Barracks in Auschwitz II-Birkenau Auschwitz I and II, marked on a map. Map data (c) OpenStreetMap contributors Auschwitz I and II, marked on a map. Map data (c) OpenStreetMap contributors Auschwitz I Auschwitz I Crematorium at Auschwitz Crematorium at Auschwitz Flowers of commemoration on the rail track leading to the camp Flowers of commemoration on the rail track leading to the camp