Exploring the haunting history of Auschwitz-Birkenau is a powerful and humbling experience. This tour from Krakow offers visitors an affordable and accessible way to witness the sites, with round-trip transportation and self-guided options. From the chilling memorials at Auschwitz I to the vast expanse of Auschwitz II-Birkenau, the tour provides a chance to reflect on one of the darkest chapters in human history. For those seeking a deeper understanding of this profound legacy, the insights and perspectives gained during this journey can be truly transformative.

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Key Points

This tour from Krakow provides transportation and comprehensive visits to both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau sites, lasting 7-8 hours.
Pricing ranges from $12.63 to $6.32 per person, offering savings up to 50% for this historical experience.
The tour includes non-refundable tickets and an optional informative audio guide for a self-guided exploration.
Accessibility is limited, as the sites are not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or those with prams/wheelchairs.
Detailed information is required for booking, including full name and ID, with potential departure time changes up to 2 hours.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour from Krakow offers visitors a comprehensive and affordable way to explore these historically significant sites.

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour from Krakow offers visitors a comprehensive and affordable way to explore these historically significant sites.

Priced from $12.63 to $6.32 per person, the tour provides an exceptional value, saving up to 50%.

The 7-8 hour excursion includes visits to both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, with non-refundable tickets and the option to enhance the experience with an informative audio guide.

Travelers can choose between private or small group tour options, making this an accessible and flexible experience for all.

Looking for more options in Krakow? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary and Transportation

Departing from central Krakow, the tour begins at the Kiss and Ride Bus Stop (K+R) opposite the Mercure Hotel. Participants travel by air-conditioned vehicle, a 1.5-hour journey each way. The tour visits Auschwitz I for 2 hours and Auschwitz II-Birkenau for 2 hours, with entry included depending on the selected option. The return journey includes passing various landmarks.

| Itinerary | Duration |

| — | — |

| Departure from Krakow | 1.5 hours |

| Visit to Auschwitz I | 2 hours |

| Visit to Auschwitz II-Birkenau | 2 hours |

| Return to Krakow | 1.5 hours |

Visitor Experience and Accessibility

Although the tour offers a self-guided experience with detailed information boards at both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, the sites aren’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, as there are no facilities for prams or wheelchairs.

The walking distances can be demanding, with 5 miles at Birkenau and 2.5 miles at Auschwitz.

Informational booklets are available in 19 languages, providing visitors with historical context and details about the camps.

However, photography is restricted in certain museum areas, and participants must ensure their name on the booking matches their ID to avoid entry refusal.

Important Details for Participants

Participants must provide their full name and contact details when booking the Auschwitz-Birkenau tour from Krakow.

Entrance may be refused if the name on the booking doesn’t match the visitor’s ID. There are also some photography restrictions in certain museum areas.

Departure times may change by up to 2 hours, but tour organizers will provide notifications the day before.

Here are four key details for participants:

Provide full name and contact info for booking.
Match ID to name on booking to access tour.
Certain museum areas restrict photography.
Departure times may shift up to 2 hours.

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Customer Ratings and Feedback

The Auschwitz-Birkenau tour from Krakow boasts an impressive overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 2,455 reviews.

Guests praised the tour’s clear directions, helpful guides, and cost-effectiveness, giving the guide service a 4.7 rating and the transportation a 4.5 rating. The value for money was also highly rated at 4.4.

Reviewers found the tour informative and moving, though some noted the challenges for those with mobility issues given the long walking distances.

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Exploring Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau

As part of the Auschwitz-Birkenau tour from Krakow, visitors explore the infamous Nazi concentration camps of Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau.

The itinerary includes:

Auschwitz I: Visitors spend approximately 2 hours at this site, which served as the main camp and administrative center.
Auschwitz II-Birkenau: This larger site, where about 2 hours are allotted, was the extermination camp where the majority of victims were killed.
Guided tours aren’t provided, allowing visitors to explore the museums and informational displays at their own pace.
The total distance covered across both camps is around 7.5 miles, making the tour unsuitable for those with mobility issues.

Preparing for the Tour

Before embarking on the Auschwitz-Birkenau tour from Krakow, visitors should thoroughly prepare. First, they must provide full name and contact details for booking. Entrance may be refused if the name on the booking doesn’t match their ID. Plus, photography is restricted in certain museum areas. Visitors should also be aware that departure times may change by up to 2 hours, with notifications provided the day before.

| Requirement | Details |

| — | — |

| Personal Information | Full name and contact details |

| Identification | Name on booking must match ID |

| Photography | Restricted in certain areas |

| Departure Times | May change up to 2 hours |

Highlights of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Experience

Once visitors have prepared for the tour, they can look forward to the highlights of the Auschwitz-Birkenau experience.

The tour includes:

Visiting Auschwitz I, the main camp, and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, the larger extermination camp, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the atrocities committed.
Exploring the informative exhibits and learning about the history and tragic fate of the prisoners through the detailed information boards and booklets available in multiple languages.
Taking in the solemn atmosphere as they walk the grounds and reflect on the immense suffering that occurred.
Appreciating the opportunity to honor the victims and bear witness to this important chapter of history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Photography is restricted in certain museum areas of the Auschwitz-Birkenau tour. Participants should check with the tour operator for specific guidelines and comply with any photography rules during the visit.

Is This Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour may not be suitable for children. While it includes visits to the historical sites, the content and subject matter may not be appropriate for younger audiences. It’s recommended to consider the child’s age and maturity level before booking.

Can I Leave the Group at Any Time?

Participants can’t leave the group at any time. The tour is self-guided, and group members must stay together throughout the visits to Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. Leaving the group is not permitted for safety and logistical reasons.

What Items Are Allowed/Prohibited at Auschwitz-Birkenau?

Visitors can bring cameras, phones, and small bags to Auschwitz-Birkenau. However, certain museum areas prohibit photography, and large bags, weapons, and food and drinks are not allowed. Visitors must follow the site’s rules and instructions.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

The tour offers discounts, with prices ranging from $12.63 to $6.32 per person – a savings of up to 50%. There are also options for private or small group tours.

The Sum Up

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour from Krakow provides a profound and educational experience, allowing visitors to explore the historic sites of Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. Priced affordably and with round-trip transportation, the tour offers a self-guided experience enhanced by informative audio guides and booklets, ensuring a meaningful visit to one of history’s most significant memorials.