Setting out on a profound historical journey, the Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour offers a deeply moving experience. Visitors explore the largest Nazi concentration camp, guided by experts who shed light on the horrors of the past. With convenient transportation and a hearty lunch, this comprehensive tour provides a powerful understanding of one of history’s darkest chapters. Yet, the true impact lies in the stories waiting to be uncovered, inviting participants to confront the complexities of human nature.
Key Points

- Comprehensive 7-hour guided tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp, with air-conditioned transportation and a provided lunchbox.
- Visit key locations like the main gate, original barracks, and prisoner holding areas to learn about the atrocities of the Holocaust.
- Watch a powerful Holocaust film in the museum’s cinema room for a deeper understanding of the genocide.
- Tour covers both Auschwitz I and Birkenau, the key locations of mass extermination, with a professional guide.
- Valid passport or ID card required for entry, and certain items like weapons, large bags, and alcohol are prohibited.
Tour Overview
The Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour is a comprehensive 7-hour activity that allows visitors to explore the largest concentration camp of the Nazi Holocaust.
Priced at just €9.30 per person, it’s an incredible value. The tour is available in multiple languages and features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Highlights include visiting the original barracks, standing beneath the main gate, and watching a film about the Holocaust.
With air-conditioned transportation and a lunchbox provided, this tour ensures a seamless and educational experience for those wishing to learn more about this dark chapter in history.
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Highlights of the Tour

Highlights of the tour include visiting the largest concentration camp of the Nazi Holocaust, Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Participants will learn the history from a professional guide as they explore the original barracks and prisoner holding areas.
A professional guide leads participants through the original barracks and prisoner holding areas, imparting the harrowing history.
The tour takes visitors beneath the main gate to Auschwitz, an eerie sight that symbolizes the horrors of the past.
At the museum’s cinema room, guests will watch a film about the Holocaust, providing a deeper understanding of this tragic chapter.
The tour covers both Auschwitz I and Birkenau, the key locations of mass extermination during the Nazi regime.
Visiting Auschwitz I and Birkenau

Although the two camps of Auschwitz I and Birkenau are located a few kilometers apart, the guided tour takes visitors through both sites, providing a comprehensive understanding of the atrocities committed during the Nazi regime.
The tour includes:
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Exploring the original barracks and prisoner holding areas at Auschwitz I, where visitors can visualize the harsh living conditions endured by prisoners.
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Standing beneath the iconic "Arbeit Macht Frei" gate, a chilling reminder of the false promise of freedom.
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Visiting Birkenau, the larger and more notorious extermination camp, to witness the scale of the genocide.
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Watching a powerful film about the Holocaust in the museum’s cinema room, further contextualizing the horrors of the past.
Transportation and Logistics
For the convenience of participants, the tour includes pickup from either their hotel or a designated meeting point, depending on the selected option.
Once gathered, guests are transported to the Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial sites via air-conditioned bus. After the tour, the driver returns participants back to Krakow.
Guests are transported to the Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial sites via air-conditioned bus, and the driver returns them to Krakow after the tour.
Lunchboxes, containing sandwiches, a banana, a wafer, candy, and mineral water, are provided to fuel visitors during the day.
The tour logistics are designed to ensure a seamless and comfortable experience as guests explore the somber history of the Nazi concentration camps.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Requirements and Restrictions
To enter the Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial sites, visitors must present a valid passport or ID card at the entrance.
The tour has several important rules and restrictions:
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No pets, weapons, smoking, or large bags are allowed.
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Sleeveless shirts and alcohol/drugs are prohibited.
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For child safety, a car seat can be requested when booking.
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The name on the booking must match the ID presented for entry.
Adhering to these policies ensures a safe and respectful experience for all.
Participants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the guidelines before their visit.
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Customer Feedback and Ratings
The Auschwitz-Birkenau guided tour has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from past participants, with an impressive overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on over 9,000 reviews.
Reviewers rave about the knowledgeable guides, well-organized logistics, and comprehensive tour of both Auschwitz I and Birkenau.
Reviewers rave about the knowledgeable guides, well-organized logistics, and comprehensive tour of both Auschwitz I and Birkenau.
One UK traveler, Jamie, noted some slight confusion at the pickup point but praised the overall experience.
Another UK visitor, Yasmin, described it as a "sad yet incredible experience" and a must-visit in Poland.
A New Zealander, Alana, highlighted the excellent guide and thorough tour of the two infamous sites.
Booking and Reservation Details
Booking the Auschwitz-Birkenau guided tour is a straightforward process. Travelers must provide their full name and contact details when making a reservation. Plus, the name on the booking must match the ID used for entry.
Several key requirements include:
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Passport or ID card needed for entry
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No pets, weapons, smoking, large bags, sleeveless shirts, alcohol, or drugs allowed
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Advise if a child safety seat is needed when booking
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Full refund available with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
This tour offers a comprehensive experience exploring the harrowing history of the Nazi concentration camps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
There’s no strict dress code, but visitors are advised to wear modest and comfortable clothing. Sleeveless shirts and large bags aren’t allowed for security reasons. Dressing respectfully is encouraged when visiting this solemn historical site.
How Much Time Is Spent at Each Location?
The tour spends about 3 hours at Auschwitz I and 2 hours at Birkenau. The guide ensures participants have enough time to thoroughly explore both key locations and learn the history of this tragic site.
Are There Any Restrictions on Taking Photographs?
Visitors aren’t allowed to take photos inside certain areas of Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, like the gas chambers, to maintain the solemnity of the site. However, photography is generally permitted in other parts of the memorial.
Is the Guide Available to Answer Questions During the Tour?
The guide is available to answer questions throughout the tour, providing in-depth historical context and insights to help visitors better understand the somber history of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Participants can engage the knowledgeable guide and gain a deeper appreciation of this important site.
What Level of Physical Activity Is Required During the Tour?
The tour involves moderate physical activity, with walking through original barracks and prisoner holding areas. Visitors should be prepared for standing and walking for extended periods, though the pace is manageable for most participants.
The Sum Up
The Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour offers a powerful and moving experience for those seeking to understand the atrocities of the Holocaust. With a professional guide, convenient transportation, and a provided lunch, this comprehensive tour provides a deeply immersive and educational journey through one of history’s darkest chapters. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a profound and impactful experience, this tour is a must-do for anyone visiting Krakow.
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