Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Self-Guided Tour With Tour Leader

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Self-Guided Tour with Tour Leader from Krakow offers visitors a profound and reflective experience. Departing from the historic city, the tour provides an opportunity to explore the harrowing history of the concentration camps at one’s own pace. With a knowledgeable leader guiding the way, participants can discover the exhibitions that depict the lives of former prisoners and honor the memory of over 1.3 million victims. This somber yet important journey allows individuals to gain a deeper understanding of a dark chapter in history.

Key Points

• The self-guided tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp complex lasts 9 hours, including 4 hours of exploration at the sites.
• The tour departs from Kiss and Ride at 18B Pawia Street and includes a 1.5-hour bus/coach ride to Auschwitz I.
• Visitors can explore the former prisoners’ barracks at Auschwitz I and the crematories, unloading ramp, and memorials at Auschwitz II-Birkenau.
• The tour provides multilingual options, a guidebook, and a map to assist visitors in navigating the historical sites.
• The tour is not suitable for children under 12 years or wheelchair users, and visitors are required to bring a passport or ID.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Self-Guided Tour with Tour Leader offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of these infamous Nazi concentration camps.

Lasting 9 hours, the tour includes 4 hours at Auschwitz-Birkenau, providing ample time for self-guided discovery. Visitors can save up to 18% on the $15.53 per person price.

Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance qualify for a full refund. The tour departs from the Kiss and Ride location at 18B Pawia Street and is wheelchair accessible.

With multilingual options and a provided guidebook and map, the tour allows for a deeply personal and reflective experience at this historic site.

Itinerary Details

Pickup options for the tour include two locations on Pawia Street – 18 and 18b.

Participants will travel by bus/coach for 1.5 hours to reach Auschwitz I. Here, they’ll have 2 hours for self-guided exploration of the former prisoners’ barracks that now house exhibits.

The group will then move to Auschwitz II-Birkenau, just 5 minutes away, for another 2 hours of self-guided discovery of crematories, the unloading ramp, barracks, and memorials.

The return journey to Floriana Straszewskiego 17 takes 1.5 hours.

The tour offers multilingual options to enhance the self-guided experience.

Historical Significance

Over 1.3 million victims lost their lives at the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp complex, which stands as a somber reminder of the human tragedy of the Holocaust.

Auschwitz I, the main camp, now houses exhibitions depicting the realities of prisoner life. Auschwitz II-Birkenau, the largest of the camps, allows visitors to explore the crematories, unloading ramp, barracks, and memorials.

These sites serve as a powerful testament to the horrors of the past, encouraging reflection on the devastating impact of prejudice, intolerance, and state-sponsored violence.

The sites of Auschwitz-Birkenau stand as a powerful testament, urging reflection on the devastation of prejudice, intolerance, and state-sponsored violence.

The tour provides a profound opportunity to honor the memory of those who suffered and perished at Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Visitor Information

A comprehensive package is included with the tour, featuring a guidebook and map in the chosen language, as well as hotel pickup and drop-off.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 12 years or wheelchair users. Visitors are required to bring their passport or ID, wear comfortable shoes, and dress appropriately for the weather.

Prohibited items include flash photography, alcohol, and drugs.

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Customer Feedback

The Auschwitz-Birkenau tour has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 54 reviews. Customers praised the knowledgeable and professional guide and driver, highlighting the friendly service from driver Kuba and the helpful tour guide maps and navigation tips provided by driver Jacob.

| Highlights | Reviewer | Rating |

| — | — | — |

| Knowledgeable and professional guide and driver | – | – |

| Friendly service from driver Kuba | – | – |

| Helpful tour guide maps and navigation tips | – | – |

The review summary indicates the tour was well-organized and had a meaningful emotional impact, leaving visitors with a deeper understanding of the human tragedy of the Holocaust.

Getting to the Tour Location

To get to the tour’s departure point, the pickup location is the Kiss and Ride at 18B Pawia Street in Krakow.

• Travelers have the option to be picked up from either Pawia 18 or Pawia 18b, depending on their preference.

• The tour transportation is by bus or coach, providing a comfortable and efficient way to reach the Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial sites.

• The journey from Krakow to Auschwitz I takes approximately 1.5 hours, allowing ample time for the self-guided exploration of both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau.

What to Expect During the Tour

After being picked up at the designated location, travelers embark on a bus or coach for the approximately 1.5-hour journey to Auschwitz I. Once at the site, visitors have 2 hours for self-guided exploration through the former prisoner barracks, now housing exhibitions.

| Auschwitz I | Auschwitz II-Birkenau |

| — | — |

| 2 hours self-guided tour | 2 hours self-guided tour |

| Former prisoner barracks | Crematories, unloading ramp, barracks, memorials |

| Exhibitions depict camp realities | Reflect on the human tragedy of the Holocaust |

| Multilingual options available | Multilingual options available |

Afterward, the group travels 5 minutes to Auschwitz II-Birkenau for another 2 hours of self-guided exploration before the 1.5-hour return trip to Krakow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau on My Own Without a Tour?

Yes, visitors can explore Auschwitz-Birkenau on their own without a tour. However, many find that a guided tour provides helpful context and insights into the historical significance of the site.

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Auschwitz-Birkenau Camp?

Photography is not allowed inside the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp. Visitors are prohibited from using flash photography, as it can damage the historical artifacts and exhibits. However, taking photos without flash is generally permitted in most areas of the camp.

What Language Will the Self-Guided Audio Tour Be Provided In?

The self-guided audio tour is available in multiple languages, including English, Polish, German, and Spanish. Visitors can choose their preferred language when booking the tour to ensure a personalized and informative experience.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Type of Clothing I Can Wear?

The tour requires visitors to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. There are no specific restrictions on the type of clothing, but it’s advised to dress modestly and respectfully when visiting the historical site.

Is There an Option to Add a Guided Tour Instead of Self-Guided?

Yes, there is an option to add a guided tour instead of self-guided. The tour offers both self-guided and guided tour options, allowing visitors to choose the experience that best suits their needs and preferences.

The Sum Up

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Self-Guided Tour with Tour Leader offers visitors a profound and reflective experience to explore the harrowing history of the concentration camps at their own pace. Departing from Krakow, the tour includes visits to both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, where a knowledgeable leader guides participants in honoring the memory of over 1.3 million victims.

You can check availability for your dates here: