Krakow: Guided Auschwitz Birkenau Tour

Exploring the dark history of the Holocaust, the Krakow: Guided Auschwitz Birkenau Tour offers a profound and immersive experience. Priced reasonably, this tour spans several hours and grants skip-the-line access to the infamous concentration camps. Led by knowledgeable local guides, you will discover the site’s key landmarks, including haunting exhibitions, gas chambers, and crematoria. Though a somber journey, this highly-rated experience provides unparalleled insight into one of the most significant historical tragedies of the 20th century.

Key Points

• A guided tour of Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau concentration camps, including skip-the-line access and commentary in multiple languages.
• Tour duration ranges from 3.5 to 7 hours, starting and ending in Krakow.
• Tour pricing varies from £23.94 to £31.93 per person, with a non-refundable cancellation policy.
• Tour includes round-trip transportation with an English-speaking driver or tour leader, if selected.
• Participants must bring a valid passport or ID card and comply with luggage restrictions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Guided Auschwitz Birkenau Tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore the infamous concentration camps at a discounted price.

Priced from £23.94 to £31.93 per person, the 3.5 to 7-hour tour includes skip-the-line tickets and a guided experience through Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. A local guide leads the group, providing commentary in various languages.

However, the tour has a non-refundable cancellation policy, and it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues.

Itinerary and Locations

The Guided Auschwitz Birkenau Tour begins at 14 Straszewskiego Street in Krakow, where participants then travel to the Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau concentration camps.

The tour features a guided exploration of Auschwitz I for 2 hours and Auschwitz II-Birkenau for 1.5 hours.

Visitors will:

• Tour exhibitions and prison blocks

• Stand at the infamous Death Wall

• Witness the gas chambers and crematoria

• Walk through the barracks

• Observe the railway ramp where prisoners arrived

The tour then returns to the starting point in Krakow.

Tour Features and Inclusions

A local guide fluent in Polish, German, English, French, Spanish, and Italian is available for the Guided Auschwitz Birkenau Tour.

Round-trip transportation can be selected, with an English-speaking driver or tour leader. Pickup from the meeting point is provided if chosen.

The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments. Alcohol consumption is prohibited during the tour.

Participants must bring a passport or ID card, while luggage and large bags aren’t allowed. The name on the booking must match the ID, and minimum numbers for language-specific tours may lead to English-only tours.

Important Information and Requirements

Participants must bring a passport or ID card to the Guided Auschwitz Birkenau Tour.

Luggage and large bags aren’t allowed, so pack lightly. Be aware that the name on the booking must match the ID, and minimum language requirements may result in English-only tours.

Allocate the full day for this activity, as the tour start time is subject to change. Hand luggage must be no larger than 12x8x4 inches (30x20x10 cm).

• No large bags or luggage permitted

• Name on booking must match ID

• Minimum language requirements may affect tour

• Tour start time may change

• Maximum hand luggage size of 12x8x4 inches

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

Reviews and ratings of the Guided Auschwitz Birkenau Tour reveal overwhelmingly positive feedback from past participants. The tour holds a near-perfect rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 383 reviews.

Travelers consistently praise the tour guide’s expertise, rating them 4.8 out of 5. The transportation service also earns high marks at 4.6 out of 5, and customers feel the tour provides excellent value for money.

Highlighted reviews describe the experience as "informative," "knowledgeable," and a "lifetime experience." Customers confidently recommend the tour company and say they’d use their services again.

Exploring Auschwitz I

The guided tour of Auschwitz I, the first of the two Auschwitz camps, provides visitors with a sobering and eye-opening experience.

Visitors explore:

• Prisoner blocks where thousands were forced to live in inhumane conditions.

• The Death Wall, where prisoners were executed by firing squad.

• Chilling gas chambers and crematoria used for mass murder.

• The remnants of personal belongings, a haunting reminder of lives lost.

• Memorials and exhibits that honor the memory of those who perished.

The tour imparts the gravity of this dark chapter in history, leaving a lasting impression on all who witness it.

Discovering Auschwitz II-Birkenau

After exploring the somber exhibits of Auschwitz I, the guided tour leads visitors to the expansive Auschwitz II-Birkenau camp.

This massive complex includes the remnants of gas chambers, crematoria, and railway platform where countless prisoners were transported and murdered. The guide describes how the Nazis built Birkenau to expand Auschwitz’s capacity for systematic genocide.

Visitors walk the gravel pathways, observing the rows of barracks and recognizing the sheer scale of human suffering that occurred here.

The tour provides a harrowing yet essential experience, allowing guests to bear witness to the tragic history of the Holocaust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need a Special Permit to Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau?

No, visitors don’t need a special permit to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau. However, they must bring a valid passport or ID card, and they’re not allowed to bring large bags or luggage during the tour.

How Much Time Should I Allocate for the Tour?

The tour lasts 3.5 to 7 hours, so visitors should allocate the whole day for this activity. The itinerary includes guided tours of Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, with time to explore the exhibitions and sites.

Will I Be Able to Take Photos During the Tour?

The tour’s important information states that luggage and large bags are not allowed, but it does not explicitly mention if photography is permitted. Visitors should check with the tour operator for the latest photography policies during the Auschwitz Birkenau tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to the Camps?

No, visitors aren’t allowed to bring their own food or drinks to the Auschwitz-Birkenau camps. The tour policy prohibits alcohol consumption during the visit, and large bags or luggage aren’t permitted on-site.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Auschwitz Tour?

The Auschwitz tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, but it’s not recommended for young children. The tour content may be disturbing, and the long duration can be challenging for younger participants. Parental discretion is advised.

The Sum Up

The Krakow: Guided Auschwitz Birkenau Tour provides an impactful and informative journey through one of history’s most significant sites. Priced affordably, the tour offers skip-the-line access and expert commentary, allowing visitors to explore Auschwitz I and II-Birkenau and gain a deeper understanding of the site’s profound significance. This highly-rated experience is a must for those seeking to learn about and commemorate this important chapter in history.

You can check availability for your dates here: