Yes — it’s possible. But it takes preparation. If you plan to visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum and also want to go to the Kraków Christmas Market on the same day, consider a few practical matters: booking, the type of stroller, transport and the pace of your visit.
Below you’ll find concrete tips and friendly advice to help you plan a day that is comfortable for both child and parents — and at the same time respectful of the memorial site.
Entry to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial is free of charge, but access is limited to named entry passes. These passes must be reserved online — the system releases dates with limited advance availability, so book ahead to secure your preferred day.
There is a security check on site and larger bags are asked to be left in the car or bus. Near the Visitor Service Centre (COO) there is a place where you can leave belongings; the Visitor Service Centre also offers luggage storage and restrooms.
The former camp grounds cover a large area, you will walk significant distances and some paths have uneven surfaces. A free shuttle bus runs between Auschwitz I and Birkenau — it has a platform that allows people using wheelchairs to board. The Museum also provides wheelchairs and walkers free of charge; it’s a good idea to request these in advance by email or ask at the Visitor Service desk on the day of your visit.
When planning, allow several hours for a calm and respectful visit — families with small children will likely move more slowly and should plan regular breaks for rest, feeding and nappy changes.
A lightweight, folding stroller is a more convenient option than a large pram. Narrow passages, tunnel sections and occasional steps make a small, well-suspended stroller or a baby carrier/scarf often more practical.
If you decide to leave a larger stroller in the car or in the COO luggage storage, bring a small backpack with essentials: nappies, a snack, water and a spare layer of clothing. There are restrooms and basic facilities at the Visitor Service Centre.
Remember the weather — in November and December it’s usually cold in Oświęcim, so a stroller footmuff or blanket and a warm jacket for the child are essential. In rain or on slippery surfaces a small stroller may be harder to push, so consider a carrier for the trickiest sections.
Travel from Kraków to Oświęcim with time to spare — arrive at least 30 minutes before the time on your entry pass to pass security and the Visitor Service desk. The Museum website provides directions and information about parking at the Visitor Service Centre.
When booking your entry pass remember that online slots are limited — reserve as early as possible to avoid disappointment. If you need to borrow a Museum stroller or walker, request it in advance by email or ask at the ENTRY PASSES desk — if no one has reserved them, they may be available on site.
Plan your day: if you intend to return to Kraków and visit the Christmas Market in the evening, allow time for a rest or a short nap for the child before entering the crowded Main Market Square. A well-rested and fed child adapts better to noise and crowds.
The Kraków Christmas Market is a lively, bustling space full of stalls and people — that’s part of its charm, but it’s also a challenge for parents with strollers. The market traditionally takes place on the Main Market Square and nearby streets, usually from late November to early January. Choose early hours (mornings) on weekdays to avoid the biggest crowds.
The Square has a stone/paved surface that can be uneven in places. A stroller with good suspension and larger wheels will be easier to push than one with very small wheels. In large crowds it can be simpler to switch to a baby carrier and use the stroller when the area opens up.
There are food stalls at the market — look for places with easy access and low tables if you need to feed your baby. If you need a baby-changing restroom, check the event map or ask staff — organizers often provide family-friendly facilities and accessible restrooms.
Kraków has many low-floor trams and buses — most are equipped to help people with strollers and wheelchairs. This makes travel between your hotel and the Market much easier. If you plan to take a train or bus to Oświęcim, check the carrier’s offer and available space for strollers on board.
If you arrive by car, check parking options near the city centre or next to the Visitor Service Centre in Oświęcim. The parking at the Visitor Service Centre is convenient if you want to leave a larger stroller in the car and access it easily after visiting.
Plan routes for the little ones by choosing shorter walking sections, using low-floor public transport, and leaving extra time for moving through crowds.
- Spare nappies and wipes, a small changing kit and a disposable changing mat.
- Small first-aid kit: plasters, child pain reliever, nappy rash cream.
- Blanket/footmuff for the stroller and an extra layer of clothing — essential in winter weather.
- Small snacks, a water bottle and a thermos with a warm drink if you plan a longer day.
- Powerbank for your phone — useful when using maps and electronic tickets.
- Rain cover for the stroller and a waterproof changing mat.
- Baby carrier or sling — recommended for narrow or steeper sections when a stroller is impractical.
1) Morning: depart from Kraków — check your museum reservation and have a printed or digital copy of your entry pass ready. Arrive with time to spare.
2) Visit: keep a calm pace, take breaks, use the shuttle bus between camps if needed, and borrow a Museum stroller for someone who needs mobility assistance.
3) Return to Kraków: short nap in the car or after arriving in the city, quick freshen-up at your hotel or in public restrooms near the Market.
4) Market: late afternoon or early evening — choose less crowded parts of the market, stop at stalls with space for the stroller, switch to a carrier when it gets busy.
5) End of the day: relaxed return to your accommodation, brief family debrief about the day — what they liked and what was difficult.
Can I bring a stroller to Auschwitz? Yes, but keep in mind the uneven terrain and the ban on strollers inside many buildings — a carrier and several short breaks are recommended. The Museum also offers strollers and walkers on request for visitors with mobility difficulties.
Is the Christmas Market stroller-friendly? Much of the market is accessible to strollers, but the uneven surface and crowds can make maneuvering difficult. Visit earlier in the day or on weekdays and have a plan B (carrier).
Do I need to reserve entry to Auschwitz in advance? Yes — an entry pass is required and it’s best to book online in advance to secure the desired date and time.
Where can I change the baby? Changing facilities are available at the Visitor Service Centre and in restrooms near the Main Market Square; event organizers usually provide family restrooms during the market.
When planning an “Auschwitz + market” day keep two things in mind: respect and realism. Auschwitz is a memorial site — prepare children emotionally with a short, age-appropriate explanation of what the place is. The Christmas Market is a joyful, lively space — a good way to ease the atmosphere after a solemn morning.
You don’t have to do everything in a single day. If you or your children feel tired, split the trip — both Oświęcim and Kraków deserve a relaxed visit. If you need practical help with routes, parking or family-friendly solutions, I’m happy to help plan your Kraków visit.
Wishing you a calm, well-planned trip — safe, comfortable and full of meaningful experiences.
