Autumn naturally encourages reflection — softer light, shorter days and changing foliage give the place a different atmosphere than in summer. For small groups of 2–6 people, autumn also brings practical advantages: fewer crowds outside the main holiday season, easier to find a suitable reservation time, and quieter walks between sites that encourage deeper conversation after the visit.
Keep in mind that autumn weather can be changeable — rain and mud are possible on the Birkenau grounds. When planning your visit, bring warm, waterproof clothing and comfortable shoes with good grip. With good planning and the right mindset, an autumn visit becomes a powerful, memorable educational and emotional experience.
Admission to the Auschwitz‑Birkenau State Museum grounds is free, but you almost always need to reserve an entry card in advance. Organised groups (even small ones) are required to book a guided visit with a Museum educator — the Museum requires that groups use their educator‑guides and that reservations are made through the official booking system.
For small groups it’s advisable to book ahead (especially on weekends and during holidays), arrive at least 30 minutes before your entry time, and prepare a list of participants by name if requested. There are also study programmes and educational workshops available — a good option if you want to dive deeper into particular historical topics.
The Memorial Site consists of two main parts: Auschwitz I (often called the “stammlager”) and Auschwitz II‑Birkenau (Brzezinka). Auschwitz I is dominated by brick barrack buildings, administrative blocks, prison rooms and documentary exhibitions. Here you will see the characteristic gate with the inscription "Arbeit macht frei" — a symbol of the camp — as well as earlier administrative infrastructure and displays of victims’ belongings.
Birkenau is an extensive area of wooden and skeletal barracks, wide avenues, a railway line and the large ramp — the place of selection. The architecture of Birkenau is different: a functional, dispersed layout designed to serve mass deportation and extermination. The ruins of the crematoria and the monumental space of the ramp leave a huge impression and convey the scale of the killing operation both architecturally and logistically.
You can reach Oświęcim from Krakow by several means — car, train or organised transport. Driving usually takes around 1–1.5 hours depending on road conditions. Regional trains and faster connections run between Krakow and Oświęcim; travel time is typically from about 50 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the train type and route.
For a small group of 2–6 people sensible options include: - driving (comfort, flexibility, space for luggage), - taking the train (no parking stress), - arranging a private transfer if you want to minimise logistics. Remember to allow time to get from parking or public transport to the Museum entrance — a full visit to both parts usually takes a minimum of 3–4 hours.
07:30–08:30 - depart Krakow (car/train). 09:30 - arrive at the Museum, security checks, meet your educator. 10:00–13:30 - guided visit of Auschwitz I and Birkenau (duration depends on format: general ~3–3.5 hours). 13:30–14:30 - time for quiet reflection, a light meal or coffee nearby. 15:30 - return to Krakow.
This schedule gives a comfortable pace and leaves room for calm movement between the sites, questions for the educator and a moment to talk after leaving. If you want more time for exhibitions or to join an educational workshop, plan a day with a larger time buffer.
Auschwitz‑Birkenau is a memorial site and a special code of conduct applies. Maintain silence, seriousness and respect for the victims. Turn off or silence phones, avoid loud conversations and do not record guided tours. Avoid jokes and casual behaviour on the grounds.
Photography is permitted in most outdoor areas with restrictions: do not use flash or tripods, and in some indoor rooms (for example the room with victims’ hair and certain exhibition spaces) photography is prohibited. Always act with empathy — do not photograph other visitors without permission or take staged/posed photos on the tracks or near memorials.
What to bring: comfortable shoes (there may be mud at Birkenau), layered clothing (autumn days are changeable), a small backpack or bag within allowed dimensions (large luggage should be left in the car), a bottle of water and your booking confirmation.
The Museum does not allow large backpacks, tripods, drones, alcohol or dangerous items. Dress appropriately for the character of the site — avoid flashy outfits and political symbols. Plan so you’re not rushing back — allow time to decompress and talk after the visit.
Not booking entry passes in advance — especially on weekends and holidays. Solution: reserve your date as early as possible through the official booking system and confirm the type of visit (with an educator).
Arriving at the last minute — causes stress and risk of being denied entry. Solution: plan to arrive 30–45 minutes before the start time.
Treating the site as a photo backdrop and showing lack of respect — some visitors treat the place like a stage. Solution: before your trip discuss ethical and photographic rules with the group; remind everyone to behave with empathy toward victims and other visitors.
Many documents and personal objects have been preserved at Auschwitz — fragments of shoes, glasses, hair — items that make a strong impression and help convey the individual dimension of the tragedy. The site is not only a “museum of buildings” but also a vast archive of human fates.
Note: individual visitors can enter at specific hours without an educator, but these slots are limited in number and time — for many small groups a guided visit with a Museum educator provides context and the opportunity to ask questions.
In autumn the trees at Birkenau take on colour, which creates a powerful visual contrast and often deepens the feeling of melancholy and contemplation — an experience many visitors find especially moving.
After an intense and often emotional day it’s wise to plan a simple, warm meal. In Oświęcim there are several local cafés and restaurants serving homestyle dishes; local food can help return to everyday rhythm. If you prefer a wider choice, many people go back to Krakow for lunch or dinner — there you will find a broad selection of cafés and restaurants.
In Krakow, after a visit, quieter café spaces are often appreciated — places where you can sit and talk. Consider cafés such as Café Camelot, Massolit Books & Café, Café Noworolski or Charlotte as calm options to reflect and process impressions. When choosing a place, be mindful and respectful of others who may also need time to be quiet after their visits.
Can children visit Auschwitz? The Museum recommends caution with young children. Some exhibitions are emotionally intense — consider the child’s age and readiness and consult with accompanying adults.
How much time should you allow for the visit? A full visit to both parts (Auschwitz I + Birkenau) typically requires at least 3–3.5 hours with a guide. If you add travel time and a meal, plan for a full day.
Can you visit on your own? Yes, but self‑guided access is limited to certain hours; organised groups are usually required to have a Museum educator for guided tours.
Auschwitz‑Birkenau is a difficult place that requires preparation and respect. For a small group of 2–6 people, an autumn visit can be especially meaningful — a calmer atmosphere, better light and the opportunity for deeper conversation after the tour. With good organisation (advance reservation, suitable clothing, respect for rules) the trip becomes an important lesson in history.
If you would like a calm, empathetic and well‑tailored visit for your group, Małgorzata Kasprowicz offers private guiding services. More information and contact details are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. If you found this guide helpful — please share it with friends or on social media so others can prepare for this important visit. Thank you for your respect and responsible approach to the topic.
