Are you planning a team-building trip to Krakow and want to combine a visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum with the festive Christmas Market on the Main Market Square? Great idea — this mix of seriousness, reflection and warm, shared atmosphere can positively influence group relationships, as long as you plan it well.
In this article you will find practical information and tips: how to book a visit to Auschwitz for a group, how long the visit takes, what rules and restrictions to expect, how to combine a visit to Oświęcim with the Krakow Christmas Market logistically, and a ready checklist for the organizer.
The text is friendly and practical — written for organizers of team-building, training and corporate trips. I won’t mention other guides or competing offers — I’ll focus on what really helps you prepare the trip.
Let’s get started!
Below are three realistic options combining a visit to Auschwitz with time at the Christmas Market. Choose depending on arrival time and the group’s pace.
- Variant A - morning visit to Auschwitz, afternoon and evening at the Christmas Market
- 07:30 - departure from Krakow
- 09:00-09:30 - arrival in Oświęcim, group check-in at the car park
- 10:00-13:30 - guided visit with a museum educator (approx. 3.5 hours)
- 15:30 - return to Krakow
- 17:00-20:00 - walk around the Market, team dinner near the Square
- Why this works: it allows calm, respectful visiting without rush and relaxed, informal integration time at the market in the evening.
- Variant B - evening visit to the Christmas Market and morning visit to Auschwitz the next day
- For groups who arrive the day before or stay longer. The evening market relaxes participants after travel, and the early departure next morning leads to a focused visit.
- Variant C - two-day program with overnight stay
- Day 1: Krakow - walk, Christmas Market, team dinner
- Day 2: morning departure to Auschwitz, visit, return in the afternoon
- This is the most comfortable option, ideal for integration groups that need space for conversation and reflection.
In every option it’s worth leaving time buffer for security checks at the museum entrance and breaks. Remember the Museum asks groups to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of the visit.
A few key facts to avoid surprises:
- Reservation and entry cards: Admission to the Memorial is free, but personalized entry cards are mandatory. Groups should reserve their visit through the Museum’s booking system (group form).
- Guided visits with an educator: Groups are required to use the services of a museum educator-guide. These guided tours are specially prepared — important for an accurate and respectful interpretation of the site.
- Duration: Plan at least 3.5 hours for a calm visit to the grounds and exhibitions. In practice, the whole trip including transport to/from Krakow usually takes 6–8 hours.
- Age recommendations: The Museum does not recommend visits for children under 14 — an important point for mixed-age team trips.
- Headset system: Groups larger than 10 people must rent a headset system (for comfortable listening to the guide).
- Practical rules: Bring participant documents (needed for booking), do not carry large suitcases — large luggage must stay on the bus. Dress should be appropriate to the character of the place — sober and unobtrusive.
- Educational workshops: The Museum offers workshops and study visits for groups (various forms tailored to age and needs). These are a good option if you plan an extended educational program around the visit.
Transport and logistics are the foundation of a successful trip. Practical tips:
- Travel time: Krakow to Oświęcim is about 1.5 hours one way in normal traffic. Plan extra time for traffic and stops.
- Parking and meeting point: The main parking and museum entrance are at ul. Więźniów Oświęcimia 55. Make sure your driver knows the route and the group parking arrangements.
- Arrive early: The Museum asks groups to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start. This allows time for security checks, handing out headsets and brief organizational instructions.
- Meals: If you plan a meal during the day, arrange it outside the Museum grounds — Oświęcim has several eateries, but groups should reserve in advance. Alternatively, plan the meal back in Krakow near the Market Square.
- Accessibility for people with disabilities: The historic grounds and buildings can be challenging — the Museum provides assistance and wheelchairs can be borrowed at the Visitor Services building. Consult details in advance.
- Number of supervisors: For larger integration groups it’s useful to have several internal leaders who help maintain order and take care of timing.
The Market on the Main Square is Krakow’s festive showcase — a perfect place to end a reflective day or as a pleasant break before going to Oświęcim.
- Dates and location: Traditionally the main market runs from late November through December on the Main Market Square. Exact dates and opening hours are announced ahead of the season — check current calendars when planning.
- Admission and atmosphere: Entry is usually free. Stalls offer handicrafts, holiday decorations, regional treats and a food area — a great setting for relaxed group conversations.
- Best times for groups: To avoid crowds, visit outside peak hours — mornings or early afternoons on weekdays. Evenings are most scenic but also busiest.
- Reservations and tables: If you plan a group dinner at the market or in a nearby restaurant, reserve in advance — nearby restaurants accept groups but spaces are limited in season. Examples of well-known places near the Square: Wierzynek, Szara, and other central restaurants (book early).
- Alternative markets: Consider smaller markets at Plac Wolnica in Kazimierz or in Podgórze for a more intimate atmosphere, which sometimes suits integration activities better.
Combining these two very different experiences requires sensitivity — practical rules to do it thoughtfully:
- Set emotional boundaries: Before visiting Auschwitz, prepare the group — a short talk by the organizer or educator about what to expect, how to behave at the Memorial, and what emotions may arise. This helps participants process impressions later at the market.
- Allow transition time: After an intense, emotional visit, give the group a break — time for silence, coffee, a short walk. It’s not advisable to immediately jump into loud party-style activities.
- Tailor integration activities to the group: If your goal is integration workshops, consider scheduling them after the market — for example, collective table decorating, a dinner with short reflections, or a light creative craft workshop.
- Respect and empathy: Remember participants will react differently — some will need solitude, others small-group conversations. Provide space and don’t impose a single way of integrating.
A few proposals that combine reflection with pleasure and shared action:
- Guided short thematic walk around Krakow - a moderated walk around the Market and nearby streets with elements of local history and Christmas traditions.
- Dinner with short reflections - reserve a table, split the group into small teams and ask for 2–3 sentences about what mattered to them after the visit. This helps close emotions safely.
- Craft workshop (45–60 minutes) - for example making simple tree decorations from materials found at the market or in a meeting room; the activity creates a positive collaborative atmosphere.
- Festive city game - simple tasks and riddles at market stalls encouraging cooperation and helping to ease tension after a heavy morning.
- Evening of regional tastes - tasting pierogi, local sweets and mulled wine (for adults) as part of the integration.
A practical checklist you can tick off as you prepare:
- Book the Auschwitz visit through the Museum’s reservation system (entry cards) — preferably well in advance (dates open ahead, so plan early).
- Report number of participants and any special needs (disabilities, translation, workshops).
- Confirm that the group has booked a museum educator-guide (required for groups).
- Arrange the headset system for the group if needed (over 10 people).
- Decide the meeting point and inform the bus driver about parking at ul. Więźniów Oświęcimia 55.
- Reserve a table/restaurant in Krakow for the integration dinner — especially during the market season.
- Send pre-trip information to participants — age recommendations, dress code, what is allowed, and request to arrive 30 minutes early at the meeting point.
- Prepare internal leaders/group supervisors and assign tasks (attendance list, medicines, emergency contact).
- Allow time for reflection after the Auschwitz visit — avoid scheduling immediate intensive activities.
Q: Do we have to pay to enter Auschwitz?
A: Admission to the Memorial grounds is free, but personalized entry cards are mandatory. Fees may apply only for additional educational services or paid reservations outside the standard system.
Q: How long does a guided visit take?
A: Plan about 3.5 hours for Auschwitz (Auschwitz I + Birkenau) with an educator. A trip from Krakow usually takes 6–8 hours including transport.
Q: Can children join the trip?
A: The Museum does not recommend visits for children under 14. For mixed groups consider an alternative program for younger participants.
Q: Is the Christmas Market free and do we need to book entry?
A: The Market on the Main Square is generally free to enter. Reservations mainly apply to restaurants and food stalls — for larger groups reserve dining places in advance.
Q: How can we avoid crowds at the market?
A: Visit outside peak hours — mornings or early afternoons on weekdays. Alternatively consider smaller markets in Kazimierz or Podgórze.
- Inform participants in advance about the emotional character of the Auschwitz visit — a short briefing reduces the risk of surprises.
- Give yourselves time — both for logistics and for quiet after the visit. The market is a great way to relax, but it shouldn’t be used to immediately ‘shake off’ the weight of the experience.
- When planning meals and meeting places, have alternatives ready — the market season can be very busy.
- If you want an extended educational program, check availability of museum workshops and introductory films — they are valuable additions.
- Above all — be flexible and empathetic. A good plan is essential, but people and their reactions create the truly valuable experience.
If you’d like, I can help prepare a tailored trip plan for your group — from suggested timings, to booking the Memorial visit, to recommending dinner venues and integration activities after the market.
Write a short note with the following: number of participants, preferred dates, any mobility or special needs, and what you want to achieve with the integration. I will prepare a proposed program and a to-do list.
Wishing you successful preparations and a thoughtful, safe trip — this combination of reflection and festive joy can leave the group with really meaningful memories.
Warm regards,
Małgorzata Kasprowicz
