Yes — it’s possible, but it requires good planning and realistic expectations. Combining a visit to the Auschwitz‑Birkenau Memorial with seeing Kraków’s film-related sites (typically Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory and a few film locations in the city center) makes for an intense, emotional day. A well-planned schedule helps avoid running and leaves time for reflection and a meal.
In practice most people start early in Kraków, drive to Oświęcim, spend about 3–4 hours there, return to Kraków and visit film sites in the afternoon — overall a day of roughly 9–10 hours including travel and breaks. If you prefer to go at a gentler pace or spend more time with the exhibitions, consider splitting the visits across two days.
Keep in mind that the experience of Auschwitz is emotionally heavy — I always advise tour participants to plan some time to rest afterwards or to have a quiet evening.
If your priority is the film route rather than a full Auschwitz visit, you can shorten the Auschwitz part and spend more time in Kraków. This article describes the “full day” option with practical recommendations.
I include realistic travel and visiting times, transport options, ticket reservations and practical tips to make the day smoother.
Here’s a typical comfortable plan that works if you start early from Kraków:
- 08:15–09:30 — depart Kraków; travel to the Memorial (approx. 1–1.5 hours depending on transport and traffic).
- 10:00–13:00 — visit Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II‑Birkenau (time depends on route chosen; with breaks and walking allow 3–4 hours).
- 13:00–14:00 — return to Kraków and have lunch (I recommend planning a calm meal break).
- 15:00–17:00 — visit Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory (Schindler’s Factory Museum) and take a short walk to nearby film locations (museum visit usually 1–2 hours).
- 17:00–18:00 — quick look at other film points (if you have energy) or relax in Kraków’s center.
This layout gives solid time at each site without dramatic rushing. If you use public transport, add buffer time for possible delays.
Getting there: from Kraków to Oświęcim it takes about 60–80 minutes by car or shuttle, sometimes longer in heavy traffic. Trains and regular buses are also available — check schedules in advance and allow extra time.
Tickets for the Memorial: it’s best to reserve in advance, especially in the tourist season. The site uses time‑slot entry limits, so booking ahead gives peace of mind and ensures entry at your preferred time.
Schindler’s Factory: this is a very popular site in Kraków and often has timed entries — book tickets before your visit. The museum has permanent and temporary exhibitions; a visit typically takes 1–2 hours.
Transport during the day: for maximum convenience and flexibility consider a private transfer or car (watch for parking fees in Kraków). If you prefer to save money, trains and buses are fine but require tighter timing and buffers.
On holidays and weekends — even early bookings don’t eliminate crowds, but they do reduce the risk of unpleasant surprises.
The Memorial is a site of great historical significance and strong emotions. It is not an entertainment attraction — it requires respect and mental preparation. Come ready to listen, to pause at exhibits and to give time for reflection.
Visiting time: the standard route (Auschwitz I + Birkenau) usually takes 3–4 hours. Much depends on whether you join a guided tour with a museum educator or visit independently. In high season the number of visitors and logistics can lengthen the experience.
Practical rules: the site commands solemn behavior — no shouting, no eating, no celebratory activities. Some areas restrict photography (especially interior exhibition spaces) — check rules on arrival. Bring ID, comfortable shoes and a small snack to eat outside the exhibition areas.
Emotions: many people feel psychologically tired after the visit — that’s normal. Allow yourself space to rest, talk or take a walk once you return to Kraków.
For families with younger children think carefully whether the visit might be overwhelming — the subject matter is difficult and requires mature preparation.
The main film‑related stop for many visitors is Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory — an exhibition about Kraków under occupation that connects directly with the story known from the film Schindler’s List. Expect 1–2 hours for the museum depending on your interest.
Beyond the Factory, you can follow a short route through the Old Town and the Jewish district of Kazimierz — many locations from various films appear in and around these neighborhoods. Walks can be tailored to your time: a short 30–60 minute stroll or a longer few‑hour route.
If you’re after specific film frames, make a list of spots and assign time for each. After a heavy, serious morning at Auschwitz it’s good if this part of the day remains reflective and educational rather than a rushed photo‑stop sprint.
If you’d like, I can prepare ready‑made maps with suggested routes and approximate time for each point so you can pace the day calmly.
Book tickets in advance for both sites — Auschwitz and Schindler’s Factory have limited daily entries.
Choose a morning time for Auschwitz — mornings tend to be quieter. Large organized groups often arrive in the afternoon.
Plan lunch back in Kraków — there are several pleasant places where you can rest and eat after an emotional morning. Good options near the center include Pod Wawelem, Miod Malina and Starka (each offers hearty Polish dishes and a relaxed atmosphere).
Dress and behave appropriately: respect the character of the sites — avoid loud, party clothing and inappropriate behavior. Help fellow visitors maintain silence and solemnity.
Consider transport with flexible return time — traffic or bus delays can shorten your afternoon program. Private transfer gives more control over the day.
If you’ll be walking a lot — bring comfortable shoes and a light jacket; Birkenau can be windy and the weather may differ from Kraków center.
Plan time to “process” the experience — in my guiding practice I recommend allocating 30–60 minutes after returning from Oświęcim for a calm meal and conversation before moving on.
Documents and tickets — keep them easily accessible; some timed entries require showing confirmations.
Water and small snacks — food is forbidden within exhibition areas; small snacks are useful for a break after visiting.
Comfortable shoes and layered clothing — weather can change and walks around the camp are longer than they look.
Phone and power bank — useful for navigation and short notes, but remember to respect rules on photography and decorum.
Mask/hygiene items — while not always mandatory, they are handy in closed spaces and on public transport.
I believe combining Auschwitz with Kraków’s film trail makes sense if you want historical context and to see places that deepen the story. Schindler’s Factory and other Kraków sites complement the Memorial, showing city life during and after the war.
However, if your priority is a spiritual experience and deep understanding of the Auschwitz exhibitions, consider separate days — that allows more focus and less haste. For visitors with limited time in Kraków, combining both in one day is a practical solution.
If you choose the full‑day option — plan realistically, book in advance and leave space to rest. This is not a checklist visit — it’s a day worth experiencing mindfully.
How far in advance should I book tickets? — The earlier the better; in season it’s wise to reserve Auschwitz and Schindler’s Factory tickets weeks or even months ahead.
Is the site suitable for children? — The subject is very difficult. Visits can be too intense for younger children. Consider the child’s age and maturity before planning the visit.
Can I take photos? — Rules vary by location; photography is restricted in some areas of the camps and museums. Always follow staff instructions.
Does it make sense to combine this with other attractions (e.g., Wieliczka Salt Mine)? — Possible, but the day becomes very tight. Better to pick one major attraction plus a shorter activity than trying to fit three big sites into a single day.
If you want, I can create a personalized day plan (including departure times, restaurants and walking pace) — tell me your dates in Kraków and how much energy you have for sightseeing.
Planning this kind of day mixes logistics, empathy and a great deal of respect for the places we visit. As a tour guide I always aim to give visitors time for understanding and reflection, not just ticking off items on a list.
If you need help with bookings, fine‑tuning travel times or would like a personalized itinerary — I’m happy to help. Write to me and we’ll plan a practical, calm and meaningful day. — Małgorzata Kasprowicz, Kraków tour guide.
I wish you a peaceful trip and the courage to learn about difficult history.
