Auschwitz-Birkenau and Ojców National Park are two very different but close-by places: the first is a Memorial Site with heavy historical significance, the second is a small national park full of limestone rocks, castles and easy trails. Combining both in one day is popular for school groups from Kraków and the surrounding area, but it requires careful logistics and planning of class breaks.
Practically speaking: touring the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum usually takes at least 3.5 hours, while Ojców National Park offers educational programs and shorter field routes lasting from about 1.5 to 4 hours (depending on the chosen program). That affects where and when to schedule a meal or rest break for students.
Below you will find tested tips: how to divide time, where to organise a calm, safe and logistically convenient break for a class, what to avoid and a practical FAQ.
A realistic sample plan combining both sites (assuming departure from Kraków):
1) Leave Kraków in the morning (usually 60–90 minutes to Oświęcim, about 40–60 minutes to Ojców — the order can be reversed).
2) Visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Site: arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of the tour; visits must be with a Museum educator-guide (school groups are required to use a Museum educator-guide). Touring time: minimum ~3.5 hours (it’s worth booking a relaxed schedule).
3) Lunch break or rest: after leaving the Museum plan a break of at least 45–60 minutes — arrange a spot for snacks or a meal close to the coach parking area. Alternatively, schedule Ojców National Park before Auschwitz so the break can be held in Ojców (short trails, cafés, picnic area).
4) Ojców National Park: educational activities, a walk through the Prądnik Valley; main sights: Kraków Gate, Hercules' Club (Maczuga Herkulesa), Pieskowa Skała Castle, Chapel 'On the Water'. Time: 2 to 4 hours depending on the program.
Auschwitz-Birkenau: entry to the Museum area requires a named entrance pass; book dates well in advance through the Museum’s reservation system. School groups must use a Museum educator-guide — booking this service is a separate step. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early due to security checks.
Ojców National Park: the Park offers ready-made educational classes and guided walks run by Park staff or field guides. For school groups it’s worth ordering activities at the Education and Didactic Centre or booking a guided route. Check availability, group pricing and minimum participant numbers — some offers have thresholds and different prices depending on group size.
Transport and parking: plan the coach parking spot and transfer time between sites; large suitcases are restricted in Auschwitz (the Museum gives recommended maximum backpack sizes), so inform students about what they may bring.
The choice of break spot depends on the visit order and the group’s needs: a quick meal after Auschwitz is best arranged near the coach parking area by the Museum or along the route to Ojców; alternatively, plan a longer rest and meal in Ojców or near Pieskowa Skała Castle.
In Ojców National Park there are small cafés and food points near popular attractions — for example small local kiosks serving zapiekanka and refreshments, a cafe near Pieskowa Skała Castle (castle café/restaurant), and other cafés in the park. There are also picnic areas where you can organise a simple outdoor lunch (check Park regulations and any bans on fires).
If you need covered space for bad weather, check the Education and Didactic Centre of the Park — they can offer presentations, short indoor activities and shelter from rain. This is a good solution if you want to combine the break with an educational element.
Documents and bookings: print participant lists, confirmation of Museum and Park bookings, and contact phone numbers for the guide and coach driver.
Baggage and personal items: Auschwitz has restrictions on backpack size — large suitcases are not allowed in the exhibition area (the Museum usually suggests small bag dimensions). For safety it’s best that students carry small backpacks with only essentials.
Clothing and footwear: comfortable, mud-resistant walking shoes for Ojców National Park; layered clothing, sunscreen and hats in summer; rain jackets in cooler seasons. Remember that respectful, modest clothing is expected at the Memorial Site due to the solemn character of the place.
1) Late or missing bookings — Auschwitz and popular routes in Ojców can be busy, especially in high season. Book entrance passes and educational activities well in advance. 2) Not planning breaks and meal time — after a long, emotional visit to the Memorial Site students need time to rest; allow at least 45–60 minutes for a break. 3) Too tight a schedule — combining both sites in one day is possible, but avoid overlapping activities. 4) Not adapting the program to the students’ age — Ojców National Park offers programs suited to different ages; at Auschwitz the subject matter and tour length should be adapted to pupils’ maturity. 5) Not giving instructions to supervisors and students — communicate rules of conduct at the Memorial Site, dress requirements and baggage restrictions.
Each of these mistakes can be easily avoided with good communication with parents, delegating tasks among supervisors and confirming bookings early.
Number of supervisors: check institution rules — Ojców National Park and the Auschwitz Museum provide information about working with school groups and the maximum number of participants per guide. In practice it’s worth planning at least one supervisor per 10–15 students, depending on age.
Transport: plan coach stops in designated areas, allowing time for unloading and security checks. Pay attention to travel time between sites — traffic or roadworks can lengthen transfers.
Weather and plan B: when rain is forecast, have an alternative plan — for example, extend the indoor educational part at the Education and Didactic Centre in Ojców or adjust the program to shorter walks.
Do you have to pay to enter Auschwitz? - Entry to the Memorial Site is free, but a named entrance pass from the reservation is required. School groups book tours with a Museum educator-guide.
How long does the Auschwitz visit last? - As a minimum plan for about 3.5 hours; with interest and a calm pace you may need more time.
Are there paid attractions in Ojców National Park? - Some attractions and exhibitions (for example Pieskowa Skała Castle, certain caves or visitor centres) may require additional entrance fees; the Park also offers paid educational activities.
Where can students eat? - Near Pieskowa Skała Castle there are catering points and a castle café; around popular spots in Ojców you’ll find small cafés and picnic areas. After Auschwitz it’s practical to plan a break in the coach parking zone or en route to Ojców.
Are there baggage restrictions at Auschwitz? - Yes, the Museum recommends leaving large luggage on the coach; there are limits on the size of bags and backpacks allowed into the exhibition area.
Ojców National Park has carried out beaver reintroduction projects — these nature stories are a great learning opportunity and pupils may observe beaver activity while walking through the valleys. It’s an excellent example of positive conservation impact.
The Auschwitz Museum occasionally provides introductory materials and films for school groups — at certain times they run special educational projects, so it’s worth checking current offers before booking.
Many routes in the Park include viewpoints and rock formations with memorable names (for example Hercules' Club or Kraków Gate) — short stories about these geological shapes engage students and are worth including in the programme.
Organising a trip that combines Auschwitz and Ojców National Park offers great educational opportunities — historical memory and direct contact with nature create a valuable, complementary programme. The key is a sensible pace, good communication with institutions and well-planned breaks in comfortable, safe places.
If this article was helpful — share it with colleagues or on social media. For personalised help organising a trip or guiding services around Kraków and the surrounding area, you can contact private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz through the Zwiedzanie Krakowa service.
