Yes — many people choose winter because it is a time of quiet and reflection. Fewer tourists mean the Memorial Site feels different, more intimate: snow and the gray landscape often intensify the sense of contemplation, and queues and crowds can be much shorter.
On the other hand, winter brings shorter days, lower temperatures and possible ice outdoors, especially across the open Birkenau grounds. Plan your visit so weather and limited opening hours don’t shorten your time on site.
The Auschwitz‑Birkenau Memorial is open year‑round with a few exceptions (for example January 1, December 25 and the first day of Easter). In winter visiting hours may be reduced — in December the last tour start is earlier than in summer, so always check available hours before you go.
Entry requires a named admission ticket that must be booked online. The Museum asks visitors to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start time because of security checks. Prepare documents for reduced‑rate tickets if you plan to use them.
There are rules of respectful dress and silence on site; large baggage is not accepted — the maximum dimensions for backpacks and bags are about 35x25x15 cm. Larger luggage should be left in your car or in the cloakroom at the Visitor Service Centre.
From Krakow to Oświęcim you can travel by train (about 1 hour 40 minutes) or by bus (1.5–2 hours). By car the journey usually takes around 1.5 hours depending on road conditions. In winter check current timetables and road conditions before departure.
Oświęcim train station is about 1.5–2 km from the Memorial’s main entrance, which means extra time to walk, take a local bus or a taxi. In spring and summer a special shuttle runs between the station and the Museum; outside the high season rely on local transport, a taxi, or a 20–30 minute walk.
The Visitor Service Centre has parking for visitors — if you drive, check parking rules and fees. In winter allow extra time for snow clearing and potentially slower traffic.
Dress in layers: thermal underwear, a warm coat, hat, gloves and a warm scarf. Birkenau is exposed and often feels colder than the thermometer suggests.
Comfortable, waterproof shoes with good grip are essential — paths can be muddy or icy in winter. Small anti‑slip overshoes for shoes can help in very slippery conditions.
Bring only a small backpack or bag containing essentials (within the museum limits). Useful items: a water bottle, tissues, powerbank, a small personal first aid kit and your booking confirmation. Large luggage cannot be taken along the route.
The standard route covers both former camps: Auschwitz I (museum displays in the barracks) and Auschwitz II‑Birkenau (the vast site with the ramp and remains of the crematoria). The distance between the sites is about 3.5 km, which can take longer in winter due to weather.
Allow at least 3.5–4 hours to see both parts on your own; if you want to study the history and exhibits more deeply, plan for more time. The Museum offers different types of visits (educator‑led tours, study visits), so choose the format that matches your expectations before booking.
Photography is generally allowed on the Memorial Site, but visitors must behave respectfully. Some rooms and exhibits may have photography restrictions; using flash is discouraged.
Avoid taking selfies in places of remembrance, staging scenes or treating the site as a backdrop for entertainment. Do not touch exhibits, respect silence and other visitors. Turn off phone sounds and speak quietly.
If you want to publish photos, act with empathy and consider the context — not every image is suitable for social media. Always show respect for the victims and their memory.
Not booking an admission ticket in advance — during busy periods and on selected dates tickets are limited and can sell out quickly.
Ignoring weather conditions — shorter days and icy paths in winter can reduce comfortable visiting time. Plan to arrive early and wear suitable footwear.
Arriving with large luggage or inappropriate clothing — remember baggage limits and the dress code. Large bags may prevent entry to some parts of the exhibitions.
The Visitor Service Centre has a restaurant offering snacks, including kosher options — a practical place to warm up after a cold walk around the Museum grounds.
In Oświęcim town centre, Café Bergson (part of the Oshpitzin Jewish Museum project) is recommended — a calm café with good coffee and cakes, ideal for reflection after your visit.
If you return to Krakow, plan a stop for a warming meal in one of the well‑reviewed restaurants in the city centre — it’s also a good time to talk about the experience and rest.
Admission to the Memorial Site is free, but entry without a reservation is not always possible — online booking is a formality you shouldn’t forget.
Oświęcim is also home to the Jewish Museum and the Oshpitzin educational centre, which present the city’s cultural and historical context before World War II. After visiting Auschwitz it’s worth considering a short visit to these places for broader historical perspective.
The Museum continues to develop digital and educational forms (including online visits) — if weather or time constraints prevent an in‑person visit, remote educational alternatives are available.
Can I take photos? Yes, photography is allowed in most places, always with respect for the solemn character of the site; some interiors may be off‑limits. Avoid flash and photographing other visitors without permission.
Are there toilets and luggage storage? Yes, the Visitor Service Centre provides basic facilities including a cloakroom and toilets. Large suitcases cannot be brought onto the touring route.
Is a guide worth it? A visit with an educator or guide deepens understanding of the exhibits and historical context; if you want a fuller experience, consider booking a guided option. Private guiding services by Małgorzata Kasprowicz (ZwiedzanieKrakowa) are available for visitors who prefer a calm, carefully prepared visit tailored to their needs.
Winter can make a visit to Auschwitz a deeper, more personal experience — but organise logistics carefully and dress appropriately for the conditions. Booking, comfortable footwear and respect for the site are three basics for a successful visit.
If you would like a calm, reliable and personalised visit, consider arranging a guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz from ZwiedzanieKrakowa — details and contact information are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or on social media so more people can prepare thoughtfully for this important visit.
