Auschwitz-Birkenau is a memorial site to be visited with deep respect. At the same time it covers a large area with historic structures, so if you plan a visit during a long weekend — especially as a photographer or a wheelchair user — it’s worth preparing in advance. In practice that means: booking entry passes ahead of time, checking the rules on photography, and planning logistics (getting there, parking, time for moving around).
This guide contains reliable information and concrete tips on how to visit Auschwitz as safely and comfortably as possible while honoring the memory of the place, how to take photos without breaking the rules, and how to look after the comfort of visitors with disabilities.
In short: book early, plan your route, remember there are restrictions inside historic buildings, and respect the character of the site. Now I’ll explain step by step what’s useful to know.
(Article based on official information from the Memorial and my guiding experience; written in a friendly tone — if you’d like, I can help tailor a visiting plan to your needs.)
Entry to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial is free, but passes are personal and the number of places is limited. On long weekends demand is high, so I recommend booking passes as far in advance as possible.
Recently, self-guided passes (without an educator) are available only through the online reservation system and places are limited. If you plan to visit on a holiday or long weekend, treat the reservation as a priority — slots can fill up many days before your preferred date.
In practice: check availability in the reservation system, choose a specific time slot, and arrive about 30 minutes early (security checks and collecting your pass can take time). If you don’t have an online reservation, there is a very limited number of passes issued in the morning at the entrance, but this is risky during a long weekend.
The Memorial is introducing solutions to improve accessibility, but remember there are limits due to conservation and the historic character of the site. Here are the main facts:
- The Visitors’ Service Centre (VSC) is equipped with ramps and an internal platform that helps move between levels; accessible toilets are available in the VSC.
- The Museum offers free loan wheelchairs or walkers — it’s a good idea to report this need in advance by email; if that wasn’t possible, ask at the ENTRY PASSES desk on the day of your visit. If no one has reserved them, they will be provided.
- A free shuttle bus runs between the former Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau camps and is equipped with a platform for wheelchairs. This is a major convenience, especially on a long weekend when distances and crowds can be tiring.
- The grounds and surfaces are historic: in Auschwitz I you’ll cover around 1,300 m (including a tunnel of about 300 m with some uphill sections), and in Birkenau you’ll walk more than 2,000 m. Surfaces can be uneven, sometimes cobbles or original pavements — moving by wheelchair often requires assistance.
- Access to some historic buildings is limited: exterior stairs, narrow corridors and small spaces in the blocks make wheelchair manoeuvring difficult; upper floors of the blocks and basements (e.g. the basement of Block 11) are usually not accessible to wheelchair users.
In short: it is possible to visit the museum as a wheelchair user, but plan ahead, expect to need assistance at times, and accept that not all interiors will be accessible.
Taking photographs for private purposes is allowed in most outdoor areas and exhibitions, but there are specific exceptions and rules worth following:
- Prohibitions: photography is banned in some rooms — examples include the hall with victims’ hair (Block 4) and the basements of Block 11. Watch for signs and follow staff instructions.
- Commercial material, professional photo sessions, recordings for commercial use or widely distributed productions require the Museum’s permission and often written consent. Digital creators should inform the Press Office about date and concept and obtain approval before publishing.
- Filming and recording during a group visit is not allowed — if you want to record longer material, arrange an individual visit and consult with the museum.
- Aerial shots (drones) are prohibited under normal conditions due to the no-fly zone; permission may be granted only in exceptional cases (e.g. for documentary material with the Museum’s consent).
- Etiquette: do not pose people in unnatural ways near monuments and exhibits, avoid using flash or strong lighting that may disturb other visitors, and avoid creating “aesthetic” images that could look like commercial framing of tragedy.
If you plan an intensive photographic session (e.g. a large shoot, tripod, extra lighting), write to the Museum in advance with a description of the concept — this will help avoid surprises on the day of the visit.
Below is a suggested route and some practical solutions that are useful for a long weekend visit:
1) Arrival and the VSC - collect passes and equipment: arrive at the car park on Więźniów Oświęcimia 55, use designated parking for people with disabilities if needed. At the VSC report any need to borrow a wheelchair/walker or an audio guide; collect your entry pass and plan your first steps.
2) Auschwitz I — adapted walk: the route begins with about 600 m of passage (partly a tunnel ~300 m). If using a wheelchair, consider having an assistant or use the shuttle between parts of the site; inside Auschwitz I manoeuvring may require help in narrow blocks.
3) Photo breaks — plan short stops: do not block passages while shooting, keep equipment close to your body and use discreet setups (avoid large tripods in crowds). The best light is often morning and late afternoon, but during long weekends those times are also busiest — if you want quieter shots, choose an early morning slot.
4) Transfer to Birkenau: use the free bus with a wheelchair platform. In Birkenau the area is extensive and surfaces are uneven, but wooden walkways near some barracks improve access to the brick barracks; remember the main victims’ monument area has cobbled levels that make wheelchair movement harder.
5) Time and pace: allow at least 3.5 hours for a basic visit; photographers and wheelchair users should plan for more time — include breaks, waiting for the shuttle and slower movement through crowds.
6) Finish: return any borrowed equipment at the VSC if you used it, check your documents and head home calmly — long weekends often mean traffic on the return trip.
A few quick, practical tips to have in mind before you leave:
- Reservation: make it as early as possible; bring ID that matches your reservation; arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled entry.
- Photo kit: a lightweight setup works best; consider a stabilizer instead of a large tripod; carry a cover for your camera so it’s easy to access in a crowd.
- Clothing and footwear: comfortable, slip-resistant shoes; a windproof jacket because Birkenau is open and can be windy.
- Drinks and breaks: it’s not always easy to find a quiet spot to rest in the museum — plan for breaks and bring a water bottle.
- Company: if you go with a wheelchair user, think about bringing an extra person to assist with manoeuvres in narrow interiors.
- Respect: maintain solemnity and silence; avoid loud conversations, jokes or “posed” photos near exhibits and monuments.
If something goes wrong — for example no wheelchair is available to borrow, an issue with your reservation, or you need special assistance — follow these tips:
- ENTRY PASSES desk: this is the first point of contact on site; staff can assist with loans and short-term changes at entry.
- Museum staff: in special situations ask to contact the accessibility coordinator or the Visitor Service Office — staff are prepared to help, although solutions can be limited by the need to preserve historic structures.
- Responding to barriers: if for some reason you cannot visit all parts, consider exploring the museum online with a guided format (there are narrated options and preparatory materials) or plan to return on a less crowded date.
- If you have doubts about photography: ask staff right away — it’s better to check than to risk having to delete photos or face misunderstandings later.
Auschwitz is a place where tourism meets remembrance. As a guide I advise: plan ahead, reserve tickets and any assistive equipment, but above all show respect for the history and the victims. Photograph in a way that documents and remembers, rather than beautifies the tragedy.
If you wish, I can help personalize your visiting plan — I will take into account arrival times, the pace of a wheelchair user, the best hours for photography and equipment tips. Tell me when you plan to come for the long weekend and I will help you arrange a step-by-step plan. Warm regards and I invite you to explore history with care and attentiveness. Małgorzata Kasprowicz - zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
