No — it is not reasonable to walk from central Kraków to the Auschwitz‑Birkenau State Museum: the distance is about 65–70 km one way. However, you can plan a single day to see the most important places: a morning visit to Auschwitz (with transport), return to Kraków, and an afternoon visit to Wawel including the new underground route. This guide shows how to do it sensibly, respectfully toward the memorial site, and enjoyably for visiting Wawel.
I’ll also point out common mistakes to avoid: book tickets in advance, don’t rely on uncertain “guaranteed” entries, estimate time realistically, and plan breaks for rest and meals.
At the end you’ll find a short FAQ, food recommendations, and a brief note about the new permanent underground route at Wawel that significantly enriches the hill’s offer in 2025.
The distance between Kraków (Main Market / Wawel) and Oświęcim is roughly 65–70 km depending on the route. Walking would take many hours and makes no logistical or practical sense if you want to visit the museum and the Castle on the same day.
Most visitors use transport: car, regional bus, train or organized transfer. By car or bus the journey usually takes about 1.5 hours one way, which allows a sensible visit schedule and return to Kraków the same day.
Remember that the Memorial covers wide areas and that visiting Auschwitz‑Birkenau itself takes a minimum of several hours. Planning a “walk all day” should refer to moving around Kraków (Old Town, Wawel, Kazimierz) rather than trying to walk from Kraków to Auschwitz.
A visit to the former camp is emotionally demanding and time‑consuming. To see the exhibitions and grounds properly you should allow at least 3.5–4 hours.
Most visitors choose a visit with a museum educator (museum guide) or reserve named entry cards for an individual visit. Entry cards are limited and require advance online reservation.
When planning: arrive at least 30 minutes before the time printed on your entry card because of security checks and possible formalities. Bring ID and leave large luggage in your vehicle or in storage.
In 2025 Wawel expanded its offer with new permanent and temporary exhibitions. One of the most talked‑about openings is the underground route “Międzymurze. Podziemia Wawelu” — made available in spring 2025 — which leads between former fortifications and reveals fragments of the hill’s oldest structures. The route combines archaeology with multimedia narrative and is a compelling complement to the classic royal chambers.
Besides the underground route, include in your plan: Wawel Cathedral, the Royal Crypts and Chambers, and the permanent and seasonal exhibitions that rotate throughout the year. Many Wawel sites have timed entry, so check ticket availability and reserve in advance if needed.
An afternoon visit to Wawel pairs nicely with a stroll through the Planty or a coffee break at one of the nearby cafés.
05:30–06:30 – Wake up, have a quick breakfast in Kraków and depart by bus/train/car toward Oświęcim. If using a transfer, arrange pickup so you arrive around 9:00.
09:30–13:00 – Visit the Auschwitz‑Birkenau State Museum (about 3.5–4 hours). Maintain respect and silence during the visit.
13:00–14:30 – Return to Kraków (transfer about 1.5 hours), lunch in the city center or near Wawel. Recommended types of places: restaurants offering Polish and regional cuisine near the Market and Wawel — choose according to budget and taste.
15:30–18:00 – Visit Wawel: Cathedral, Royal Chambers and the new underground route. Book timed entries if required.
18:00–19:30 – Walk around the area, enjoy coffee or dinner in Kazimierz or the Old Town. An evening visit to the Market Square is lovely and relaxing.
Getting to Oświęcim: car (rental or private), train or regional bus. Travel time is usually around 1.5 hours each way. A booked transfer guarantees pickup and return at set times.
If you plan to return to Kraków and continue sightseeing on foot, park conveniently or use parking near Wawel. In the city center it’s easiest to get around on foot or by tram.
If time is limited, consider visiting Auschwitz with a museum educator — themed guided routes are usually more compact and efficiently organized.
After returning from Oświęcim it’s good to eat something hearty and rest before visiting Wawel. Around the Market and Kazimierz you’ll find well‑rated places: traditional Polish restaurants, elegant bistros and cafés serving desserts and coffee. Examples often recommended by visitors include historic places near the Market such as Wierzynek or Pod Aniołami and popular cafés like Café Camelot or Massolit Books & Cafe — choose places with up‑to‑date reviews.
Don’t schedule lunch at a too‑tight time — return journeys can be delayed and exploring Wawel requires energy. Always carry water and a light snack.
For something special, consider dinner with a view of the Vistula or of Wawel — reserving a table in high season is advisable.
Assuming you can buy Auschwitz tickets on the spot. Entry cards are limited and many dates require online booking. Reserve in advance.
Thinking “I’ll manage everything on foot” — the distance to Oświęcim is too large; don’t plan to walk between the cities.
Lack of emotional preparation — Auschwitz is a memorial site that requires an appropriate mindset. Plan time for reflection and avoid loud or hectic activities immediately after the visit.
An overpacked schedule after return — don’t plan too many evening attractions; leave space to rest and to explore Wawel more calmly.
Book Auschwitz entry cards online well in advance. Check rules for named entry cards and scheduled entry times.
Arrive at the site at least 30 minutes early. Have your ID and a printed or electronic version of the entry card ready.
Allow at least 3.5–4 hours for Auschwitz‑Birkenau and 2–4 hours for Wawel, depending on how many rooms and exhibitions you want to see.
Leave large luggage in your car or use storage. Check baggage size limits for the museum grounds.
Can you visit Auschwitz without a guide? Yes — but you need a named entry card reserved online; unguided visits are possible in assigned time slots.
How much time do you need for Wawel? For a basic visit to the Cathedral, Royal Chambers and one exhibition, allow 2–4 hours; the underground route adds extra time.
Can you combine Auschwitz and the Wieliczka Salt Mine in one day? It’s possible but very intense — both sites require time and the travel adds up. It’s better to split them across two days if you prefer a relaxed visit.
Do you need special clothes for Auschwitz? Yes — wear attire appropriate to the character of the memorial site; show respect and avoid provocative clothing.
Wawel hides many historical layers: the new underground routes reveal remains of medieval buildings and fragments of former fortifications that were inaccessible to visitors for years.
Auschwitz offers a limited number of free entry cards for individual visits as a way to manage visitor flow and protect the educational value of the site — lack of advance booking can mean no entry.
Many visitors underestimate the emotional impact of the memorial — it’s a good idea to plan quiet time after the visit.
For a day trip to Oświęcim and a comfortable return, base yourself in central Kraków: quick access to stations, public transport and major attractions. Hotels and apartments near the Main Market or Wawel Hill make morning departures and evening relaxation easier.
Choose places with good reviews and flexible check‑in hours, especially if you return late from a trip. Check whether the hotel provides luggage storage.
If you prefer a cozier atmosphere, consider staying in Kazimierz — a great base for evening walks and good dining.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it will help others plan a better day in Kraków.
If you prefer to explore with a local guide, consider the services of local guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — personalized tours make the visit comfortable and tailored to your interests (details available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com).
Whatever your plan — remember to show respect at memorial sites and to enjoy walking through the historic heart of Kraków.
