Auschwitz-Birkenau is a unique place — historically significant, painful and requiring respect. It is not an amusement park: a visit usually takes at least 3–3.5 hours and covers long distances between the camps. Therefore the decision whether to go there with a small child and a stroller should be considered carefully. This text will help you plan the trip from Krakow, suggest practical stroller solutions and explain how to behave respectfully toward the place and its victims — also in the context of photographing for Instagram or recording short clips for TikTok.
Entrance to the Memorial is free of charge, but entry is only possible with a named entry pass that must be reserved online — the number of passes is limited. The Museum recommends booking in advance and arriving at least 30 minutes before your scheduled visit because of security checks. Visits usually begin at the former Auschwitz I camp; to see both sites (Auschwitz I and Birkenau) meaningfully you should plan for several hours. The Museum also advises that visiting with children under 14 is not recommended — this is a recommendation, not a ban.
There are baggage size restrictions on site — the maximum dimensions for bags/backpacks that may be brought in are 35x25x15 cm — larger items are best left in your car or in the luggage storage at the Visitor Service Centre.
Technically you can bring a stroller, but note that Birkenau and parts of Auschwitz I have historic, uneven surfaces — gravel, cobbles, wooden walkways and irregular pavements. Long distances, ramps and stretches of fine gravel mean pushing a stroller can be tiring or sometimes impossible. If you plan to use a stroller, be prepared to carry it often or to leave it in your car/the Visitor Service Centre parking area.
A practical alternative for small children is a baby carrier or sling — they keep you mobile and don’t hinder movement over rough ground. For families a common solution is to come with one caregiver who stays with the child and stroller in a safe spot (for example in the car or the service area) while others tour. The Museum also offers wheelchairs or walkers to borrow — request these in advance or at the entry desk on the day of your visit if equipment is available.
From Krakow to Oświęcim is about 60–70 km — by car the drive typically takes around 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic. You can also reach Oświęcim by train; check return train times when planning, especially outside peak season. The main parking and entrance to the Museum are located at Więźniów Oświęcimia 55.
Remember the site is extensive — walking between points can take a while. If you travel with a small child, allow breaks for rest and feeding. The Visitor Service Centre offers paid luggage storage — you can leave a larger stroller there if you decide to tour without it. In high season reserve your entry pass well in advance because demand is high.
The Museum tries to assist visitors with mobility difficulties — the Visitor Service Centre has ramps and facilities, a free shuttle bus with a ramp runs between the camps, and wheelchairs or walkers can be borrowed (report the need in advance if possible). Still, the historic character of the site limits full adaptation: some buildings have steps, narrow passages and uneven floors.
Behaviour at the Memorial must be solemn and respectful. Please dress appropriately, silence your phone and avoid loud behaviour. Photography is allowed in most areas but without flashes and tripods; in some rooms photography is prohibited (for example certain exhibitions) — respect signs and staff requests.
Memorial sites are not places for viral challenges, dance routines or playful filters. If you want to record your visit for Instagram or TikTok, remember these rules: - photograph respectfully, avoid posing in an ironic or flamboyant way; - do not use meme captions, funny stickers or entertainment-style music when showing scenes of tragedy; - do not climb on or touch exhibits; - follow photography bans in designated areas; - if you plan to publish, consider captions and hashtags carefully — keep a reflective, educational tone.
Popular photographic points that often appear in images are the railway ramp, the gate with the inscription and the crematoria ruins. These places are worthy of photographic attention, but always maintain silence and respect — do not stage fashion shoots, play with children there for content, or create entertainment-style material.
The Museum publishes materials to help parents prepare children for a visit — there are texts and books that explain the topic in age-appropriate ways. If your child asks questions, speak calmly and adapt explanations to their maturity. For very young children a visit may be confusing or distressing — hence the Museum’s recommendation to think carefully before bringing children under 14.
If you do decide to come with a younger child, plan shorter legs of the visit, allow rest breaks and consider a carrier instead of a stroller. Afterward, talk with the child about what they saw and answer questions in simple, honest terms.
- Arriving without a reservation — entry passes are limited; it’s better to book in advance than risk no availability. - Bringing oversized luggage and not knowing the size limits — remember the 35x25x15 cm rule and that larger items can be left in storage. - Bringing a stroller without a plan — a stroller can hinder movement on gravel and cobbled sections; consider alternatives. - Misusing social media — posting entertainment-style content from a memorial can be seen as disrespectful. - Not preparing children — emotional reactions can be difficult; bring materials and have a plan for conversations.
Can I enter the Museum with a stroller? - Yes, but the ground is uneven and long sections can be difficult to cover. Consider a carrier or leaving the stroller in your car/at the Visitor Service Centre.
Do I need to reserve an entry pass? - Yes, a named entry pass is required; availability is limited, so book online in advance.
Can I take photos? - Photography is allowed in most areas without flash and tripods; some rooms and exhibitions prohibit photography — follow signage and staff instructions.
Does the Museum provide strollers or equipment? - The Museum offers wheelchairs and walkers free of charge upon request — report the need in advance or at the entry desk if available.
How long does a visit take? - The minimum time to get acquainted with the site is about 3–3.5 hours; many visitors spend more time, especially if they see both parts of the camp.
- Schedule your visit outside the busiest times (early morning or late afternoon when individual visits are allowed) and reserve your entry pass ahead of time. - If you travel with a small child, bring a carrier, dry snacks and spare clothes; check train timetables or parking availability in advance. - After your visit you might want a calm place to eat and regroup. In Krakow consider family-friendly spots around the Main Market Square such as Pod Aniołami, Cafe Camelot or Milkbar Tomasza for a relaxed meal and easy access to transport.
If this guide was helpful — share it with friends or send it on. If you’d like to visit Auschwitz with someone who can personally take care of logistics and historical context, consider arranging a private guided visit with Małgorzata Kasprowicz, who offers tailored tours and support for families — details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Wishing you a safe journey — remember this is a place of memory that calls for silence and reflection.
