Yes — it is possible to arrange a meaningful, respectful and comfortable day that combines exploring Krakow’s center with a visit to the Auschwitz‑Birkenau Memorial, but it requires good planning. You should factor in travel time, the minimum time needed at the museum (usually several hours), physical constraints at some historic sites, and rest breaks. With a realistic schedule the day can be intense but rewarding.
Below you’ll find a practical day plan, accessibility information, a list of wheelchair‑friendly places, common mistakes to avoid and a pre‑trip checklist. If you prefer a slower pace, consider splitting the program across two days.
06:30–08:00 - Depart Krakow (train or car). It’s best to start very early to avoid crowds and have more ticket options.
08:30–12:30 - Visit the Auschwitz‑Birkenau Memorial: check in at the Visitor Service Centre, tour parts of Auschwitz I and (optionally) Birkenau; allow time for walks and short rests. The Museum provides helpful facilities for visitors with limited mobility, but the grounds are extensive.
13:00–14:30 - Return to Krakow (travel time depends on transport).
15:00–17:00 - Stroll around the Main Market Square and nearby areas: short, accessible attractions, entry to selected museums with facilities (for example MuFo, MOCAK). Stop at a wheelchair‑accessible café for a break.
17:00–18:30 - Light afternoon program or shopping, a quick visit to another museum or return to your accommodation.
Note: this is an example itinerary — if you want more time in Krakow or a gentler pace, split the route into two days.
The distance Krakow–Oświęcim is about 65–70 km depending on the route; by car the trip usually takes around 1–1.5 hours in normal conditions. Some intercity trains can shorten travel time to about 45–50 minutes if you find a direct connection.
For wheelchair users the train (with easier platform access) or a car with a ramp are often most convenient. From Oświęcim station to the Museum Visitor Service Centre is several kilometers — check local transport options or take a taxi.
The Museum provides a shuttle bus between Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II‑Birkenau equipped with a platform for wheelchairs. There are parking spaces for people with disabilities near the Museum. Check availability and schedules in advance.
The Visitor Service Centre has ramps, lifts/platforms and accessible toilets. The Museum allows free loan of a wheelchair or walker — it’s recommended to request this in advance by email or when booking.
Because the site is a protected historic area, there are limitations: historic surfaces, wooden walkways, long walking distances and narrow interiors are not always fully comfortable for large wheelchairs. Some buildings (for example towers) are inaccessible. Preserving authenticity limits full physical adaptation of the spaces.
When planning your visit allow time for registering your named entry ticket, security checks and possible queues. Booking a timed entry in advance is key to a low‑stress visit.
Krakow is increasingly developing a ‘barrier‑free’ offer: there is a city guide for visitors with disabilities and apps listing accessible venues, toilets and wheelchair‑friendly places. Download local “Krakow without barriers” materials before arrival.
In the city center many sidewalks and main routes are level, but the Main Market Square has large historic paving stones that can be uneven. Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and some side streets have ramps and accessible entrances, but check specific entrances to venues in advance.
Several cultural institutions and museums provide facilities: MuFo (Museum of Photography) and MOCAK list accessibility info and offer lifts and accessible toilets; ICE and other cultural centers declare places for wheelchair users. Choose cafés and museums with confirmed accessibility for comfortable breaks.
MOCAK (Museum of Contemporary Art) — parts of the space and the café are wheelchair‑accessible; a good place for a short break after returning from Oświęcim.
MuFo (Museum of Photography) — has lifts and on‑site wheelchair loan options as well as described solutions for visitors with mobility limitations.
KBF and ICE Krakow cultural centers — they declare accessibility, offer places for wheelchair users and provide information and assistance before events.
Cafés and bars with accessibility descriptions — choose places that list step‑free entrances and accessible toilets; check local cafés and bakeries in advance to confirm access.
Not booking entry to the Auschwitz Museum in advance — this causes stress and uncertainty. Reserve your entry and report any need for a loaned wheelchair.
Assuming every historic site is fully accessible — many places retain historic elements, so always verify accessibility of a specific exhibit or interior.
Not planning rest breaks — a one‑day trip linking two towns is tiring; schedule breaks for meals and short rests.
No backup transport plan — check train timetables and the availability of taxis with lifts or companies offering transport for people with disabilities.
Book entry tickets to the Auschwitz‑Birkenau Memorial well in advance and report a need for a loaned wheelchair.
Check transport options: direct train, private transport with a ramp, or a taxi. Note approximate travel times and alternatives.
Download the guide “Krakow for the traveler with a disability” or have the city accessibility app at hand.
Pack: reservation documents, a light blanket for resting, water, snacks, sunglasses and comfortable clothing. Make sure your wheelchair battery is charged or have an emergency plan.
Plan breaks and ensure your itinerary includes accessible toilets.
Does the museum in Oświęcim loan wheelchairs? Yes — the Museum offers free wheelchair or walker loans during the visit; it’s best to request this in advance.
Is there wheelchair‑accessible transport between Auschwitz I and Birkenau? Yes — a shuttle bus with a wheelchair platform operates between the sites.
Is the entire Main Market Square comfortable for a wheelchair? Main pedestrian routes are accessible, but the stone surface of the Market Square can be uneven; plan a slower pace and consider side streets when needed.
The Auschwitz‑Birkenau Museum provides free wheelchair loans during a visit — this is often overlooked when planning a trip.
Krakow publishes a special guide and an app for tourists with disabilities in several languages — use it to find toilets, rental points and adapted venues.
Many cultural institutions in Krakow offer special programs or educational paths for visitors with special needs — these can provide a richer cultural experience in a shorter time.
If you want to save time and ensure the day is adapted to your needs, consider using the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Małgorzata can tailor the pace, arrange necessary facilities and plan a comfortable transfer between Krakow and Oświęcim.
If you found this article helpful — share it with friends or on social media to help others plan a safe and comfortable visit. Thank you for reading — I wish you a calm and well‑planned trip!
Aim to reserve at least 3.5 hours for the Auschwitz‑Birkenau visit itself — this is a commonly recommended minimum to see key areas without rushing.
Bring layers — weather can change quickly and some parts of the memorial are exposed to wind and sun.
If you plan museum visits in Krakow such as MOCAK or MuFo, check opening hours in advance and, when possible, reserve timed entries to avoid waiting.
Are assistance or guide dogs allowed? Yes — guide and assistance dogs are permitted at the Memorial and most public venues, but you may need to show documentation.
Where to eat with wheelchair access in Krakow? Choose cafés near the Market Square that specify step‑free access; options that frequently list accessibility include local cafés and contemporary museum cafés like MOCAK’s café.
What if my wheelchair battery runs low? Plan charging stops (some cultural centers and cafés will allow recharging) or bring a spare battery if possible.
This guide is intended to make planning easier and to encourage a respectful and comfortable visit. If you’d like a personalized plan or assistance with bookings, Małgorzata Kasprowicz from zwiedzaniekrakowa.com specializes in tailored tours and accessibility‑aware arrangements.
