Are you planning a team-building trip that includes sightseeing in Krakow and a visit to the former German camp Auschwitz-Birkenau? It’s a meaningful idea, but it requires careful planning. The most common arrangement is: a morning trip to Oświęcim (Auschwitz I + Birkenau), return to Krakow for lunch, and an afternoon of exploring the Old Town, Wawel or Kazimierz. Alternatively — visit Krakow in the morning and go to Oświęcim in the evening or on the day before, if you have more time.
In practice, reservations and logistics determine the day’s flow: the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum issues a limited number of entry passes and requires advance booking (especially for organized groups). For convenience and out of respect for the nature of the site, plan an early departure — buses/cars usually leave Krakow between 7:00 and 9:00, which helps avoid crowds and get you back to Krakow in time for lunch.
This article contains: practical tips on reservations and travel, suggestions for group-friendly breakfast and lunch venues, and hands-on advice on ensuring participants’ comfort and safety.
Visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial requires advance organization. All entries (entry passes) are issued through the official reservation system, and availability depends on that system. Organized groups are required to use the services of a Museum educator-guide — this is important for maintaining order during the visit and for the educational quality of the tour.
Practical notes: arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start (security checks and collecting entry passes may take time). Guided visits with an educator typically take about 3.5 hours as a minimum; there are also shorter and longer study programs. Due to the character of the site, visitors are expected to behave solemnly and wear appropriate clothing; participation of children under 14 is not recommended without thoughtful consideration and consultation with guardians.
Remember baggage restrictions: the Museum sets maximum dimensions for small backpacks and bags — larger luggage should be left on the bus or in your car. Organizers are reminded to reserve dates well in advance, especially during the tourist season.
Travel from central Krakow to Oświęcim usually takes about 60 to 95 minutes — actual time depends on the mode of transport and road conditions. For groups, a hired coach or minibus is the most common solution: it’s the simplest logistically — you arrive directly at the Museum entrance and have a place to leave luggage.
Alternatives: train — rail connections between Krakow and Oświęcim run regularly and take on average 60 to 95 minutes depending on the service and route. If you plan to travel by train with a larger group, account for the walk from Oświęcim station to the Museum and the need to coordinate schedules — train travel can be attractive but is often less flexible than a private bus.
Practical tip: when planning a group departure, allow extra time for parking the coach, greeting the guide, security checks and a short break before entering the Museum. In high season, depart Krakow very early to make morning entry slots.
Example of a classic, comfortable day plan (option: morning trip to Auschwitz): 6:30 — meeting in Krakow and depart by coach; 8:00 — arrival at the Memorial, pick up entry passes and brief introduction; 8:30–12:00 — guided tour with an educator (Auschwitz I and Birkenau); 12:30–13:30 — return to Krakow; 14:00 — lunch for the group at one of the recommended restaurants; 16:00 — walk through the Old Town or visit Wawel; 18:00 — an informal get-together in a café/bar or a themed dinner.
If you prefer the opposite order (Krakow first, then Oświęcim), remember that most groups choose Auschwitz in the morning for logistical and emotional reasons: after the visit it’s easier to plan a calmer, 'recovery' program in the city and a group meal. For international groups, allow time for translations and short discussions after the visit.
Recommendation: do not overload participants with an intensive schedule without breaks — a visit to a memorial site can be emotionally draining, so plan moments for rest and conversation before continuing with other activities.
For team-building groups it’s worth choosing venues that: accept reservations for larger groups, offer fixed group menus or customizable packages, provide various dietary options (vegetarian, gluten-free, allergy-aware), and are conveniently located relative to the meeting point. Here are tried-and-true suggestions in different styles:
Pod Wawelem — a classic inn right by Wawel, known for hearty portions and traditional Polish dishes. Large dining rooms and experience with groups make it a frequent choice for tours.
Restauracja Pod Baranem — an elegant, traditional restaurant serving Polish cuisine with a modern touch. It accepts larger group reservations and can adapt the menu to your needs.
Starka (Kazimierz) — friendly atmosphere, Polish dishes and atmospheric décor. Popular for those who want to feel the local Kazimierz vibe after an intense day.
Wierzynek — the historic restaurant on the Main Market Square; a good choice for a special lunch for smaller groups, but for larger groups book well in advance.
Miodova — a more contemporary, intimate spot with Polish-European cuisine — a good compromise between quality and relaxed atmosphere.
Finca Brunch Café and other cafés in Kazimierz — great for morning meetings or coffee breaks; many cafés will serve small groups and offer breakfast options.
Bar & Grill in Kazimierz (Plac Nowy) — a more casual option for an informal evening gathering, suitable for groups seeking a relaxed atmosphere.
Catering / dining rooms near Wawel — for large team events consider ordering catering or using a venue that has a separate dining hall and a group menu (breakfast and lunch offers for organized groups are available at several places in the center).
Practical tip: have a ready list of special diets, the exact group size and preferred times — this information makes booking much easier. In high season reserve restaurants at least one to two weeks in advance.
Take care of comfort: comfortable shoes, water bottles, layered clothing (weather in Małopolska can change quickly), a first-aid kit and contact details for group leaders. After visiting the Memorial Site it’s good to allow time for a short debrief or quieting down, especially if the team includes younger or more emotionally sensitive people.
Documents and identity: the Museum requires an identity document with a name at entry. When booking entry passes, have a participant list with names (and optionally ID details) ready to enter into the reservation system if required.
Transport handling: if you hire a coach — make sure it has an appropriate parking spot at the Museum and that the driver knows procedures for leaving luggage. If you travel by train, check return connections with time to spare.
Communication with participants: send the day plan, the contact number of the responsible person and simple behavior rules (e.g., silence during the Memorial visit). This increases comfort and reduces the risk of misunderstandings.
Do we have to hire an external private guide for Auschwitz? - No. Groups visiting the Memorial Site must use an educator-guide from the Museum (booked through the official system).
How much time should we plan for visiting Auschwitz? - Minimum about 3.5 hours with an educator; depending on the program and pace you can allow more time.
Where is it safer to eat — Krakow or Oświęcim? - Both options are possible. Krakow offers more restaurants and catering options for groups; Oświęcim has a few cafés and small restaurants but a smaller selection, so for larger groups it’s usually better to plan the meal in Krakow or arrange catering.
How do we handle diets and allergies? - When booking a restaurant or caterer provide a list of diets and allergies in advance; choose venues that confirm they can prepare vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free options and inform about allergens.
If you want the team-building day to include lighter activities after a solemn visit: consider a walk through Kazimierz with a short coffee stop, a cruise on the Vistula River (short trips or renting a small boat from the boulevards below Wawel), or culinary workshops and tastings of regional specialties in a venue with a private room. These activities help the group process intense experiences in a safe, shared way.
For corporate groups, plan a short reflection session or a moderated conversation — not mandatory, but offered as a safe space to share impressions. Such a closing often proves valuable and strengthens group bonds.
If the program feels too intense — consider spreading the visit over two days: Krakow’s museums and walks on one day and Auschwitz on another.
Organizing a trip that combines Krakow and Auschwitz-Birkenau for team-building groups requires sensitivity, time and respect. Key points are: early planning and booking entry passes to the Museum, securing appropriate transport and logistics, choosing restaurants that can handle groups, and allowing time to rest after an emotional visit.
If you’d like, I can help prepare a personalized day plan for a specific number of participants, suggest a group menu that takes diets into account, or create a checklist to print and hand out to participants. Tell me how many people, dietary preferences and whether you prefer to eat in Krakow or Oświęcim — I’ll be happy to help. Wishing you a safe, meaningful and well-organized trip!
Author of the guide: content prepared for the informational site by Małgorzata Kasprowicz (ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com) — practical, friendly advice for organizers of team-building groups.
