Visiting a place like Auschwitz-Birkenau is an experience that requires respect and careful preparation. For small groups — 2 to 6 people — organising the visit can be quick and flexible, but it helps to know a few rules that will make everything smoother, from booking to the return to Kraków.
In this article you will find concrete information to make planning easier: how and where to reserve named entry cards, the difference between visiting with a Museum educator and visiting without one, how much time to set aside, and practical tips about travel and conduct on the Memorial Site grounds.
This text is written for visitors staying in Kraków who want to visit Oświęcim respectfully and comfortably — without rushing and with proper regard for the memory of the victims.
Entry to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Site is free, but you must reserve named entry cards. The official reservation system is the only reliable place to make bookings — online reservations are essential, especially in high season and at popular times.
For small groups the best option is often to book a visit with a Museum educator (a museum guide/educator). Organised groups are generally required to use a Museum educator. When booking you specify date, time and number of people; each person must carry an identity document matching the reservation.
If the reservation system shows no available slots, avoid offers from unclear third-party resellers. If places are sold out, consider trying other time slots, booking earlier in the day, or planning the visit outside the busiest season.
The distance between Kraków and Oświęcim is roughly 65–70 km. By car the journey usually takes about 50 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes depending on route and traffic conditions.
Regional and longer-distance trains run between Kraków and Oświęcim — average rail travel time is about 1 hour, though some faster services can be quicker. Check current timetables before you travel, especially if you plan to return to Kraków the same day.
For small groups a convenient option is private car transport (rental car, taxi or transfer) — it gives more flexibility, lets you leave luggage in the vehicle and often simplifies logistics. Keep in mind parking costs and potential delays in peak traffic.
If you want to minimise cost and avoid parking worries, check train and bus connections and look for direct or faster services — public transport options on this route have been expanded in recent years.
A minimum time to allocate for a proper visit to both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau is about 3–3.5 hours. This allows a calm walk through the main areas and listening to the basic commentary from an educator or museum guide.
If your group wants to go deeper into the history, spend more time with exhibitions, documents and multimedia materials, plan 4–6 hours — especially when you include travel time to and from Kraków.
Small groups of 2–6 people have an advantage — it is easier to adapt the pace to participants’ needs, stop for extra questions and take longer moments of reflection. Use that flexibility and don’t rush; allow quiet time in the most important places.
On the Memorial Site premises behave with appropriate solemnity. Dress respectfully; loud conversations or jokes are not appropriate. Remember this is a space of remembrance for victims.
Every visitor must carry an identity document that matches the name on the reserved entry card. Large luggage is often not allowed — check bag size limits in advance, and if necessary leave bigger items in the car or in secure storage.
Phones and cameras may be used for photography, but do so discreetly and respectfully. Not all areas are meant to be photographed — observe signage and follow staff instructions.
Children under 14 are generally not recommended for visiting because of the heavy subject matter. If you come with younger children, consider alternative ways for them to participate or shorter educational programmes tailored to their age.
Comfortable shoes, a light outer layer and a water bottle are essential. There are limited food services on the Museum grounds and at Birkenau, so plan meals before or after the visit.
When travelling from Kraków, plan the rest of your day so you don’t end the trip in a rush. Small groups often return to Kraków for a relaxed lunch — this is a good way to gather impressions and talk quietly after an emotionally demanding visit.
If you book a visit with a Museum educator, remember that the booked time slot may have fixed time boundaries, so arrive at least 30 minutes early to allow for security checks and formalities.
Kraków offers many well-reviewed places suitable for a reflective lunch or dinner after the visit. Traditional options include historic venues such as Wierzynek or Pod Aniołami, as well as cosy cafés like Café Camelot and Massolit Books & Café — all are good for calm conversations after your return.
In Oświęcim you can find decent cafés and restaurants for a quick meal, though the selection is smaller than in Kraków. If you plan to stay overnight, choosing a comfortable hotel in Kraków provides more dining and logistical choices.
If you want recommendations matched to your tastes (vegetarian, regional, upscale), I can suggest specific places based on current reviews and availability.
Not booking in advance — this is the most frequent issue. Even small groups can struggle to find available slots in high season, so reserve early and use the official system.
Logistical unpreparedness — arriving at the last minute, lacking identity documents or carrying large luggage can prevent entry. Check the entry card requirements and baggage rules before you travel.
Going too fast — trying to ‘tick off’ the highlights risks missing important displays and reflection time. Small groups have the advantage of moving at their own pace — use it to explore more thoroughly and ask questions.
The Memorial Site includes several distinct areas and camps — Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau are the two main parts, each with a different character and atmosphere.
Many documentary and archival materials displayed in the exhibitions help to understand the historical context — take time to read labels and look at photographs; they often convey more than a short commentary.
The Museum runs educational programmes and online visit options — these are useful for preparing before your visit or for revisiting the material afterwards.
Are tickets paid? Entry to the Memorial Site is free, but named entry cards must be reserved. Some special online or audiovisual programmes may carry a fee.
Can a small group visit without a guide? Individuals may visit on their own, but organised groups are generally expected to book a Museum educator. For small groups it’s worth considering a visit with an educator to get accurate historical context.
Can I take photos? Yes, but always with respect and according to the Museum rules — not all areas permit photography, so follow signage and staff directions.
What about children? The Museum recommends caution when bringing children under 14 due to the difficult nature of the exhibitions.
When planning a trip from Kraków to Oświęcim in a small group, start with the official reservation of named entry cards, choose a comfortable travel option and allow time for calm exploration. A small group is a comfort — use it to ask questions and linger at important parts of the exhibition.
If you like, I can help you draft a detailed day plan, suggest well-rated restaurants in Kraków for a reflective lunch after your return, and prepare a checklist of practical items to bring.
If you found this article useful, please share it with friends or on your social profiles. You are also welcome to consider the private guiding services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) — full contact and offer are available via zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
