Yes — you can visit Krakow and Oswiecim in one day, but it requires good planning. Key points: book a personalized entry pass to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum in advance, plan transport (train or car) so you have at least 3.5–4 hours for the visit, and remember that animals are not allowed inside the museum exhibitions — you must arrange a safe place for your dog beforehand.
If you’re traveling with a child and a dog, choose cafés and breaks suitable for little ones and places where the dog will be welcome — below you’ll find practical recommendations and tips on how to combine everything.
Below is a step-by-step day plan, a list of dog- and family-friendly cafés in Krakow, transport options, ideas for what to do with your dog during the museum visit, and helpful checklists and an FAQ.
06:30–08:30 - morning coffee and a walk in Krakow: start the day at one of the dog- and child-friendly cafés, then take a short walk in the Planty or along the Vistula boulevards so your dog can relax before the trip.
08:30–09:30 - travel to Oswiecim: the fastest train connections take around 45 minutes to about 1.5 hours, and driving usually takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic. Choose a departure that lets you arrive at the Museum at least 30 minutes before your scheduled tour time (security checks).
09:30–13:00/14:00 - visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum: plan 3.5–4 hours for both parts (Auschwitz I and Birkenau). Entry passes must be reserved in advance; admission to the grounds is free, but entry without a pass is not possible.
13:00/14:00–16:00 - walk the dog around Oswiecim: after the visit, give your dog a longer walk — the Soła river area and local parks are pleasant for a short rest. If you cannot look after the dog personally, consider booking a dog hotel or day care in advance for a few hours or the whole day.
16:00–18:30 - return to Krakow and dinner: once back in Krakow, visit a family-friendly café or restaurant where you can relax with your child and dog.
Train is a convenient option: connections between Krakow and Oswiecim are fairly frequent — check for direct trains and journey times that can be from about 45 minutes (faster services) to around 90 minutes (regional services).
Dogs on trains — practical rules: a small dog in a carrier usually travels without an extra fee; larger dogs should be on a leash and muzzled and often require a ticket — bring the dog’s vaccination booklet and plan to buy the dog’s ticket together with your own.
By car you’ll have the most flexibility — the drive from central Krakow to Oswiecim takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. In Oswiecim there are paid car parks near the Visitor Service Center and in Brzezinka. Warning — never leave a dog in a car on hot days; it’s dangerous and strongly discouraged.
Access to the Museum grounds is possible only with a personalized Entry Pass — book in advance online. Admission to the grounds is free, but the number of passes is limited and you should reserve a slot well ahead of your visit.
Visit length — to properly see Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau you need at least 3.5 hours — many visitors plan about 4 hours. A free shuttle runs between the two sites, which helps with logistics.
Behavior rules — the Memorial requires solemnity and respect: dress appropriately and keep quiet. Photography is allowed with restrictions (no flash and no tripods in certain areas).
What about the dog? — animals are not allowed in the museum exhibition areas. You must plan in advance where to leave your dog during the visit — see options below.
Baggage — the Museum limits the maximum size of backpacks or bags brought onto the grounds to about 35 x 25 x 15 cm; larger luggage is better left in your car or in left-luggage facilities.
Option 1 - leave the dog with a trusted person or reserve hourly care near Oswiecim — several dog hotels and pet boarding facilities in the town and nearby offer full-day stays and daytime care. Book ahead, especially in high season.
Option 2 - take the dog for a longer walk and use the help of a friend or a local pet sitter — having local pet-sitter contacts is useful; they can be found in pet service directories.
Option 3 - if you travel by car and weather conditions are safe, you can consider short stops with the dog while another person stays with the dog; never leave a dog alone in a hot car.
Veganic - ul. Karmelicka 34 - often visited by dog owners; bowls of water and friendly staff are a big plus. Good for families, a pleasant space for pets.
Hevre - ul. Meiselsa 18 (Kazimierz) - an atmospheric spot in a former sacral interior, popular with locals and tourists with dogs. The place also has a family-friendly feel.
Pies Pianista (Crêperie) - ul. Paderewskiego 4 - a café known for a child-friendly menu — play corner, babyccino, calm service. It’s worth calling ahead to confirm the possibility of bringing a dog on a specific day.
Pyassek - Podedworze 6a - a welcoming spot with a children’s corner and stated acceptance of pets.
Practical tip - always call ahead: even venues that advertise as dog-friendly can have day-specific restrictions (events, limited indoor seating). Also note the dog’s size — some places allow only small breeds indoors.
For the dog: vaccination booklet, leash and collar/harness, muzzle (if needed), collapsible water bowl, water and treats, poop bags, favorite toy or blanket, ID tag with a phone number.
For the family: reserved Museum Entry Passes (printed or e-mail confirmation), train tickets / planned driving route, personal documents, changing mat/child accessories, spare clothes and a light jacket — the exhibition grounds can feel cool and the visit may involve long outdoor walks.
Other: book a dog hotel or trusted sitter if you plan longer visiting time — reserve in advance. Don’t leave your dog in a car on hot days.
Can I bring my dog into the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum? - No — animals are not allowed in the museum exhibition areas. Arrange dog care before your visit.
How long does the visit take? - A sensible minimum is about 3.5 hours; many visitors reserve around 4 hours to see both parts of the Memorial.
What’s the easiest way to get from Krakow to Oswiecim? - Both train and car have advantages: the train is convenient and removes the need to look for parking, while a car gives flexibility, especially when traveling with a dog and when you want to stop at convenient places.
Is there an admission fee? - Admission to the Museum grounds is free, but you must reserve an Entry Pass in advance.
Not reserving an Entry Pass in advance — this can prevent you from entering on the chosen day. Book early, especially during high season and weekends.
Assuming the dog can stay with you in the museum — this is a frequent mistake. Arrange dog care in advance: a pet hotel, a local pet sitter, or a friend.
Underestimating visiting time — plan at least 3.5–4 hours and add travel and break time; traveling with a child requires extra flexibility.
Leaving the dog in the car during the visit — never leave a dog in a closed vehicle in hot weather; if you can’t avoid it, cancel the trip or find dog care.
Some train connections between Krakow and Oswiecim are shorter than expected — there are trains that can cover the route in about 45 minutes, so choosing a faster service can give you more time on site.
A free shuttle operates between Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau — it simplifies logistics and saves energy during the long outdoor visit.
Many cafés in Krakow provide water and bowls for dogs, but not always as a permanent service — calling ahead and reserving a table is a good idea, especially if you have a small child and need space.
If this article was helpful — share it on social media or send it to friends planning a similar day in Krakow. It will make planning easier and help them avoid pitfalls.
If you want to visit Krakow and the surroundings with comfort, deeper context and time savings — I encourage you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact details and service information are available on the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com website — Małgorzata will tailor the route to your family, time and needs (including arranging care for your dog during the visit).
Safe travels and best of luck — may your day be full of remembrance, new experiences and safe walks for your four-legged friend!
