A visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial is a heavy, important experience that demands respect. If you want to surprise your fellow visitors, do it not to downplay the significance of the place but to help them better understand the context - bring a few lesser-known facts and practical tips. Below you’ll find information you can use as factual “catalysts” for conversation and reflection during the visit.
This text aims to help tourists travelling from Krakow and nearby plan a thoughtful visit, avoid common mistakes and — if you wish — present the experience in a way that broadens the perspective of other group members. The article also includes practical advice, an FAQ and suggestions for places to eat or stay before or after the visit. Always remember the solemnity of the site — to “surprise” here means above all to educate and encourage reflection.
Auschwitz is the German name for the town of Oświęcim; Birkenau is the German name for the village of Brzezinka - it’s useful to point this out because the names carry geographical and linguistic history of the region.
Within Auschwitz there was a complex camp organization - it wasn’t only places of execution but included labor camps, camp hospitals, workshops and administration. Emphasizing the multi-layered functions helps to understand the scale of the repression apparatus.
The Museum was established on the grounds of the former camp in 1947 - it’s one of the earliest institutions dedicated to preserving the memory of the crimes of World War II. It’s important for visitors to know the site is also a research, education and conservation institution.
Admission to the Memorial is free, but visiting requires making a reservation in advance through the Museum’s booking system - many visitors forget this and try to arrive without a pass. The Museum advises against buying entry through unofficial intermediaries.
Expect long distances across the former camp grounds - between some points there is more than a kilometer to walk, and part of the route includes a long tunnel nearly 300 meters in length. This matters when planning a full-day visit.
Instead of sensational descriptions, focus on facts that aid understanding: numbers, the mechanisms of the system, survivor testimonies and the Museum’s role in combating forgetting.
Provide both local and international context: who the prisoners were (many nationalities, different ethnic, political and social groups), how the machinery of persecution worked and how public memory of the site has changed since the war.
Mention the Museum’s conservation and research work and that exhibits are not "props" but evidence and relics from the lives of thousands. This helps build proper respect and seriousness in conversations.
Reserve your entry pass ahead of time through the Museum’s official booking system - spaces are limited and dates fill quickly.
Arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start to allow time for security checks and to collect your entry pass.
Dress in a way that shows respect for the place - there’s no formal dress code requiring suits, but avoid clothing that is clearly inappropriate or provocative.
Baggage limits: larger backpacks must be left in your bus or car - the Museum sets maximum dimensions for carry-on bags. Pack a small, lightweight backpack and don’t bring unnecessary items.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring water - the visit involves long walks on uneven surfaces and can last several hours; in the high season protect yourself from the sun.
If someone in your group has mobility difficulties, check the availability of wheelchairs or walkers and the free shuttle bus between the camp sectors. The Museum provides assistance and materials for visitors with disabilities.
The visit covers two parts: Auschwitz I (often called “Auschwitz”) and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. To see the main sites plan at least 3–4 hours.
Many groups begin with the exhibitions in the blocks at Auschwitz I and then move to Birkenau, where the most recognizable symbols are the wide gate, the tracks and the area of the former extermination camp.
A free museum shuttle bus runs between the two sites; some visitors choose to walk instead - remember the distances and the weather, especially in colder months.
Silence and solemnity are expected on the site - joking or taking inappropriate photos will be badly received. Photography is allowed in many places but always exercise restraint and respect.
Arriving without a reservation - this can ruin the whole day. Book your entry pass in advance.
Using unofficial intermediaries who sell non-official reservations - buy through the Museum’s official system or trusted channels.
Being unprepared emotionally - for many people the visit is mentally heavy. Consider planning a shorter program for the same day or make sure everyone in your group is ready for the experience.
Treating the site as a sightseeing attraction - approach the visit as a lesson and a place of memory. Explain this to your group before entering.
How long does it take to get there from Krakow? - Driving from Krakow to Oświęcim usually takes about 1 hour in favorable traffic. When planning, allow extra time for travel and parking.
Do you need a guide? - Entrance to the Memorial is free, but a reservation and the presence of a Museum educator are recommended for groups. The Museum offers guided tours that significantly deepen understanding. For a private, empathetic, in-depth visit you can book a private guide-educator Małgorzata Kasprowicz - details are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Contact in advance to match the visit to your group’s needs.
Can you visit with children? - Yes, but assess beforehand whether the subject matter is appropriate for the child and whether they are ready for such an experience. The Museum offers educational programs tailored to different age groups.
Where to park? - The main parking lot and the entrance to the Museum are located at Więźniów Oświęcimia 55. Birkenau has a separate parking area. With high visitor numbers it’s a good idea to arrive early.
Is admission charged? - Entry to the Memorial grounds is free but requires a reserved entry pass. Fees apply for additional educational services and guided tours.
If you’re traveling from Krakow, plan to eat before or after the visit. Near Krakow Main Station and in the Old Town you’ll find many well-rated places offering traditional Polish and international cuisine — good options for groups with varied tastes. Examples include Cafe Camelot, Pod Wawełem and Miód Malina.
Oświęcim also has visitor-friendly restaurants ideal for a quick meal after the visit — choose places with good reviews, simple menus and fresh local ingredients.
If you prefer to stay overnight near Krakow, pick well-reviewed hotels close to the Main Market Square or the Main Railway Station to make an early departure to Oświęcim easier. Book ahead, especially in the tourist season.
Conservation and research work have been carried out on the Museum grounds for years - many exhibits require continuous care and displays change as research progresses. This shows the site is alive in terms of memory and historical study.
Parts of the film "Schindler’s List" were shot in Brzezinka - this often surprises visitors because it connects cinema with real spaces of memory.
The Museum continues educational work against denial and disinformation; visitors become part of that mission when they treat the site seriously and pass on accurate knowledge.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media so more people arrive prepared and respectful.
If you’d like to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau with a private guide and want a deeper, empathetic discussion of the subject matter, consider booking a private guided visit with Małgorzata Kasprowicz - details are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. It’s best to contact her in advance to plan the date and type of visit that suits your group.
Thank you for reading - I wish you a calm, thoughtful and respectful visit.
