Yes — it’s realistic if you plan your time carefully. Collegium Maius sits in the heart of Krakow (Jagiellońska Street, close to the Main Market Square) and is easy to reach on foot or by tram; the Auschwitz‑Birkenau Museum is in Oświęcim (about 60–75 km from Krakow) and requires separate planning, a reserved entry pass and at least a few hours for visiting. Doing both in a single weekend is possible, but plan the order, allow enough time for travel, tickets and a calm visit.
Collegium Maius is a short but content‑rich visit — lovely courtyards, a collection of scientific instruments and the history of the Jagiellonian University. Auschwitz‑Birkenau is a memorial site that requires time and quiet reflection; it is an educational and often emotional experience. Splitting these two visits across mornings and afternoons, or doing one on Saturday and the other on Sunday, gives you comfort and helps avoid rushing.
Getting there: you can take a direct train from Kraków Główny to Oświęcim (journey time typically around 1 hr 10–1 hr 50 depending on the service) or an intercity/regional bus operated by several carriers. From Oświęcim station you will need local transport, a taxi or a short walk (the station is roughly 1.5 km from the Visitor Centre).
Reservations and tickets: entry to the Auschwitz‑Birkenau Museum requires a personalized entry pass. Self‑guided entry passes are issued through the official booking system — it’s best to reserve in advance on the Museum’s booking site. Due to organisational changes and high demand, passes for independent visitors are often available only online. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled entry because of security checks.
Visiting time and on‑site logistics: plan at least 3.5 hours to see Auschwitz I and Birkenau; the Museum runs a shuttle bus between the former camps and in season there is also a local line connecting the train station with the entrance. Check luggage rules in advance — larger bags must be left in vehicles or at a left‑luggage facility.
Rules and respect: this is a place of memory — dress and behave respectfully. Photography for private use is allowed on most of the grounds but there are exceptions (for example, rooms containing victims’ hair and some basements). Follow the Museum’s visiting rules and staff instructions.
Location and character: Collegium Maius (Jagiellońska 15) is the oldest preserved university building in Poland — beautiful courtyards, rooms with scientific instruments and university memorabilia. It’s a short but detail‑rich visit, ideal for a morning or afternoon.
Getting there by tram: Collegium Maius is only a few minutes’ walk from the Main Market Square, an area well served by tram lines and well connected to Kraków Główny railway station. If you prefer the tram, get off at a stop near the Market Square and walk a short distance — from most central tram stops it’s just a few minutes on foot.
Opening hours and tickets: the museum has regular opening hours and charges a small admission fee (full and reduced rates apply). Some days or hours may offer free entry; check current opening times and ticket rules before your visit as they can change seasonally.
Highlights to see: the inner courtyard, the rooms with scientific instruments, the permanent exhibitions and the museum shop. You can easily combine the visit with a stroll around the Main Market Square and the surrounding streets.
Option A — comfortable (Collegium Maius on Saturday, Auschwitz on Sunday): - Saturday: morning arrival at the Market Square, coffee in a nearby café, visit Collegium Maius, stroll around the Market and enjoy a relaxed lunch or dinner in the area. - Sunday: very early departure by train or bus to Oświęcim, entry pass reserved in advance, calm visit to the Memorial, return to Krakow in the evening.
Option B — intensive (Auschwitz on Saturday, Collegium Maius on Sunday): - Saturday: full‑day trip to Oświęcim — depart early and return in the late afternoon or evening; take a gentle evening walk in Krakow after the day’s visit. - Sunday: leisurely visit to Collegium Maius, coffee and souvenir shopping, possible short visits to other nearby museums or Wawel Castle.
For a quick breakfast or coffee before visiting Collegium Maius try: Café Camelot (a cosy spot by the Market), Massolit Books & Café (coffee and books) and Charlotte (a bakery and café with a French feel). For lunch after visiting look for restaurants serving traditional Polish food or small bistros around the Market Square — convenient and tasty options before a longer trip.
Not reserving an entry pass to Auschwitz in advance — this is the most common mistake. Official passes are limited and it’s best to book ahead to guarantee entry.
Assuming you can take a tram from Krakow city centre to Auschwitz — there is no tram between cities; you need to allow time for train, bus or car travel plus transfers at the destination.
Bringing large luggage into the Museum — big bags or suitcases must be left in vehicles or at luggage storage; check permitted bag dimensions in advance.
Buying 'guaranteed' tickets from random sellers without checking — use the Museum’s official booking system or trusted transport providers.
Do I need to reserve a ticket to Auschwitz in advance? - Yes, entry passes for self‑guided visits usually need to be reserved online; availability is limited so book early.
Is entry to Auschwitz free? - Entrance itself is free, but a personalized entry pass is required; paid services may include guided tours, audio guides and special exhibitions.
How much time should I allow for visiting Auschwitz? - A minimum of about 3.5 hours is recommended, but a calm visit can take longer.
Can I take photographs? - Private photography is allowed on most of the site, with restrictions in certain rooms; flash and tripods are usually not permitted without permission.
- The distance between the former Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II‑Birkenau sites is about 3.5 km; the Museum operates a shuttle bus to make transfers easier. - A visit to Collegium Maius can be combined with a walk through the oldest parts of the Jagiellonian University — historic interiors hide scientific instruments and memorabilia that even history lovers find surprising. - The Visitor Centre in Oświęcim offers luggage storage and a small refreshment point, which helps when organising a day trip from Krakow.
If you’d like, I can help refine the details of your weekend — plan exact travel times, check entry pass availability for the Museum, or suggest coffee stops near Collegium Maius. Share this article with friends or on social media — someone you know may be planning a Krakow weekend too. If you prefer a private guided visit, consider booking with Małgorzata Kasprowicz; contact details and her offer are available on the ZwiedzanieKrakowa website. Wishing you a calm, thoughtful and inspiring visit.
- Travel light for the Auschwitz visit — small daypacks that meet the Museum’s size limits are best. - Buy your Krakow public transport tickets in advance via the mobile app or at kiosks; validate when required. - If you travel by train, check timetables the day before — regional services may vary on weekends and holidays. - Bring a water bottle and comfortable shoes: both sites involve walking and, at Auschwitz, uneven surfaces.
Auschwitz‑Birkenau is a memorial — keep conversations quiet, follow the staff’s guidance and respect other visitors. For your own safety, observe local transport rules and check schedules ahead of time so you can return to Krakow without rush.
- Check the Auschwitz‑Birkenau Museum booking system for available entry passes and visiting rules. - Verify Collegium Maius opening hours and ticket information on the Jagiellonian University / Collegium Maius site. - Look up train or bus timetables from Kraków Główny to Oświęcim the day before your trip to choose the most convenient departure.
This guide aims to help you combine a meaningful visit to Auschwitz with the compact historic charm of Collegium Maius in a single weekend. Plan ahead, be respectful at the Memorial, and enjoy the best of Krakow’s history and hospitality.
