Are you planning a trip from Krakow to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and wondering: how much time should you allow? Are there night visits? Is two hours enough? This text answers the questions that come up most often and suggests how to prepare calmly and respectfully for your visit.
I write this from a practical guide’s perspective — I want your visit to be well planned, educational and carried out with the seriousness the place requires.
In the normal visiting schedule the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum does not offer commercial night tours as a standard option. The Museum operates within set visiting hours that change seasonally, and most visits take place during daytime.
There are occasional commemorative events, anniversaries or special ceremonies when parts of the site may be accessible in the evening — these are exceptional events and not regular public night tours. Do not plan Auschwitz as a ‘night’ sightseeing experience for an ordinary visit.
If someone promises regular night visits as a standard tour, treat that as unusual and check the details with the organiser and the Museum’s announcements. Generally it’s best to plan your visit during daytime hours.
Official and recommended visits cover both camps: Auschwitz I (museum, indoor exhibitions) and Auschwitz II‑Birkenau (the grounds with the ramp, barracks and remains of crematoria). The Museum recommends allocating about 3.5 hours to see these areas.
There is also a shortened option — the so‑called ‘‘before‑closing’’ tour lasting about 2.5 hours and covering the most important points of the exhibitions. This is a realistic minimum option, but it moves quickly and you will learn less than on the full 3.5‑hour visit.
So, generally two hours is too little if you want to see both camps even superficially. If your time is very limited it’s better to concentrate only on Auschwitz I or to book the shortened tour knowing its limits.
On a standard 3.5‑hour visit you’ll usually spend around 2 hours in Auschwitz I — viewing the permanent exhibitions in the barracks and museum rooms — and about 1.5 hours in Birkenau, walking the open terrain, seeing the unloading ramp and the ruins of the crematoria.
Travel between the two camps takes time — the distance is a few kilometres and people usually travel on their own (by bus, car or taxi) or as part of an organised transfer. Allow time for these transfers and short breaks in your daily plan.
Entry to the Memorial Site is free, but you must collect a personalized entry pass or reserve a slot through the official reservation system. To avoid surprises, reserve in advance — especially in the high season.
At certain times of year or at specific hours only guided visits with an educator may be available; at other times there are entry passes for individual visitors. Check the reservation rules several weeks before your planned visit.
Start times of visits change with the season — in summer the Museum offers more entry times later in the afternoon, while in winter days are shorter. When planning a trip from Krakow, check current opening hours and available slots.
The distance from Krakow to Auschwitz is about 60–70 km depending on where you start in Krakow. By car it usually takes around 1–1.5 hours — traffic and road conditions can lengthen the trip.
You can also use bus connections or train plus local transport. If you plan to go and return the same day, count travel time both ways and the minimum visiting time — it’s safest to reserve the whole morning or a full afternoon.
If you drive yourself, remember parking fees and restrictions; if you travel by bus or train, check timetables in advance and leave a buffer for possible delays.
Clothing — this is a place of remembrance, so dress appropriately and modestly. Comfortable shoes are essential — there is a lot of walking outdoors and inside exhibitions.
Items to bring — water, a light jacket (Birkenau can be cooler and windy), and an identity document if required. Eating inside the camp is not recommended — treat the site with due respect.
Photography — in most outdoor areas photographs are allowed, but some indoor rooms prohibit photography or flash. Always follow the guide’s instructions and on‑site notices.
Behaviour — remember silence and solemnity. This is not an entertainment attraction but a place of memory and education. Do not be loud, do not make jokes about exhibits, and respect other visitors and museum staff.
Poland has various ‘‘film trails’’ that show locations used in movies and series — these are popular in cities like Łódź or Krakow. The Auschwitz Memorial, however, is not a conventional film‑trail stop.
Auschwitz appears in many films, documentaries and educational materials, but the site is primarily a place of remembrance and education — treat any film references with respect. Do not plan your visit as a ‘‘movie tour’’ or as entertainment.
1) Reserve a personalized entry pass or guided slot in advance — this is the most important step. Slots fill up quickly in peak season.
2) Choose a start time — if you want quiet and fewer people, pick an early morning slot. If you must return to Krakow the same day, plan to depart very early or choose a later start but keep Museum hours in mind.
3) Allow at least 3.5 hours to visit both sectors. If you only have about 2.5 hours, check the possibility of a shortened guided visit and be prepared for a faster pace.
4) Take care of logistics — travel, parking or bus/train tickets, and allow 30–60 minutes buffer for travel and potential queues.
5) After the visit, give yourself a moment to reflect — visits here can be emotionally heavy. Plan a calm return to Krakow.
Remember that a visit to Auschwitz is both educational and emotional. Arrive with some background knowledge — even a short read of basic facts before the visit will help you understand the places and exhibits better.
If you want a deeper experience, study programmes and extended study visits are available and provide more historical context — these longer options require additional planning.
If you are travelling with a group or would like the support of a guide, I can help prepare the route and advise on logistics. Let’s make sure the visit is respectful and helps you truly understand the history.
Is the site suitable for children? — The Museum does not recommend visits for children under 14; consider their emotional readiness before bringing them.
Can I take photos? — Outdoor photography is generally allowed without flash; some indoor rooms prohibit photography. Always follow signs and staff instructions.
When is the best time to visit? — Early morning slots are usually quieter. If you prefer fewer crowds, avoid peak summer midday hours.
Food and drink nearby — there are cafes and restaurants in Oświęcim and plenty of options back in Krakow; plan a calm meal after your visit rather than eating on the site.
Accessibility — parts of the site are historic and not fully accessible; wheelchairs are available free of charge at the Visitor Service Centre. If you need special assistance, check arrangements ahead of time.
A short note from your guide — if you travel from Krakow and would like help with timing, booking tips or a respectful itinerary tailored to your group, I’m happy to assist in planning your visit so it’s educational and well organised.
