Summer brings increased tourist traffic, and the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial is one of the most visited sites in Poland. If you wonder what time to arrive, whether you must reserve entry cards, and how much time to plan for the visit — you’re in the right place. Below you’ll find practical, reliable tips to help you plan a respectful, stress-free visit.
In this article I describe the current rules and opening hours for different months, suggest the best times to travel from Krakow, explain how to reserve free entry cards, and give practical advice on what to bring and how to behave on the museum grounds.
First, a reminder — Auschwitz is a place of remembrance where silence and reflection are expected. Careful planning will help you arrive on time and show the respect this place deserves.
If you prefer to visit with a licensed guide, you can contact me via zwiedzaniekrakowa.com; below you’ll find general information useful for any form of visit.
The Museum is open almost all year, except on January 1, December 25 and the first day of Easter. The hours when visits may begin differ by month. Practical breakdown:
- December: 7:30 - 14:00
- January, November: 7:30 - 15:00
- February: 7:30 - 16:00
- March, October: 7:30 - 17:00
- April, May, September: 7:30 - 18:00
- June, July, August: 7:30 - 19:00
Important clarification — the times above are the latest times when a visit may begin (the last possible start time). After the last permitted start you may remain on the site for an additional 1.5 hours. Example — in July, when the last entry time is 19:00, visitors may stay until approximately 20:30.
In summer the number of visitors grows significantly, so the Museum introduced rules you should know before you travel. Free entry cards for those who want to visit without a guide are available online only — they are no longer issued on site. Reservation of these cards is possible in a specific booking window before the visit. The general reservation rule is that you can reserve an entry from 90 to 7 days before your planned date.
An additional seasonal rule: from May to September holders of free entry cards (for individual visits) may be admitted from 17:00. This is a traffic-management measure for the busiest months, so read the conditions assigned to your reservation carefully.
If you book a visit as a guided group, remember that after confirmation it is usually not possible to add more people to that group. If you do not secure a reservation, plan an alternative — an earlier or later date, or a different travel solution — because in peak season free entry slots may be exhausted.
In practice — book as early as the available windows allow to guarantee your entry and avoid unpleasant surprises.
From Krakow to Oświęcim you can travel comfortably by train or bus — the journey usually takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on the carrier and road conditions. There are many connections, but on weekends and in high season expect more traffic and possible queues at the Museum.
If you want to avoid crowds on the site — arrive early in the morning, right after opening. That is the best time for a quieter visit. The alternative is a late-afternoon visit — in summer individual free entry cards often allow entry from 17:00, which is useful if you want to avoid the largest groups during the day.
Sample plan from Krakow: travel in the morning for the earliest entries, or depart so you arrive about an hour before your reserved start — allow time to collect your card if needed, walk the site, and prepare briefly for the visit. I recommend treating the visit as a half-day; if you want to study the exhibitions and collections in depth, reserve a full day.
A few practical rules to know before entering:
- Baggage — the maximum size for backpacks or bags brought onto the Museum grounds is 35 x 25 x 15 cm. Larger luggage must be left in a paid cloakroom.
- Photography — allowed for private use in public areas, except inside the room with victims’ hair (Block No. 4) and the basements of Block No. 11. Do not use flash or tripods without permission; commercial or press materials require prior authorization from the Museum.
- Respect and silence — this is a place of remembrance; calm behavior is expected. Avoid loud conversations and supervise children so their behavior fits the character of the site.
- Length of visit — remember that after the last permitted start you may stay on the site for another 1.5 hours. Plan your time so you are not rushed at the end of the route.
- Conservation rules — do not touch exhibited items and follow instructions from Museum staff to help protect the collections.
- Book in advance — this is the single most important tip. In summer slots fill up quickly.
- Choose your time according to what you want — mornings are quieter and cooler; late afternoons often avoid the biggest concentrations of school groups and organized tours. Remember, however, about the summer rule allowing free-card entries from 17:00.
- Dress comfortably and appropriately — there is a lot of walking and summer weather can change. Bring a water bottle and a hat, but maintain the seriousness of the place.
- If you plan to produce extended photographic, film or audio material, contact the Museum beforehand — in many cases a permit is required.
- Always keep a backup plan in your travel schedule — if you cannot get in on your chosen day, plan a second date or try arriving earlier than planned; shifting your visit by a few hours often solves the problem.
Summer visits to Auschwitz require a bit of planning, but with available information about opening hours and reservation rules you can arrange a calm, respectful trip. Key reminders: the Museum operates almost year-round; the start times for visits change by month; free entry cards must be reserved online; and additional rules for individual entries apply in the summer months.
If you’d like to visit with a guide, I’m happy to help plan a route that is educational and tailored to your expectations. Contact me through zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — I can advise on the best dates and help you avoid queues.
Wishing you a calm and reflective visit — good preparation will help you better understand the history and pay tribute to the victims. - Małgorzata Kasprowicz, guide from Krakow.
How long should I allow for the visit? — Plan at least 90 minutes for Auschwitz I and another 90 minutes for Auschwitz II–Birkenau; many visitors treat the trip as a half-day or a full day if they want to read exhibits carefully.
Do I need to pay for a ticket? — Entry to the Memorial is free, but most individual free entry cards must be reserved online in advance.
Can I bring a large backpack? — No. Bags larger than 35 x 25 x 15 cm should be left in the paid cloakroom.
What’s the best time to arrive from Krakow? — Early morning right after opening is the quietest. In high season, late afternoon entries (after 17:00 for some free-card holders) can also be less crowded.
Where to eat before or after the visit? — In Krakow you’ll find many good cafés and restaurants in the Old Town and Kazimierz; plan meals in the city before you travel back, since the immediate area around the Memorial has limited dining options.
Any final advice? — Treat the visit with respect, move calmly through the site, and allow time for reflection. If you have questions while planning, I’m available to advise and help arrange the timing so your visit goes smoothly.
