Auschwitz‑Birkenau is a place that most visitors connect with the history of World War II and the Holocaust. A visit requires not only logistical preparation but also an emotional mindset. Basic rule: plan ahead, treat the site with respect and allow enough time for the visit.
Admission to the Memorial Site is free of charge, but access is possible only with a personalized entry pass reserved online in advance. During periods of increased tourist traffic — and a long weekend is one of them — available places are claimed very quickly, so booking ahead is essential.
Prepare for a serious, often difficult experience. This is not a typical tourist attraction: it is a place of remembrance and a museum documenting Nazi crimes. Quiet behaviour and appropriate clothing are welcome and expected.
Entry passes for individual visitors must be booked through the official reservation system. In practice that means: book your slot online, save or print the confirmation and arrive at the site at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start of your visit because of security checks.
During long weekends and school holidays time slots disappear many days in advance. If your travel dates are fixed — book immediately. If your trip is spontaneous, check early‑morning slots: the earliest hours often have the best chance of availability.
If you plan to visit without a museum guide, remember that individual entry passes are now available only online and are not sold on site. Do not rely on turning up on the day and hoping to get in.
The minimum time to allow for a visit that includes both parts of the former camp (Auschwitz I and Birkenau) is about 3.5 hours. This is the absolute minimum — if you want to read exhibit information, linger at displays and walk the route calmly, plan for 4–5 hours.
Visits normally begin at Auschwitz I (central blocks, historical exhibitions), followed by transfer (on foot or by the museum shuttle bus) to Auschwitz II‑Birkenau, where you can see the ramp, the wooden barracks and the vast grounds that help convey the scale of the crime.
If you have more time and a deeper interest, check whether study visits or themed programmes are available through the museum — these options suit visitors who want a broader, more in‑depth experience.
Travel time from Kraków to Oświęcim is about 1–1.5 hours depending on transport and road conditions. Options include driving, regional train, intercity bus or private transfer. Expect heavier traffic on long weekends, so give yourself extra time.
The Museum has a Visitor Service Centre near the entrance, parking facilities and, in season, a local "M" bus connection between the train station and the entrance. A free museum shuttle runs between Auschwitz I and Birkenau; the walk between the two sites is about 3.5 km.
If you drive, be prepared for paid parking and possible queues to enter on busy days. When planning travel from Kraków allow extra time for security checks and possible lines at the entrance.
On the Memorial Site, behave in a way appropriate to the character of the place: maintain silence, seriousness and respect for the victims. Dress suitably — avoid provocative or celebratory clothing.
The museum limits the size of bags and backpacks; larger luggage must be left in your car or in paid storage at the Visitor Service Centre. Typical maximum permitted bag dimensions are approximately 35x25x15 cm.
Photography for private use is allowed in public outdoor areas but with restrictions: no flash, no tripods; photography is prohibited in certain rooms (for example the hall with victims’ hair). Filming or producing material for commercial or media use requires prior permission from the museum.
The Visitor Service Centre near the entrance offers small catering points including kosher options. In Oświęcim itself you will find a few cafes and restaurants, but if you plan a longer stay in Lesser Poland it is worth considering accommodation in Kraków, where hotel and dining options are much wider.
After an emotionally intense visit, many travellers prefer to relax back in Kraków. In the Old Town and Kazimierz you can choose from many well‑rated cafes and restaurants — for example Café Camelot or Charlotte for a light brunch, Massolit Books & Cafe or Mleczarnia in Kazimierz for coffee and a calm atmosphere. Pick places with good reviews and avoid crowded spots right before or after peak visiting hours.
Not booking in advance — this is the most common mistake. On a long weekend there may be no free places, so you risk not getting in at your chosen time or at all.
Arriving at the last minute — remember security checks and possible queues at the entrance; arrive at least 30 minutes early and, in peak season, come even earlier.
Underestimating the emotional impact — this place is deeply moving. Plan some downtime after the visit to rest and eat a quiet meal. If you are travelling with children think in advance whether they are emotionally prepared for the visit.
Do I have to pay for admission? Admission to the Memorial Site is free, but you must reserve a personalized entry pass online.
Can I enter without a guide? Yes — but only with a valid entry pass. The museum also offers guided tours and educational visits; during busy days some guided time slots may be prioritized.
Can I visit with a stroller or a person with reduced mobility? Yes — the museum provides information about accessibility and special facilities. If in doubt, contact the Visitor Service Centre before your visit.
Can I film material for YouTube? Producing material for publication or commercial use requires prior permission from the museum and submission of a script for approval.
The Visitor Service Centre contains informational displays and a short introductory film that help prepare visitors — watching the short introduction can make the visit more understandable.
Many visitors do not realise that the route between Auschwitz I and Birkenau is not only a transfer but an important part of the story — walking between the sites gives a stronger sense of the scale of the place. Remember it is several kilometres and weather can matter.
The museum places great emphasis on education and regularly organises school programmes and temporary exhibitions. Some exhibitions may be temporarily unavailable, so it’s worth checking before you travel.
A long weekend means higher demand for visits to Auschwitz‑Birkenau. If you plan to travel from Kraków, prepare in advance: reserve your entry pass, arrive early, allow enough time and remember to treat the place with respect.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or on social media to help others prepare. If you would like to explore the site with a private guide, consider a guided visit with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — a professional Kraków guide who offers personalized tours tailored to your needs. Good planning will help you make the visit respectful and meaningful.
