Auschwitz-Birkenau is about 65–70 km from central Krakow — not far, which is why visits are often planned as a day trip. This place is not just a historical image on photos; it is a memorial site that requires preparation, time and respect. Book a named entry pass in advance through the official reservation system, plan at least 3.5 hours for the museum grounds themselves and add travel time from Krakow.
If you also want to visit the Jewish museum and other memorial places in the town of Oświęcim — allow extra time. In the town centre you will find Oshpitzin (Auschwitz Jewish Center) with Cafe Bergson and the Jakob Haberfeld Museum — interesting stops that add local historical context.
Remember that entry to the Memorial Site is free, but admission is only possible with a named entry pass; the number of passes is limited, so booking ahead is essential.
You reserve an entry pass online — check dates and availability well in advance. Entry without a pass is usually not possible, especially during the tourist season.
Large organised groups are required to use an official museum guide; individual visitors can join guided groups with an educator-guide or tour independently after receiving their pass. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled start time because of security checks and entry formalities.
It’s worth reading a short introduction or watching preparatory educational materials beforehand — this will make the visit more understandable and save time getting oriented on site.
To see the exhibitions at the former Auschwitz I camp and the Birkenau (Auschwitz II) site you should allow a minimum of 3.5 hours; many visitors spend 4–5 hours, especially if they want a calm, reflective visit.
Auschwitz I consists of enclosed buildings with historical exhibitions (including the main exhibition, Block 4 with victims’ hair, Block 11 with the memorial cell). Birkenau is an extensive open area with ruins, railway tracks and cemeteries-monuments — walking there is longer and takes place outdoors, often in variable weather.
Some spaces and displays may be temporarily closed to visitors — check updates before you go.
At Auschwitz I focus on the main exhibition, which contains documents, personal belongings of victims, archival materials and the historical context of the camp’s development. The exhibition blocks tell multiple stories about prisoners’ lives, the camp system and Nazi crimes.
Block 4 — the room with victims’ hair — is one of the most moving parts of the exhibition; maintain solemn behaviour and obey the ban on photography where it is clearly prohibited.
Block 11 and its basement are places of execution and repression; visiting these spaces prompts reflection on the mechanisms of violence and systemic human tragedy.
Birkenau is a vast open area where you should pay attention to the railway tracks, the ruins of barracks and monuments commemorating victims of many nationalities. Walk slowly — moving across the site helps you sense the scale of the camp.
You will find the remains of gas chambers and crematoria, as well as mass graves and memorials. Take time to read information panels and pause at points of memory that give context and convey the scale of the tragedy.
Birkenau can feel colder and windier than Auschwitz I — dress appropriately and wear comfortable shoes.
Photography for private use is allowed in open areas and publicly accessible displays, with restrictions: no flash, tripods or additional lighting. Photography is explicitly forbidden in rooms such as the hair room (Block 4) and the basements of Block 11.
Recording for commercial purposes or professional filming requires prior permission from the museum. Drones and aerial photography are prohibited without special authorization.
When photographing, avoid posing or situations that may be perceived as disrespectful — do not take selfies on the railway tracks or strike playful poses in places of remembrance.
Maximum allowed size for a backpack or bag is approximately 35x25x15 cm — larger luggage must be left in your car or in available lockers. Lockers and storage are available at the museum, but in high season do not rely on them entirely.
Do not eat or drink inside exhibition spaces; there are cafés near the entrance and in town, including Cafe Bergson at the Jewish Museum — a good place for a break after visiting. Bring a water bottle, comfortable shoes and a raincoat or layered clothing — Birkenau is an open area exposed to wind and rain.
Do not bring dangerous items, large banners or anything that would obstruct other visitors. Keep quiet and respectful; avoid loud conversations and noise.
Oshpitzin - Auschwitz Jewish Center (Jewish Museum) with Cafe Bergson is an important stop that tells the story of over 400 years of Jewish life in Oświęcim and provides the local historical context.
The Great Synagogue Memorial Park commemorates the prewar synagogue destroyed in 1939; it is a peaceful place for reflection near the town market. The Jakob Haberfeld Museum (Jakob Haberfeld Story) is an unusual private exhibition presenting local industry and culture before the war and the history of the Haberfeld family.
In the town you will also find friendly cafés and spots recommended by locals, good for resting after an emotional visit — Cafe Bergson is one example, and the market square has cosy cafés warmly mentioned by visitors.
By car the trip usually takes about 1–1.5 hours depending on the route and traffic (roughly 65–70 km). The A4 is the shortest route, but allow for possible tolls.
Trains and buses run from Krakow to Oświęcim — an SKA or regional train can take about an hour, followed by a short bus ride or walk to the museum. In the tourist season there are also special coaches from central Krakow that go directly to the museum.
If you prefer not to drive, consider an organised transfer or private taxi — a comfortable option when travelling in a group and wanting to make the most of your time.
Mistake: arriving without a reservation. Fix: book your named entry pass in advance and arrive at least 30 minutes early.
Mistake: underestimating the emotional weight of the place — many people leave the visit feeling deeply affected. Fix: prepare mentally, plan a quiet moment after the visit and avoid scheduling immediately demanding activities.
Mistake: inappropriate behaviour driven by selfie culture. Fix: remember the solemn nature of the site — avoid posing and behaviour that could upset others.
Is entry paid? Entry to the Memorial Site is free, but a named entry pass reserved online is required.
Can I take photos? Yes, for private use in publicly accessible areas, without flash or tripods; photography is prohibited in Block 4 (the hair room) and in the basements of Block 11. Commercial filming requires museum permission.
Is visiting safe for children? The museum advises against bringing children under 14 because of the heaviness and subject matter of the exhibitions. Parents should consider a child’s maturity and discuss the topic with them beforehand.
Can I visit only Birkenau? Yes, it’s possible to choose to visit specific parts, but a named entry pass is still required — check available dates online.
Prewar Oświęcim (in Yiddish Oshpitzin) had a centuries-old, rich Jewish community — the town’s history is not only defined by the camp; today local initiatives work to restore the memory of Jewish life.
The house of the last Jewish resident of Oświęcim, Szymon Kluger, now houses Cafe Bergson and an exhibition — a symbol of continuity in memory and a space for conversation about history.
Private museum initiatives, like the Jakob Haberfeld Story, show that the region’s history has many layers and is not limited solely to the history of the camp.
A visit to Auschwitz is a difficult, important experience that often changes how people think about history. Plan it thoughtfully: book your entry pass, arrive early, dress appropriately and observe silence and respect. After your visit consider going to Oshpitzin and Cafe Bergson to learn more about the local context and to rest.
If you found this article helpful — share it with friends or on social media. If you would like to visit with a private guide, I invite you to consider a guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz, who organises tours from Krakow and knows how to combine sensitivity with reliable practical information. Thank you for approaching the topic with respect.
