A visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum and Memorial is not simply another 'must-see' stop — it is an encounter with history that concerns millions of people and their tragic deaths. Even if you go with a class during the holidays, remember that the site functions as both a cemetery and an educational institution.
This means our presence should be reflective, respectful and focused on learning. Appropriate behaviour includes quiet in sensitive places, suitable clothing and refraining from actions that may look good on social media but are offensive to the memory of the victims. The aim is not rules for the sake of rules, but empathy and historical awareness.
Tickets and entry passes for the Museum should be booked in advance — slots can fill up, especially in the summer season. Plan at least 3.5–4 hours to visit the Memorial (Auschwitz I and Birkenau) — in practice it’s often more comfortable to set aside a whole day once travel and breaks are taken into account.
Arriving 30–45 minutes before your scheduled entry time makes security and check-in easier. School groups usually follow dedicated organizational rules — if you’re coming as a class, ask in advance about entry conditions and any educational programs for young people.
Small backpacks and bags that meet the permitted dimensions are accepted — large luggage should be left in storage. Bring a bottle of water (eating inside exhibition areas is not allowed) and wear comfortable shoes — the Birkenau grounds are extensive and often uneven.
Avoid loud devices, horns, large flags and anything that might disturb the solemnity of the place. Selfie-sticks, tripods and drones are prohibited without the Museum’s consent. This is not the place for beachwear — very short shorts or skimpy clothing can be seen as disrespectful; dress appropriately for a site of memory.
Personal photography is permitted in many outdoor and public areas, but there are rooms and exhibits where photos are not allowed. Always ask: does this image respect the memory of the victims? If you are unsure — don’t take the photo.
Avoid posing on the railway tracks, jokingly posing at the gate with the 'Arbeit macht frei' sign, lying on the tracks, laughing for the camera or other behaviour that may look attractive on social media but is inappropriate in reality. Instead, consider taking a discreet documentary photo or sharing a thoughtful reflection without turning a place of suffering into a backdrop for entertainment.
Remember that photographic material must not harm the dignity or reputation of the victims and should be used with an educational purpose in mind. If you plan to film for commercial reasons or use professional equipment, discuss it with Museum staff first.
You can reach Oświęcim by car, bus or train. Under normal conditions the drive takes about 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic. Trains from Krakow to Oświęcim also usually take around 1–1.5 hours depending on the connection - check timetables before you travel.
If you choose organised transport (coach), plan space for luggage and give students a few moments to compose themselves before entering. For school groups an early morning arrival works well — it helps avoid the hottest part of the day and large crowds.
Auschwitz I (the museum in the former barracks) hosts exhibitions of documents, personal belongings of victims and historical displays. The gate with the 'Arbeit macht frei' sign, the blocks and interior exhibitions deserve slow, reflective attention.
Auschwitz II-Birkenau is a vast site of mass extermination — the railway, remains of the crematoria and the open space best convey the scale of the tragedy. Walking the tracks and viewing the ruins are moments for silence and remembrance. When planning your route, allow time to stand and listen to the guide’s explanations.
The Museum recommends caution about bringing children under about 14 years old — the exhibitions contain graphic and intense material. The final decision rests with teachers and parents, but it is important to prepare young people in advance with appropriate information.
The Memorial offers educational programs and preparatory sessions that help students better understand the historical context. If you travel with a class, book group sessions and talk with colleagues about how to run a debrief after the visit. Emotional support after the visit is often as important as the historical lesson itself.
Mistake: treating the site as a backdrop for photos and jokes. How to avoid it: discuss appropriate behaviour with your class before the trip and set rules for phones and social media.
Mistake: arriving without a reservation or with too little time. How to avoid it: buy tickets in advance and plan a realistic schedule — it’s better to do less with calm and reflection than to rush.
Mistake: lack of emotional preparation — students may be surprised by the intensity of emotions. How to avoid it: provide a short historical introduction before entering and time to talk afterwards.
The Memorial has a visitor service point and a small cafe/shop where you can rest after touring. In Oświęcim itself there are local cafes and restaurants offering meals — if you plan a group meal, reserve a table in advance.
If you return to Krakow afterwards, plan a meal in a calm atmosphere. Kazimierz and the city centre offer many pleasant places to eat — from traditional Polish restaurants to quieter cafes ideal for conversation and decompressing after a difficult day.
Can I take photos on site? - In most areas personal photography is allowed, but some rooms and exhibits are excluded. Do not use flash, tripods or selfie-sticks in exhibition areas.
Can children visit? - The Museum recommends caution for children under about 14 years old. Talk to guardians and parents and prepare materials that help young people understand the context.
Do I need a guide? - School groups usually use a Museum guide or educator. A guide helps explain complex content and ensures the visit proceeds appropriately.
The Memorial is also a research and conservation area — many parts of the site are under ongoing conservation so access to certain fragments can be restricted for preservation reasons.
If you want the visit to be reflective and safe for the group, consider short educational tasks rather than photo contests: a brief note after the tour, a group assignment on 'What should we learn from this place?', or a moment of silence before boarding the coach as a way to honour the memory.
If you found this article helpful, share it with colleagues or class supervisors. On social media we encourage sharing reflections rather than sensational photos — a description of your experience and what you learned matters more than an eye-catching shot.
If you would like a professionally prepared, empathetic and historically grounded visit, consider arranging a guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Details and contact information are available through zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. I can help plan the route, prepare students and ensure an atmosphere of respect throughout the visit.
