Experience · Oświęcim, near Kraków, Poland
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and MuseumA story we are still researching.
The largest Nazi German concentration and extermination camp complex, preserved as a memorial museum near Kraków.
A closer look
The story
Established by Nazi Germany in April 1940, Auschwitz grew into a network of camps where at least 1.1 million people, the vast majority Jews, were murdered before Soviet forces liberated it on 27 January 1945. It stands as the most documented site of the Holocaust and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
The full story
The museum today preserves original barracks, gas chamber ruins and personal belongings taken from victims. Entry to the grounds is free, but visitors must reserve a timed entry pass online in advance — no tickets are sold at the gate. Guided tours are compulsory for groups and recommended, though not required, for individual visitors.
The museum recommends children under 14 do not visit, given the graphic and emotionally difficult content. Most visitors base themselves in Kraków, about 50 km away, and travel by train, bus or organised transfer.
Written from the sources listed at the end of this page. If we have something wrong, tell us.
What you will see
Stops on the trail.
- 01Auschwitz I barracks
- 02Birkenau (Auschwitz II)
- 03Block 11 and the Death Wall
- 04Kraków's Old Town and Kazimierz
When to go
Spring and autumn (April–May, September–October) avoid both summer crowds and winter cold; hours run 7:30am with seasonal closing times.
Getting there
Kraków John Paul II Airport (Balice) is about 50–55 km away; visitors typically take a train or bus to Oświęcim, or a direct transfer/tour from Kraków (about 60–75 minutes by road).
How to visit
- Dress and behave with due solemnity and respect, as required by the museum's visiting rules.
- Backpacks/bags are limited to 30x20x10 cm; larger bags must be left at the cloakroom.
Before you plan
- Entry cards are limited and must be booked online in advance — walk-up entry is not guaranteed, especially in peak season.
- Let time pass
- Behave as a guest
- No smiling selfies
- Tread lightly
- Leave something behind
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