Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau

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Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau: Tours & Tickets

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5 historical facts about Auschwitz-Birkenau

With the world distracted by war, the Nazis brutally reshaped the demographics of Europe in the south of Poland. The harrowing truth wasn't revealed until far too late, but here are a few of the many things you'll learn on your tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau.

  • Auschwitz-Birkenau is just one camp in a complex

    1. Auschwitz-Birkenau is just one camp in a complex

    Auschwitz-Birkenau – or Auschwitz II – was used as a death camp from 1942, primarily for Jews. Auschwitz I had already been holding Polish political prisoners for two years.

  • It wasn't all run by the state

    2. It wasn't all run by the state

    There was a third camp too. Monowitz – or Auschwitz III – was set up to provide slave labor for IG Farben. The Allies dissolved the chemical company the war.

  • 1.1 million were killed

    3. 1.1 million were killed

    90% were Jews, but thousands of Poles, Romani, Soviets, Jehovah's Witnesses, and homosexuals also died at Auschwitz. As did prisoners from other nationalities.

  • The world had no idea

    4. The world had no idea

    Not even most Germans knew what was happening at the camps. Arrivals were met with the slogan "Work sets you free." In hindsight it's hard to say how convincing that actually was.

  • The camp commander went into hiding

    5. The camp commander went into hiding

    Disguised as a farmer in Gottrupel, Rudolf Höss evaded capture for a year after the war. In spite of his expressed remorsed, he was hung outside the camp's crematorium in 1947.

Planning Your Visit

  • What are the opening times?

    The Auschwitz-Birkenau museum is open daily from 8am except for January 1st, December 25th, and Easter Sunday. It closes at 3pm from December to February, 4pm in March and November, 5pm in April and October, 6pm in May and September, and 7pm from June to August. The site can be accessed for free but it is advisable to take a tour. If you decide to do so, book your tickets in advance. The best ones fill up very quickly!

  • How to get there from Krakow?

    The easiest way is simply to book an all-in-one tour that leaves from the city. Alternatively, inexpensive buses frequently leave from the basement floor of Krakow's main bus station. You can also take a train to the nearby town of Oświęcim.

  • When to visit?

    Krakow is a wonderful city with a great deal of attraction to please tourists. Though Auschwitz may be an essential part of your trip, it can be emotionally overwhelming. We recommend that you leave it till last.

Good to know

  • When should I visit?
    Open daily.
    Hours vary based on time of year:
    7:30 AM-2:00 PM, December
    7:30 AM-3:00 PM, January, November
    7:30 AM-4:00 PM, February
    7:30 AM-5:00 PM, March, October
    7:30 AM-6:00 PM, April, May, September
    7:30 AM-7:00 PM, June, July, August
    Holiday hours may vary
  • Is it expensive?
    Basic entrance is free, but it is highly recommended take a tour which will have a cost depending on which one you choose.
  • Will I need a guide?
    It's not required but highly recommended. Best to book in advance online!
  • How to get there
    There are direct buses from Krakow. Alternatively, take the train to Oświęcim and then hop on local bus to the site.
  • Additional information
    Not recommended for children under 14.

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What people are saying about Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 50,641 reviews

Highly recommended! Very friendly staff and the guide was excellent. Great value for money and the tour in general was really interesting. Unfortunately I forgot to go to the ATM beforehand so couldn't tip, so don't be like me and remember to tip :)

From Krakow: Guided Tour Auschwitz-Birkenau with Pickup Reviewed by Gary, 3/18/2021

Helpful?

The guide plays a key role in this excursion. We came across a very nice and polite girl. Despite her young age, she knew the history of this place very well. She spoke perfect English. Thanks to her, we were able to penetrate deeper into the topic.

From Krakow: Guided Tour Auschwitz-Birkenau with Pickup Reviewed by Hannah, 3/15/2021

Helpful?

The meeting point is easy to find indicated on the ticket. The leader of the group was at the meeting place. Organization at the highest level both at the meeting point and throughout the entire excursion.

Auschwitz-Birkenau: Guided Tour with Fast Track Ticket Reviewed by Paul, 3/25/2021

Helpful?

Grzegorz the driver and Magda the guide were absolutely amazing. Magda was very compassionate and informative, I recommend this tour, very well organised. Smooth pick up and drop off.

From Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour Reviewed by Anita, 3/12/2021

Helpful?

He was on time, very kind, even stopped by at a mcdonalds on the way in case we were hungry, very punctual and cool, laid back personality. Thanks!

Auschwitz and Birkenau Tour with Licensed Guide Reviewed by Shinoo, 3/16/2021

Helpful?

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