The Auschwitz concentration camp is one of the cruellest witnesses to the horrors of the Second World War, and can be visited on guided tours. Here are the best tour options and their features.
"Those who do not know their history are condemned to repeat it." The Polish government decided to turn the extermination camp, which had become one of the emblems of the horrors of the Second World War, into a museum. Today, it is one of Krakow's main tourist attractions, as well as a place for reflection. tours of Auschwitz, one of the few death camps not to have been dynamited by the Germans towards the end of the war, include barracks, firing squads, courtyards and gas chambers. Guided tours provide an insight into daily life on the site and tell the story of the victims. Here are just some of the options you can choose for your visit.
1. Day trip to Auschwitz from Krakow
A day trip to Auschwitz from Krakow is a moving and meaningful experience that lets you get up close and personal with one of the most significant places in modern history. Auschwitz was a former Nazi concentration camp during the Second World War, and its visit is a poignant testimony to the horrors of the Holocaust.
These tours usually include transport from Krakow to Auschwitz and Birkenau, two of the most important concentration camps. During the tour, an expert guide will give you a historical and emotional insight into the events that took place in these camps, as well as information about the lives of the prisoners and the terrible conditions in which they lived and many of them died. These tours usually include bus transfers to and from Krakow and entrance fees to the Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination camp, a unified complex that actually consists of three separate sites.
Although the experience can be harrowing, it provides an opportunity to reflect on past events and pay tribute to the victims of the Holocaust. The visit also highlights the importance of preserving historical memory to prevent such atrocities from happening again.
Details and practical information
- Price: Approx. ? 31
- Length of visit : Between 7 and 8 hours.
- Means of transport : Bus.
2. Day trip from Krakow to Auschwitz and the Wieliczka salt mines
The full-day excursion to Auschwitz and the Wieliczka Salt Mines from Krakow is an exceptional opportunity to visit two important historical and cultural sites in a single day . The tour usually begins early in the morning with transport from Krakow to Auschwitz, the former Nazi concentration camp that has become a poignant memorial to the Holocaust.
During the tour of Auschwitz, an expert guide will give you in-depth insight into the events that took place in the camp , and share moving stories about the life of the prisoners.during your visit to Auschwitz, an expert guide will give you an in-depth insight into the events that took place in the camp, and share moving stories about the lives of the prisoners and the hardships they endured in this site, which claimed the lives of over a million deportees between 1941 and 1945. During the tour, you'll have time to reflect on the site.
After visiting Auschwitz, the tour will take you to the Wieliczka salt mines, an impressive underground wonder that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll descend into the depths of the earth to explore the chambers carved out of the salt, which include majestic chapels and sculptures created by miners over the centuries.
Details and practical information
- Price: Approx. 80 euros.
- Duration: Approx. 11 hours.
- Means of transport : Bus.
3. Auschwitz express tour from Krakow
The Auschwitz Express Tour from Krakow is a perfect option for visitors who are short on time but wish to visit this important historical site. The tour usually begins early in the morning with transport from Krakow to the former Auschwitz concentration camp, which is a relatively short distance from the city.
During the tour of Auschwitz, an expert guide will give an overview of the events that took place in the camp and share important information about the history of the Holocaust. Although time is limited, the tour provides an opportunity to understand the tragic history of this site and to pay tribute to the victims of the Holocaust.
It's important to note that, due to time constraints, the Auschwitz express tour does not include a visit to Birkenau, which is another important part of the complex and is only a short distance away. However, a visit to Auschwitz is an intense and moving experience that will leave a lasting impression.
If you're planning a stay of two days or less in Krakow, you can also arrange an express excursion to the Wieliczka salt mines, another site you can visit from the city.
Details and practical information
- Price: Approx. 37 euros.
- Duration: approx. 4 hours.
- Means of transport : Bus.
4. Auschwitz private tour from Krakow
A private tour of Auschwitz from Krakow is a highly recommended option for visitors who want a more personalized experience and greater flexibility. By opting for a private tour, you can arrange your departure and return at your convenience, allowing you to make the most of your time and have a more intimate experience of this historically important site. During the private tour, you'll have an expert guide dedicated exclusively to you and your group, allowing you to ask questions and delve into the details that interest you most. The private guide can tailor the tour to your preferences, focusing on specific aspects of death camp history that you'd like to explore in greater depth. Just bear in mind Auschwitz opening and closing times.
What's more, a private tour allows you to explore the site at your own pace, taking all the time you need to reflect on the events that took place there. This intimate and personal experience will allow you to enter more deeply into the history of the Holocaust and honor the memory of the victims.
Details and practical information
- Price: Approx. 240 euros for groups of up to 6 people.
- Duration: Approx. 5 hours.
- Means of transport: Minivan.
5. Day trip to Auschwitz and the Schindler factory in Krakow
Theday tripto Auschwitz and the Schindler factory in Krakow is an enriching experience that immerses you in the history and legacy of the Holocaust. The tour usually begins early in the morning with transportation from Krakow to the former concentration camp, where you'll have the opportunity to see up close one of the most significant sites in modern history.
During your visit to Auschwitz, an expert guide will give you a moving insight into the events that took place in the camp, and share poignant stories about the prisoners and the terrible conditions they endured. You'll have free time to reflect on the horrors of the past and honor the memory of the victims of Nazism.
The tour also includes a visit to the Schindler factory, immortalized in the film Schindler's List. This historic factory has been transformed into a museum that tells the story of the Nazi occupation of Krakow and the heroism of Oskar Schindler, who saved over a thousand Jews during the Holocaust.
The tour will take you all day, but it's well worth it even if you're planning to stay in the city for only a short time. If that's the case, here's a list of things to do to discover Krakow in 3 days.
Details and practical information
- Price: Approx. 67 euros per person.
- Duration: Approx. 9 hours.
- Means of transport: Minivan.
How do I book a trip to Auschwitz from Krakow?
To book an excursion to Auschwitz from Krakow, there are several options available to ensure your visit to this important historical site. One of the easiest ways is to book online with various travel agencies or specialized tour websites. These platforms offer a variety of tour options, including different Auschwitz schedules, tour types and prices.
Another option is to book directly with Krakow tourist offices. There you'll find information on tour companies offering Auschwitz tours, and you can compare prices and services before making your decision.
In addition, many hotels and hostels in Krakow offer concierge services or can help you book an excursion to the extermination camp. However, if you're planning to visit Krakow in summer or during the peak season months, it's best to book in advance to avoid last-minute surcharges and guarantee your place on the tour.
Finally, if you prefer a more personalized experience, consider booking a private tour of Auschwitz . Many travel agencies offer this option, which allows you to have an exclusive guide for you and your group, and tailor the tour to your preferences.
What will I see on this type of tour?
On this type of tour to Auschwitz from Krakow, visitors will have the opportunity to see one of the most significant sites in modern history up close . Auschwitz was a former Nazi concentration camp during the Second World War, and a visit to Auschwitz offers a moving and meaningful experience.
During the tour, visitors can explore the different camps that make up the complex. at Auschwitz I, you'll find the former cells and barracks where prisoners lived in inhumane conditions, as well as the famous gate bearing the inscription Arbeit macht frei, which translates as "Work will set you free". at Auschwitz II-Birkenau, visitors can see the huge selection platforms, the ruins of the crematoria and the remains of the barracks.
In addition, during the tour, expert guides will provide historical information and survivor testimonies to help visitors understand the horrors and atrocities that took place in this concentration camp. The duration of the Auschwitz tour depends on the pace of the visit, but it generally lasts between 2 and 3 hours.
Some tours may also include a visit to the Schindler factory in Krakow, immortalized in the film Schindler's List. In this factory, visitors will learn about the Nazi occupation of Krakow and the heroism of Oskar Schindler, who saved over a thousand Jews during the Holocaust.
Our tips for visiting Auschwitz from Krakow
When visiting Auschwitz from Krakow, it's important to consider a few tips for visiting the death camp and having a meaningful and respectful experience at this historically important site. First of all, we recommend booking your visit in advance. Auschwitz is a very popular destination and places can fill up quickly, especially in high season.
Another valuable tip is to prepare yourself emotionally. Visiting Auschwitz is a moving and heartbreaking experience, as it is a former Nazi concentration camp where horrific atrocities were committed during the Second World War. It's essential to be aware of Auschwitz's historical significance and to be prepared to encounter testimonies and scenes that can be shocking.
During the tour, we advise you to listen carefully to the guide's explanations. Expert guides will tell you what you can see at Auschwitz, and provide historical information and accounts of survivor testimonies that will enrich your understanding of what happened at Auschwitz. Pay attention to the details and stories to honor the memory of the victims and learn from this dark chapter in history.
And don't forget that it's imperative to show respect throughout your visit . Auschwitz is a memorial and a place of remembrance for the victims of the Holocaust. Be sure to behave respectfully at all times, following the guides' instructions and respecting the spaces for contemplation and reflection. avoid taking photos in inappropriate places and remain silent at memorial sites.
Why take a trip to Auschwitz from Krakow?
A trip to Auschwitz from Krakow is a highly recommended experience because of the site's historical and emotional significance. Auschwitz was one of the most emblematic concentration camps of the Second World War, where millions of people suffered and lost their lives in inhuman conditions, so a visit to this site provides an opportunity to understand and reflect on the horrors of the Holocaust.
What's more, the tour of Auschwitz is led by experts who provide an in-depth and moving insight into the events that took place there. The guides share the stories and testimonies of the survivors, enriching understanding and empathy towards this tragic history, and making these experiences one of the best excursions from Krakow.
Another reason to take part in this tour is the importance of preserving historical memory. Visiting Auschwitz is a way of keeping alive the memory of what happened in the past and ensuring that future generations never forget the devastating consequences of intolerance and discrimination. By learning and remembering these events, you are helping to promote tolerance and respect in today's world.
From a human perspective, a trip to Auschwitz can have a transformative impact, generating deep reflection on the values and importance of empathy and compassion for others. It's an experience that confronts you with the reality of what hatred and violence can provoke, encouraging visitors to promote peace and harmony in society.
What are the advantages of a guided tour over a self-guided tour of Auschwitz from Krakow?
A guided tour of Auschwitz from Krakow offers several important advantages over a self-guided visit to the site. First of all, a guided tour offers a more enriching and educational experience, as you will be guided by experts who know the history of Auschwitz inside out, and who can provide you with detailed and moving information about the events that took place there.
Another advantage of a guided tour is that it saves you time and effort in organizing logistics. Tours take the hassle out of getting from Krakow to Auschwitz. What's more, the guides know the entry and exit times for Auschwitz, so there are no delays or access problems.
What's more, a guided tour of Auschwitz offers you a safer, more comfortable experience. Our guides know the rules and protocols for visiting the site, and ensure that the rules of respect and good behavior are observed. They will also accompany you throughout your visit, providing support and answering any questions you may have.
Last but not least, a guided tour offers you the chance to meet others with similar interests. By joining a group, you'll have the chance to share the experience with other travelers, and have enriching exchanges about the history and importance of visiting Auschwitz.
