Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau
Enter your dates to find available activities
Top pick

Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau: Tours & Tickets

See all tours & things to do in Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau

Top sights in Krakow

Wieliczka Salt Mine
Wieliczka Salt Mine
51 tours & activities
Krakow Old Town
Krakow Old Town
110 tours & activities
Main Market Square
Main Market Square
89 tours & activities
Kraków Airport
Kraków Airport
26 tours & activities
Oskar Schindler's Factory
Oskar Schindler's Factory
18 tours & activities
Krakow Jewish Ghetto
Krakow Jewish Ghetto
35 tours & activities
Kazimierz
Kazimierz
55 tours & activities
Wawel Hill
Wawel Hill
45 tours & activities

Krakow

See all 448 tickets & tours

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Our insider tips

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?
    8:00 AM - 3:00 PM December through February
    8:00 AM - 4:00 PM March, November
    8:00 AM - 5:00 PM April, October
    8:00 AM - 6:00 PM May, September
    8:00 AM - 7:00 PM June, July, August
  • 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.

What people are saying about Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau

Very informative, easy pick up options, plenty of time to see all

The whole thing was really easy received an email with the pick up point which was just next door to our apartment. We were picked up on time in a nice air conditioned mini bus. Very informative of what was going to happen during the day. They even played a video with the back story of AUSHWITZ on the way there. On arriving the guide took us round and showed us everything and really talked through key things to focus on. Over all the day was very in-depth and at no point did we feel rushed or that we couldn’t ask questions.

Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum & Camp Guided Tour from Krakow Reviewed by Laurie, 04/15/2019

Go on a tour to really understand the horror

The tour itself was great. Well organised and a great tour guide. Auschwitz was confronting but it also serves a great purpose to remind the world to never let it happen again. I would definitely recommend taking the tour to fully understand the extent of the evil.

Auschwitz-Birkenau Full-Day Guided Tour from Krakow Reviewed by Steve, 04/14/2019

The guide Matteus was fantastic v informative and passionate about the

Brilliant guide had the knowledge and such passion about the history, totally respectful of the subject, kept good pace. First class!

Auschwitz-Birkenau: Fast-Track Ticket & Tour no Transport Reviewed by Patricia, 04/13/2019

Great guide, very informative, only takes half day

Guide was very knowledge and informative, coach takes you point to point, very easy. Only takes half a day which was great.

Auschwitz-Birkenau Full-Day Guided Tour from Krakow Reviewed by a GetYourGuide customer, 04/12/2019

A must see - harrowing to see/ feel the places of mass atrocity.

Onsite tour guide was amazing but minivan transfer ride was hair raising in parts; a very erratic drive/er.

From Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Full-Day Guided Tour Reviewed by Scott, 04/11/2019

Things to do near Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau

Top destinations
Popular on GetYourGuide
Popular Attractions