Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Historical Experience

4.8
(517 reviews)
Krakow, Poland

8 to 9 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Discover one of Europe’s most important memorial sites during a well-organised Auschwitz-Birkenau tour with historical commentary from our guide. The experience introduces the history of the former German Nazi concentration and extermination camp, its role in the Holocaust, and its lasting significance as a place of remembrance.

During the tour, our guide explains the wider historical context of Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, including the camp’s origins, deportations, forced labour, selections, daily life of prisoners, and liberation. Entrance to the grounds of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum is included, giving visitors the opportunity to walk through authentic memorial areas and reflect on one of the most important chapters of modern history.

This tour combines historical insight, practical assistance, and a respectful visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau.

What's Included

Professional assistance in case of any issue
Round-trip transportation from and to Krakow by air-conditioned vehicle (van or mini-bus)
Entry fees
High quality, friendly and helpful English-speaking tour leaders
Licensed, English speaking local guide
Food and drinks

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Kiss and Ride Park (Opposite Mercure Hotel)

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 8 to 9 hours (approximately)
  • Krakow's Rynek Glowny Central Square (Pass by)

    Start your tour with easy transportation from Krakow. During the trip, a friendly English-speaking leader will be there to help. When you get to Oswiecim, take a quick break for coffee or to check out some outdoor exhibits. Then, meet your local guide. They're officially approved by the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and will show you around.

    Admission ticket free
  • 1
    Panstwowe Muzeum Auschwitz-Birkenau

    Guided tours of Auschwitz I Museum provide visitors with a profound and educational experience, as knowledgeable guides lead them through the haunting remnants of the camp. Explore the barracks, watchtowers, and infamous "Arbeit Macht Frei" gate while learning about the systematic oppression and unimaginable suffering endured by prisoners. Witness the chilling exhibits, including personal belongings, photographs, and documents, which serve as powerful reminders of the human cost of hatred and intolerance. Pay your respects at the memorials and monuments dedicated to the victims of the Holocaust, and take a moment for quiet reflection at this hallowed ground. A visit to Auschwitz I Museum is not only a historical journey but also a solemn reminder of the importance of remembrance and the ongoing commitment to ensuring that the atrocities of the past are never forgotten.

    2 hours 30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 2
    Brzezinka

    After the 1st camp short break up to 15 minutes is planned. You will be taken by us to visit the second part of the tour - Birkenau (Auschwitz II), only 3 minutes away, which is the largest camp built and operated for the specific purpose of making Europe ''Judenrein'' (free of Jews). The same guide continues a poignant lecture about the camp in the village Brzezinka (Birkenau) which was constructed in 1941 on the order of Heinrich Himmler (SS commander) and could hold some 90 000 prisoners. You will be told about terrible stories of unimaginable living conditions as well as cruel selection and pseudo-scientific medical experiments made by prominent Nazi doctors including Josef Mengele. A history about soldiers of the 60th Army of the First Ukrainian Front opened the gates of Auschwitz on January 27, 1945, which meant the final liberation, ends your tour with a feeling, both this genocide should never have happened and it can not happen again.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Krakow (Pass by)

    At the end of the tour, there's no hurry from our side. You'll have at least a 20-minute break where you can visit a bookstore, grab some groceries, or simply relax. Then, after another 1 hour and 15 minutes on the road, we'll drop you off at your chosen address in Krakow.

    Admission ticket free
  • 3

    The Judenrampe, also known as the old unloading ramp, is one of the most significant historical locations connected with the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp complex. Situated between Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, this was the place where many transports of deported people arrived before being taken further into the camp system.

    1 hour Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please make sure to bring with you ID or passport if Auschwitz-Birkenau National Museum Guided Tour is selected
  • We encourage you to bring umbrellas or raincoats in case of bad weather.
  • Breaks during the tour are no longer than 20 minutes
  • Departure time may be changed due to Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum's policy. If Auschwitz-Birkenau National Museum Guided Tour option is chosen
Supplied by Discover Poland
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Tags

Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Car Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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Rating

4.8 Based on 517 517 reviews
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