How to Plan Your Auschwitz-Birkenau Fast Track Entry Pass and Guided Tour

If you’re planning to visit Auschwitz, it is encouraged to get a fast-track entry pass and guided tour. The Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum is a sombre reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust, and a visit here will be an emotional experience. To ensure that you have a smooth visit, we have put together a guide that outlines everything you need to know about planning this unforgettable experience.

Experience and Highlights

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Fast Track Entry Pass and Guided Tour is a full-day tour that will allow you to visit the remains of the largest concentration camp of World War II. During the tour, you’ll learn about the history of the camp from a licensed guide provided by the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum. The tour includes fast track entrance to Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II Birkenau, where you’ll see the main gate to Auschwitz, visit the original barracks, and the ruins of the gas chamber.

How to Book the Tour

To book this tour, head to GetYourGuide, a trusted third-party booking platform. Choose the date of your visit, add the number of people joining you, and pay for the tour. You will receive a confirmation email with all the details.

Getting There

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum is located in Oświęcim, a small town about 65km west of Kraków. The easiest way to reach the museum is by booking a shuttle transfer that will take you from your hotel in Kraków to Auschwitz and back. The shuttle will pick you up from your hotel in Kraków, take you to the museum entrance, and return you to Kraków after the tour.

What to Expect

Your tour will start from the entrance to the museum, where you’ll meet your guide. After a security check, you’ll enter the museum with your pre-booked ticket. The first part of the museum visit takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes. During this part, your guide will take you through Auschwitz I, where you’ll see the main gate with the infamous sign “Arbeit Macht Frei,” and visit some of the original barracks that have been turned into exhibitions. Between the first and second part of the tour, you’ll have a 10-15 minute break when you can grab a quick lunch. You can either bring your food or buy it at the museum’s cafeteria.After the break, you’ll board a bus for the second part of the tour, which is a visit to Auschwitz II Birkenau. This part of the tour takes about an hour. During this part, you’ll see the ruins of the crematoria and gas chambers and visit some of the remaining barracks.

Tips for Visitors

– Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. The museum is mostly outdoors, and the ground may be uneven in some places.

– The museum allows visitors to enter with small backpacks, but larger bags or suitcases are not allowed.

– Photography is allowed, but not in certain areas. Follow your guide’s instructions.

– Keep in mind that this is a sombre and emotional experience. Be respectful of the site and the people who suffered here.

Conclusion

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Fast Track Entry Pass and Guided Tour is a must-visit for anyone who wants to learn more about one of the darkest periods in human history. By following this guide, you’ll be able to plan your visit with ease and make the most of your time at the museum. Book your tour today and pay your respects to the victims of the Holocaust.

Frequently Asked Questions About Auschwitz

When it comes to the topic of Auschwitz, there are many questions that come up. For those who are planning to visit this historic site, it’s important to be well-informed about what you can expect. In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about Auschwitz.

What is Auschwitz?

Auschwitz was a network of concentration and extermination camps operated by Nazi Germany during World War II. It was located in the town of Oswiecim in southern Poland, which was occupied by Germany at the time. Auschwitz consisted of three main camps: Auschwitz I (the original concentration camp), Auschwitz II-Birkenau (the extermination camp), and Auschwitz III-Monowitz (a labor camp). More than 1.1 million people, mostly Jews, were killed at Auschwitz.

Can You Visit Auschwitz Today?

Yes, you can visit Auschwitz today. It has been turned into a museum and memorial, and is open to visitors year-round. There are guided tours available, as well as exhibits and displays throughout the site. It’s important to note, however, that visiting Auschwitz can be a very emotional and difficult experience.

How Do I Get to Auschwitz?

Auschwitz is located in Oswiecim, Poland, which is about 50 kilometers west of Krakow. The easiest way to get there is by taking a bus or a train from Krakow. There are also guided tours available that will pick you up from Krakow and take you to Auschwitz.

Is It Necessary to Book in Advance?

Yes, it is highly recommended that you book your visit to Auschwitz in advance. The site can get very busy, and there are limits on the number of visitors allowed in at any given time. Booking in advance will ensure that you have a spot reserved and will save you time waiting in line.

What Should I Wear When Visiting Auschwitz?

When visiting Auschwitz, it’s important to dress appropriately. This means wearing comfortable shoes as there will be a lot of walking involved. Clothing should be respectful and conservative – no shorts, sleeveless tops, or anything revealing. Keep in mind that Auschwitz is a place of remembrance and respect should be shown at all times.

Can I Take Pictures While Visiting Auschwitz?

Yes, you are allowed to take pictures while visiting Auschwitz. However, there are some areas where photography is not allowed, such as inside the buildings that house the exhibits. Additionally, you should be respectful when taking pictures – don’t take selfies, don’t pose for pictures, and don’t smile. Remember that Auschwitz is a place of remembrance and respect should be shown at all times.

Are Guided Tours Available?

Yes, there are guided tours available at Auschwitz. There are two types of tours – the standard tour and the extended tour. The standard tour lasts about 3.5 hours and covers Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. The extended tour lasts about 7 hours and includes Auschwitz III-Monowitz as well. Both tours are led by knowledgeable guides who will provide you with information and insights about the history of Auschwitz.

Is Auschwitz Suitable for Children?

Visiting Auschwitz can be a very emotional and difficult experience, and it may not be suitable for young children. The museum recommends that children under the age of 14 should not visit. However, this is ultimately up to the parents to decide.

What Should I Expect When Visiting Auschwitz?

When visiting Auschwitz, you should expect a somber and emotional experience. The exhibits and displays are very powerful and can be overwhelming. It’s important to give yourself plenty of time to see everything and to take breaks if needed. You should also be prepared for a lot of walking as the site is quite large.

What Can I Do to Show Respect While Visiting Auschwitz?

When visiting Auschwitz, it’s important to show respect at all times. This means being quiet and respectful while inside the buildings and not touching anything. You should also dress appropriately and avoid taking selfies or other inappropriate pictures. Remember that Auschwitz is a place of remembrance, and it should be treated as such.In conclusion, visiting Auschwitz can be a very emotional and difficult experience, but it’s also an important one. By being well-informed and respectful, you can ensure that you have a meaningful visit to this historic site.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Auschwitz

Visiting Auschwitz can be a life-changing experience, and it’s important to ensure that you make the most of your time while you’re there. Here are some tips on how to spend your time effectively as a tourist in Auschwitz.

1. Take a Guided Tour

One of the best ways to explore Auschwitz is to take a guided tour. Guided tours are available in multiple languages and provide an in-depth overview of the camp’s history, the people who lived and died there, and the Holocaust.

1.1. Book Your Tour in Advance

It’s advisable to book your tour in advance, as it’s a popular tourist destination, and tickets may sell out. You can book your tickets online, or you can book them at the visitors’ center upon your arrival. However, booking your tickets in advance will save you time and ensure that you get the time slot of your choice.

1.2. Choose Your Tour Wisely

When it comes to guided tours, you have a few options. You can choose a standard tour, a tour with additional exhibits, or a privately-guided tour. Consider which tour is right for you based on your personal interests, budget, and the length of the tour.

2. Visit the Auschwitz Museum

The Auschwitz Museum is a vast collection of exhibits and archives that serve to educate visitors about the Holocaust. The museum is split into two parts, Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau.

2.1. Visit Auschwitz I

Auschwitz I was the first camp established and is now a museum. Your guided tour will take you through the barracks, the torture chambers, and the gas chambers. Visiting Auschwitz I allows you to get a feel for what life was like for the prisoners in the camp.

2.2. Visit Auschwitz II-Birkenau

Auschwitz II-Birkenau is the larger of the two camps and was where the majority of the prisoners were held. It’s a vast site with numerous barracks, gas chambers, and crematoria. Visiting Auschwitz II-Birkenau provides visitors with a sobering reminder of the atrocities that were committed during the Holocaust.

3. Pay Your Respects at the Memorial Sites

There are several memorial sites located throughout Auschwitz. Paying your respects at these sites is an important part of the experience.

3.1. The Wall of Death

The Wall of Death is where prisoners were executed by firing squad. It’s a common location for visitors to pay their respects to the victims of the Holocaust.

3.2. The International Monument

The International Monument is a sculpture that was built to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust. The monument is a powerful symbol of the horrors that were committed during the Holocaust.

3.3. The Crematorium

The Crematorium is where the bodies of the prisoners were burned after their execution. It’s a harrowing sight, but it’s important to pay your respects at this site to honor the victims of the Holocaust.

4. Take Time to Reflect

Auschwitz is an emotionally charged site, and it’s important to take time to reflect on what you’ve seen and experienced. Take a few moments to sit, meditate, or pray at one of the many benches located throughout the site.

5. Dress Appropriately

It’s important to dress appropriately when visiting Auschwitz. The camp is a solemn and serious place, and visitors are expected to dress accordingly. Avoid wearing revealing or disrespectful clothing.

6. Be Respectful of Other Visitors

Auschwitz attracts visitors from all over the world. It’s important to be respectful of other visitors and their experiences. Keep your voice down, don’t take pictures in inappropriate places, and don’t disturb others while they’re paying their respects.

7. Allow Enough Time for Your Visit

It’s important to allow enough time for your visit to Auschwitz. The site is vast, and there’s a lot to see and experience. Plan on spending at least three hours at the site if you want to see and experience everything.

8. Don’t Forget Your Emotions

Visiting Auschwitz can be an emotional experience, and it’s important to embrace your emotions. Don’t be afraid to cry, feel angry, or feel overwhelmed. It’s all part of the experience, and it’s what makes the site so powerful.

Conclusion

Auschwitz is a powerful and significant site that should not be missed by anyone who is interested in learning about the Holocaust. By following these tips, you can make the most of your time in Auschwitz and ensure that you have a meaningful and educational experience.