How to Plan Your Auschwitz-Birkenau Self-Guided Tour in Krakow

Krakow is one of the most historically significant cities in Poland, and no trip to the area would be complete without visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum. The largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp during World War II, the Auschwitz-Birkenau complex was the site of unimaginable suffering and tragedy. In this guide, we will show you how to plan your self-guided tour to this thought-provoking location.

Experience

This particular tour is a five-hour journey, with approximately 1.5 hours dedicated to visiting the Auschwitz I memorial and around an hour spent walking around Auschwitz II-Birkenau. The tour is based in Krakow, and guests are picked up from their hotel or another designated meeting point. The highlight of this tour is learning about the extent of the genocide at the Auschwitz-Birkenau camps, seeing remnants and poignant personal artifacts from the Holocaust, and getting to know about living conditions and the tragic fate of Auschwitz prisoners.

Itinerary

Here is a detailed itinerary for your Auschwitz-Birkenau self-guided tour:

Pickup

Guests are picked up from their hotel or another designated meeting point.

Krakow

You will depart from Krakow and travel to the small town of Oświęcim.

Auschwitz I

At Oświęcim, you will visit Auschwitz I, a section of the complex that is now a museum, to see the permanent exhibition in the former prisoners’ barracks.

Break

You will have a chance to take a break before proceeding to the next section of the tour.

Auschwitz II-Birkenau

Afterwards, you will spend around an hour at Auschwitz II Birkenau, the largest of the more than 40 camps and sub-camps that made up the Auschwitz complex. You will see remnants of the crematories, the unloading ramp, remaining barracks, and the monument dedicated to the last victims of the camp.

Krakow

Finally, you will return to Krakow, where your tour will end.

Booking

To book the Auschwitz-Birkenau self-guided tour, click the following link: book the tour here.

Conclusion

Overall, the Auschwitz-Birkenau self-guided tour is a must-do for anyone visiting Krakow. It is an opportunity to reflect on the atrocities that occurred during World War II and remember the victims of the Holocaust. We hope that this guide will help you plan your tour and make the most of this incredibly moving experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Krakow: Everything You Need to Know

Krakow is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Poland. It is home to some of the most well-preserved medieval architecture in Europe, and its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, as a first-time visitor, you may have a lot of questions about the city. In this blog post, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Krakow, from getting around to the best places to eat.

1. What is the best time to visit Krakow?

Krakow is a beautiful city that can be visited any time of the year. However, the best time to visit Krakow is during the spring and autumn seasons, which run from April to May and September to November. During these months, the weather is cool and pleasant, and there are fewer tourists in the city.

2. How to Get To Krakow

Krakow is an easily accessible city, thanks to its international airport and rail connections. Many low-cost carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet offer flights to Krakow from various destinations in Europe. If you’re traveling from other parts of Poland or Europe, the train is the best way to get to Krakow. The city has two major train stations, Krakow Glowny and Krakow Zablocie, which offer a great connection to other cities within Poland.

3. What Are The Must-See Places In Krakow?

Krakow has many beautiful places and attractions. Here are some of the best places to visit in the city:

Rynek Glowny (Main Market Square)

Rynek Glowny is the heart of Krakow’s Old Town, and it’s Europe’s largest medieval town square with a size of over 40,000-square-meters. The square is surrounded by beautiful historic buildings that date back to the 14th century.

Wawel Castle

The Wawel Castle is another must-visit attraction in Krakow. The castle was the seat of the Polish kings for over 500 years and is now a museum. It is located on the Wawel Hill, offering you a panoramic view of the city.

Krakow’s Old Town

Krakow’s Old Town contains many historic buildings, including the 14th-century St. Mary’s Basilica, the Cloth Hall, and the Town Hall Tower. You can spend a whole day exploring the narrow cobbled streets, visiting cafes, restaurants, and shops.

4. What Is The Currency In Krakow?

Like the rest of Poland, Krakow uses the national currency, which is the Polish zloty (PLN). You can easily exchange your currency at a bank or an exchange office within the city. Many restaurants, cafes, and shops also accept payments in Euros or US Dollars, but it’s always better to have Polish zlotys with you.

5. What Is The Local Language In Krakow?

Polish is the official language in Krakow, but most people speak English, especially in the tourist areas of the city. Many restaurants and museums have English translations of their menus and descriptions.

6. How Is The Public Transportation Service in Krakow?

Krakow has an efficient and affordable public transportation system, which includes buses and trams. You can buy a ticket at a vending machine or a kiosk or use a mobile app, which is the easiest and most convenient way of purchasing a ticket. The city also offers a bicycle rental system called Wavelo, which allows you to explore the city on a bike.

7. What Are The Best Places To Eat In Krakow?

Krakow is famous for its delicious traditional Polish cuisine. Here are some of the best restaurants in Krakow:

Kogel Mogel

Kogel Mogel is a popular restaurant that serves traditional Polish food. The restaurant is located in the Kazimierz district, and it offers an extensive menu that includes pierogi, soups, and meat dishes.

Pierogarnia Krakowiacy

Pierogarnia Krakowiacy is a restaurant that specializes in pierogi, which is a traditional Polish dumpling filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. The restaurant offers a variety of pierogi flavors, and it’s located in the main market square.

Ariel

Ariel is a kosher restaurant that serves Jewish cuisine, which is a significant part of Krakow’s culinary heritage. The restaurant is located in Kazimierz, and it offers a delicious menu that includes gefilte fish, cholent, and other traditional Jewish dishes.

Conclusion

Krakow is a beautiful city that combines history, culture, and cuisine in a unique way. If you’re planning to visit Krakow, make sure to check out some of the breathtaking attractions listed in this blog post. To get the most out of your visit, plan your trip ahead, and don’t forget to try the delicious Polish cuisine.