How to Plan Your Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour in Krakow

If you’re planning a trip to Krakow, a visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps is an essential component of your itinerary. Not only is it an opportunity to learn about one of the darkest periods in human history, but it’s a chance to pay respect to the victims of the Nazi Holocaust. In this blog post, we will explore how to plan your Auschwitz-Birkenau tour in Krakow to make the most out of this solemn experience.

Choosing the Right Tour

There are many tour options available for visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau from Krakow, ranging from group tours to private tours. When selecting a tour, consider the size of the group you’d like to be part of, the duration of the tour, and whether you want a guide with a specific expertise in the history of the Holocaust.

One popular tour that is highly recommended is the “From Krakow: Full-Day Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour with Hotel Pickup & Lunch Options” offered by GetYourGuide. This comprehensive tour includes transportation to and from Krakow, a 2.5-hour guided tour of Auschwitz I, a 1-hour guided tour of Auschwitz II-Birkenau, and an optional lunch package. It is an excellent option for visitors who want to learn about the history of the concentration camps with a knowledgeable guide.

Booking the Tour

To book the “From Krakow: Full-Day Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour,” visit GetYourGuide’s website and select the date you’d like to go. The tour usually departs from the center of Krakow, and participants can choose to be picked up from their hotel for an additional fee.

What to Expect on the Tour

The tour begins with a 1.5-hour bus ride from Krakow to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Upon arrival, visitors will start with a guided tour of Auschwitz I, the camp that was originally intended to hold Polish political prisoners but later became the main camp for the SS in 1941. The guided tour of Auschwitz I lasts approximately 2.5 hours and covers the most significant sites, including the gas chamber and crematorium.

After the tour of Auschwitz I, visitors will take a short bus ride to Auschwitz II-Birkenau, which was primarily designed as an extermination camp for Jews during World War II. Here, visitors will take a guided tour of the camp, which lasts for approximately one hour.

At the end of the tour, visitors will have some time to reflect on the experience before boarding the bus that will take them back to Krakow. The tour typically arrives back in Krakow in the early evening.

Tips for Your Visit

– Dress appropriately for the weather, and wear comfortable shoes for walking.
– Bring enough water and snacks for the day, as there are no food stands or restaurants available during the tour.
– Photography is permitted in most areas of the camps, but be respectful when taking pictures.
– Keep in mind that this is a solemn experience, and visitors are asked to be quiet and respectful throughout the tour.

Conclusion

Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau is a solemn and profound experience that everyone should have the opportunity to undertake. By selecting the right tour, booking in advance, and following the tips outlined in this blog post, you can make sure your visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau in Krakow is unforgettable for all the right reasons. Book your tour with GetYourGuide, and take the first step in paying your respects to the victims of the Holocaust.

Book the tour here

The Ultimate Guide to Krakow: FAQs

Krakow, a city in southern Poland, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and vibrant nightlife. If you are planning to visit this beautiful city, you may have a lot of questions in your mind. In this guide, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about Krakow to help you plan your trip better.

1. Why Visit Krakow?

Krakow is a perfect destination for all kinds of travelers. It offers a perfect blend of history, culture, food, and fun. Here are some reasons why you should consider visiting Krakow:

• Krakow is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Europe with a rich history and culture.
• The city has many important landmarks and monuments, including the Wawel Castle, the Rynek Główny, and the Krakow Cloth Hall.
• The city is home to many museums and art galleries, including the National Museum, the Wawel Royal Castle, and the Schindler’s Museum.
• Krakow has a vibrant nightlife scene with many restaurants, clubs, and bars.
• The city is famous for its delicious cuisine, which includes traditional Polish dishes and many international cuisines.
• Krakow is also an ideal base for exploring the nearby Tatra Mountains and other natural attractions in the region.

2. When is the Best Time to Visit Krakow?

The best time to visit Krakow is from April to October when the weather is mild, and the city is bustling with tourists. The winter months between November and March can be extremely cold and snowy, making it difficult to explore the city. However, if you are a fan of winter sports, such as skiing, this can be a great time to visit.

3. How to Get to Krakow?

Krakow is easily accessible by air, train, or bus. The city has an international airport, which is serviced by several major airlines. It is also well connected by train and bus to other major cities in Poland and Europe.

4. How to Get Around Krakow?

Krakow is a relatively small city, and most of its historical attractions are located within the Old Town area, which can easily be explored on foot. However, if you prefer public transportation, Krakow has an efficient network of buses and trams that cover the entire city.

5. Do I Need a Visa to Visit Krakow?

If you are a citizen of the European Union or the United States, you do not need a visa to visit Krakow for up to 90 days. However, if you are from another country, you may need to apply for a Schengen visa before your trip.

6. Where to Stay in Krakow?

Krakow has a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. The Old Town area is the most popular place to stay, as it is close to most of the major attractions. However, if you prefer a quieter area, the Kazimierz district is also a good option.

7. Is Krakow Safe?

Krakow is a safe city for travelers, and the crime rate is relatively low compared to other European cities. However, as with any tourist destination, pickpocketing and other petty crimes can occur, so it is important to take the necessary precautions to keep yourself and your belongings safe, such as keeping your valuables in a secure place and not carrying too much cash.

8. What to Eat in Krakow?

Krakow is famous for its delicious cuisine, which includes traditional Polish dishes, such as pierogi (dumplings), kielbasa (sausages), and bigos (a meat and sauerkraut stew). It also has a wide range of international cuisines, such as Italian, Chinese, and Mexican. Don’t forget to try the famous Polish vodka!

9. What to See in Krakow?

Krakow has many important landmarks and monuments, including:

• The Wawel Castle, which was the seat of power for the Polish kings for many centuries.
• The Rynek Główny, which is the largest medieval town square in Europe.
• The Krakow Cloth Hall, which is one of the oldest shopping centers in the world.
• The St. Mary’s Basilica, which is one of the most beautiful churches in Poland.
• The Kazimierz district, which was the center of Jewish life in Krakow for many centuries.
• The Schindler’s Museum, which tells the story of the Jewish ghetto in Krakow during World War II.

10. What are the Cultural Events and Festivals in Krakow?

Krakow has a busy calendar of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including:

• The Krakow Film Festival in May and June, which showcases the best of international and Polish cinema.
• The Jewish Culture Festival in June and July, which celebrates the rich heritage of Krakow’s Jewish community.
• The Krakow Craft Beer Festival in August, which is a must-visit for beer lovers.
• The Krakow Christmas Market in December, which is one of the most magical Christmas markets in Europe.

Conclusion

Krakow is a city that offers something for everyone. With its rich history, vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning architecture, it is no wonder that it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. We hope this guide has answered some of the most frequently asked questions about Krakow and has helped you plan your trip better. Remember to take the necessary precautions to keep yourself and your belongings safe, and have a great time exploring this beautiful city!