How to Plan Your Krakow Auschwitz Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine Day Trip

If you’re planning a trip to Krakow and looking for a way to efficiently experience two of the most significant historical and cultural attractions in Poland – the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and Wieliczka Salt Mine – consider taking a one-day tour with highly qualified official guides. This blog post aims to provide a step-by-step guide on how to plan your tour, including booking details and some essential information about the experience.

Experience

The Krakow Auschwitz Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine Day Trip allow you to experience the most important sights in one day. The tour provides stress-free access to both museums, highly qualified official guides, and a break between the two tours to enjoy a freshly made lunchbox included in the tour price.

Highlights

The highlights of the tour include:

• Experience two of the most significant historical and cultural attractions in Poland – the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and Wieliczka Salt Mine – in just one day
• Relax with stress-free access to both museums
• Enjoy highly qualified official guides who will provide you with a wealth of information on both attractions including their history and significance
• Take a break between tours to indulge in a freshly made lunchbox included in the tour price

Booking Your Tour

Booking your Krakow Auschwitz Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine Day Trip is easy. You can book the tour at the following GetYourGuide link: book the tour here. Make sure to book your tour in advance, as tickets can sell out quickly. The price for the tour includes pick-up and return to designated meeting points, entry tickets to both museums, official guides, and a freshly made lunchbox.

Full Description

The tour begins with pickup from the designated meeting point, from where you will travel by a comfortable air-conditioned coach to the Wieliczka Salt Mine. The mine is located about 20 kilometers from Krakow, and the journey usually takes about 30-40 minutes. Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the oldest mines in the world, which has been operating continuously for over 700 years. The mine attracts visitors from all over the world for its intriguing history, handcrafted salt chambers, and underground lakes. On the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the mine’s underground tunnels, chapels, and lakes. You’ll learn about the life of the miners and the ways in which the mine has evolved over time. After a couple of hours in the Wieliczka Salt Mine, you’ll return to Krakow to take a break and indulge in a freshly made lunchbox, included in the tour price. Then it’s time to head to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, which is located about 70 kilometers from Krakow. The journey typically takes around 90 minutes. Upon arrival at the museum, you’ll meet with an official guide who will take you through the grounds and buildings that once housed prisoners during WWII. The guide will provide you with a wealth of information on the history and significance of the museum, as well as the events that took place within its boundaries. Throughout the tour, you’ll see the remnants of barracks, gas chambers and crematoriums, and learn about the day-to-day lives of the prisoners in the camps. You’ll also see exhibitions that pay tribute to the many innocent lives that were lost during one of history’s darkest periods. After an enlightening day, you’ll be returned to Krakow, where the tour concludes.

Book Your Tour Now

The Krakow Auschwitz Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine Day Trip offers a stress-free way to explore two of the most important attractions in Poland – the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and Wieliczka Salt Mine. By booking the tour in advance and being prepared for the experience, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable day exploring these historical and cultural sites. Book your tour today and get ready for an unforgettable experience!

Auschwitz: A Detailed FAQ

If you’re planning a visit to Auschwitz, the former Nazi concentration and extermination camp in Poland, you probably have a lot of questions. From what to expect during your visit to the history of the camp itself, this FAQ will provide you with all the information you need to know before your trip.

What is Auschwitz?

Auschwitz, also known as Auschwitz-Birkenau, was a network of Nazi concentration and extermination camps during World War II. It is estimated that around 1.1 million people, mostly Jews, were killed at the camp between the years 1940 and 1945.

Where is Auschwitz located?

Auschwitz is located in the town of Oświęcim in southern Poland. The town is about 50 kilometers west of Krakow.

Can I visit Auschwitz?

Yes, Auschwitz is open to visitors. However, due to the sensitive nature of the site, there are regulations in place for visitors. It is recommended that you plan your visit well in advance and book tickets online through the official website.

What can I expect during my visit?

During your visit to Auschwitz, you can expect to see many of the original buildings and structures that were used by the Nazis during World War II. These include the gas chambers, crematoria, and barracks. You will also have the opportunity to view exhibitions and memorials dedicated to the victims of the camp.

How long should I plan for my visit?

It is recommended that you spend at least three and a half hours at Auschwitz to fully experience the site. This includes time for the guided tour, visiting the exhibitions and memorials, and walking through the grounds of the camp.

Is there an admission fee?

No, there is no admission fee to visit Auschwitz. However, there is a fee for guided tours and for certain exhibitions.

Can I take photos at Auschwitz?

Yes, visitors are allowed to take photos at Auschwitz. However, there are restrictions on where photography is permitted. Photography is not allowed inside the buildings and structures, such as the gas chambers and crematoria.

Is there an age restriction?

No, there is no age restriction for visitors to Auschwitz. However, it is recommended that children under the age of 14 do not visit due to the sensitive nature of the site.

Can I bring bags or backpacks?

Yes, visitors are allowed to bring bags and backpacks into Auschwitz. However, large bags and backpacks are not permitted inside the exhibit buildings and must be left outside.

What is the best time of year to visit?

The best time to visit Auschwitz is during the spring and fall months when the weather is cooler and there are fewer crowds. During the summer months, the site can be very crowded and hot.

Is there transportation available to Auschwitz?

Yes, there are several transportation options available to Auschwitz. You can take a train or bus from Krakow, or you can hire a taxi or take a guided tour.

Is there a gift shop at Auschwitz?

Yes, there is a gift shop at Auschwitz where visitors can purchase books, DVDs, and other souvenirs related to the history of the camp.

Can I leave flowers or other offerings at the site?

Yes, visitors are allowed to leave flowers and other offerings at the site in memory of the victims of the camp. However, it is recommended that you do so in a respectful manner and in designated areas.

What should I wear to visit Auschwitz?

Visitors should dress appropriately for their visit to Auschwitz. This means wearing comfortable shoes and clothing that is suitable for the weather, as well as being respectful of the site and the memory of the victims of the camp.

Are there food and drink options available at Auschwitz?

Yes, there are several food and drink options available at Auschwitz. There is a café on site where visitors can purchase food and drinks, as well as vending machines located throughout the exhibit buildings.

What language are the tours conducted in?

Tours at Auschwitz are conducted in several languages, including English, Polish, and German. Audio guides are also available for visitors who prefer to tour the site independently.

Is Auschwitz accessible for visitors with disabilities?

Yes, Auschwitz is accessible for visitors with disabilities. However, due to the age of the site and its original design, there may be some areas that are not easily accessible. It is recommended that visitors with disabilities contact the site in advance to discuss any special needs or accommodations.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Auschwitz is a sobering and important experience that provides visitors with a glimpse into the horrific events of the Holocaust. By understanding the history of the site and showing respect for the victims, visitors can pay their respects and ensure that the memory of those who perished at Auschwitz is never forgotten.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Auschwitz

Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest concentration camp during World War II, can be an emotional and thought-provoking experience. As a tourist, it’s important to be respectful of the site and understand the historical significance of what you’re seeing. To make the most of your visit and understand the true horrors of the Holocaust, follow these steps:

Step 1: Book a Guided Tour

It’s highly recommended to book a guided tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau, as it provides a more in-depth understanding of the site and its history. The official Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum website offers a variety of tours, including group tours, individual tours, and educational tours designed for school groups. The tours usually last about 3.5 hours and are conducted in multiple languages, including English, German, and Polish.

Step 2: Wear Appropriate Clothing and Footwear

When visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau, it’s important to dress appropriately and wear comfortable footwear. Since the site is outdoors, wear seasonal clothing for the weather conditions. Comfortable shoes are also necessary since you will be walking for a long time on uneven terrain. Respectful clothing is recommended as a sign of respect and to honor the memories of the victims.

Step 3: Arrive Early

Auschwitz-Birkenau is a popular tourist attraction, so it’s best to arrive early to avoid crowds and long queues. The site opens at 8:00 am and it’s recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start of your tour. You should also allow extra time for security checks, which are required at the entrance.

Step 4: Start at Auschwitz I

Most guided tours will start at Auschwitz I, the main camp. This camp was initially built for political prisoners, and it’s where the Nazis carried out medical experiments on prisoners, subjected them to forced labor, and committed numerous atrocities. The museum at Auschwitz I has exhibits that provide historical context and showcase the personal belongings of camp prisoners, including their shoes, eyeglasses, and suitcases.

Step 5: Visit the Gas Chambers and Crematoria

One of the most shocking parts of Auschwitz-Birkenau are the gas chambers and crematoria. The Nazis used these facilities to kill tens of thousands of people in brutal conditions. Visiting these areas can be incredibly emotional, but it’s important to witness the horrors of the camps first-hand to understand the magnitude of the event.

Step 6: Walk through Auschwitz II-Birkenau

The second part of the Auschwitz-Birkenau complex, known as Birkenau, was initially built to hold Soviet prisoners of war but was later expanded to become the primary extermination site. As you walk through Birkenau, you will see the remains of the gas chambers, crematoria, and wooden barracks where prisoners were held. The magnitude of the atrocities committed in this place cannot be understated.

Step 7: Reflect and Honor the Victims

It’s important to take some time to reflect and honor the victims of the Holocaust while visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau. The site features a memorial to the victims, as well as underground burial rooms and ash ponds to honor and respect those who lost their lives. Take some time to observe and pay your respects, and consider leaving a flower or small stone at the memorial as a sign of remembrance.

Step 8: Visit the Educational Exhibitions

After the tour, it’s recommended to visit the educational exhibitions on-site, which provide additional information about the Holocaust and the importance of remembering the atrocities committed during World War II. These exhibitions provide a historical context and a chance to learn more about the victims and survivors of Auschwitz-Birkenau.

The Bottom Line

Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau is an emotionally challenging experience, but it’s an essential part of understanding the tragedy of the Holocaust. Follow these steps to make the most of your visit, pay your respects to the victims, and honor their memory.