How to Plan Your Krakow: Auschwitz Birkenau Guided Tour & Private Transport

If you are looking to learn about the sobering history of the Holocaust, a visit to Auschwitz is a must. The concentration camp, located just outside of Krakow, Poland, is now a museum and serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed during World War II. To make your visit to Auschwitz as informative and comfortable as possible, consider booking the Krakow: Auschwitz Birkenau Guided Tour & Private Transport through GetYourGuide. Here, we’ll go through how to plan your visit to Auschwitz with the Krakow: Auschwitz Birkenau Guided Tour & Private Transport.

What to Expect

The guided tour, operating in English, takes visitors to both Auschwitz and Birkenau. Admission is included in the tour cost, and the tour lasts approximately seven hours, with transportation to and from Krakow provided. Your guide will take you through the various areas of the camps, presenting information and offering insight into the prisoners’ living conditions and the events that took place within the camps. The tour covers Auschwitz I, where the majority of prisoners were held, and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, which was used primarily as an extermination camp. Your guide will cover what daily life was like for prisoners as well as the history of the camp’s liberation in 1945.

Tour Details

The Krakow: Auschwitz Birkenau Guided Tour & Private Transport picks up guests at their hotel within Krakow and takes them to the museum to start the tour. While the tour does include admission to both camps, please note that this is without a guide in Birkenau. A licensed guide is only permitted to enter Auschwitz I with a group, and the tour includes transportation from Auschwitz I to Birkenau. It’s important to note that the tour takes place regardless of weather conditions, so dress appropriately for the season. Visitors can expect to walk up to three kilometers throughout the tour, so comfortable walking shoes are a must. It’s also important to arrive on time for the tour, as late arrivals will not be able to join due to museum regulations.

Booking Your Tour

To book your Krakow: Auschwitz Birkenau Guided Tour & Private Transport, visit this link here. The tour currently costs approximately €35 per person and includes round-trip transportation and admission to the museum. It’s highly recommended to book your tour in advance as it often sells out quickly.

Closing Thoughts

Visiting Auschwitz may not be a pleasant experience, but it’s an important one. The museum serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust and honors the memory of those who lost their lives during this dark chapter in history. By planning your visit with the Krakow: Auschwitz Birkenau Guided Tour & Private Transport, you can ensure a comfortable and informative experience that does justice to the lives and history it honors.

FAQ: Auschwitz

Auschwitz is a name that is synonymous with death and destruction. It is one of the most infamous concentration camps of World War II, where over a million Jews were killed. In this FAQ, we answer some of the most commonly asked questions about Auschwitz.

1. What is Auschwitz?

Auschwitz is a name that refers to a network of concentration and extermination camps set up by the Nazis during World War II. The main camp was located in the town of Oświęcim in southern Poland. It consisted of three main camps and 45 satellite camps where prisoners were forced to work under inhumane conditions.

2. When was Auschwitz established?

The first camp, Auschwitz I, was established in May 1940. The second camp, Auschwitz II-Birkenau, was built in 1941 to accommodate the increasing number of prisoners. The third camp, Auschwitz III-Monowitz, was built in 1942 to provide forced labor for the nearby IG Farben factory.

3. Who were the prisoners at Auschwitz?

The prisoners at Auschwitz were mostly Jews from across Europe. However, there were also other groups such as Poles, Romani people, Soviet prisoners of war, disabled individuals, and homosexuals. They were subjected to brutal conditions, including forced labor, starvation, and medical experiments.

4. How many people were killed at Auschwitz?

It is estimated that over a million people were killed at Auschwitz. The majority of these were Jews, but there were also other groups such as Poles, Romani people, and Soviet prisoners of war. The exact number of deaths is difficult to ascertain as many records were destroyed by the Nazis.

5. What happened to the survivors of Auschwitz?

Many of the survivors of Auschwitz were unable to return to their homes as they had been destroyed or taken over by other individuals. Some emigrated to other countries, while others stayed in Poland. Many of them suffered from physical and psychological scars and struggled to come to terms with their experiences.

6. Can you visit Auschwitz?

Yes, Auschwitz has been turned into a museum and is open to the public. Visitors can see the remaining buildings, as well as exhibitions on the history of the camp and the individuals who were imprisoned there. However, it is important to remember that it is a solemn and respectful place and visitors should behave accordingly.

7. Is it appropriate to take photos at Auschwitz?

While photos are allowed at Auschwitz, visitors should remember that it is a place of solemn remembrance. It is inappropriate to take photos of oneself smiling, posing, or making light of the experience. Visitors should be respectful of the individuals who suffered and died at the camp.

8. What should I wear to Auschwitz?

It is important to dress appropriately for a place of solemn remembrance. Visitors should wear clothing that is respectful and modest – avoiding revealing clothing or clothing with offensive imagery or slogans. It is also advisable to wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved.

9. Is there an entrance fee to Auschwitz?

While there is no entrance fee to Auschwitz, visitors are encouraged to make a donation to the museum to support its ongoing upkeep and maintenance. There is also an option to take a guided tour for a fee.

10. Can I bring children to Auschwitz?

While children are permitted at Auschwitz, it is important to consider whether they are mature enough to understand the gravity and solemnity of the place. Some parents choose to bring older children, while others may prefer to leave younger children with a caregiver.

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Auschwitz is a place of both historical significance and solemn remembrance. It is important to approach the place with respect and humility, remembering the individuals who suffered and died there. Visiting Auschwitz can be an emotional and educational experience, but it is one that should be approached with care and sensitivity.

How to spend your time as a tourist in Auschwitz?

If you are planning a visit to Auschwitz, you may be wondering what you should do during your stay. Visiting the Auschwitz Museum and Memorial is a deeply emotional and educational experience, and there are many ways to explore and learn about the history of the Holocaust. Here are some tips on how to spend your time as a tourist in Auschwitz.

1. Take a guided tour of Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau

It is highly recommended to take a guided tour of both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau to fully understand the history and significance of these sites. The tours usually last around three and a half hours and are available in various languages.

2. Visit the Auschwitz Museum and Memorial

The Auschwitz Museum and Memorial is a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits that document the history of the Holocaust. It is recommended to visit the museum before taking a guided tour of the camps.

3. Attend a memorial service

There are daily memorial services held at Auschwitz, which allow visitors to pay their respects to the victims of the Holocaust. The services are held in various languages and are open to the public.

4. Explore the exhibits at the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum

The museum offers a range of exhibits and interactive displays that provide more information about the history of the camps and the Holocaust. There are also temporary exhibitions held throughout the year.

5. Take a self-guided tour

If you prefer, you can take a self-guided tour of Auschwitz I and Birkenau. Audio guides are available in various languages, and there are many signs and plaques that provide information about the sites.

6. Attend educational workshops and programs

The Auschwitz Museum and Memorial runs a variety of programs and workshops throughout the year, which focus on different aspects of the Holocaust. These programs are suitable for all ages and are designed to promote learning and discussion.

7. Visit the International Youth Meeting Center

The International Youth Meeting Center is located in the former Auschwitz I camp and is dedicated to promoting peace and dialogue among young people from around the world. Visitors can take part in various educational programs and workshops.

8. Attend a concert or cultural event

There are often concerts and cultural events held at the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum, which allow visitors to learn more about the history and culture of the region.

9. Reflect and pay your respects

During your visit to Auschwitz, take some time to reflect on the history and significance of these sites. Pay your respects to the victims of the Holocaust and consider what lessons can be learned from this tragic chapter in human history.

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Visiting Auschwitz can be a deeply emotional and educational experience. By following these tips, you can fully explore and understand the history of the Holocaust and pay your respects to its victims. Remember to approach your visit with sensitivity and empathy, and take the time to reflect on what you have learned.