How to plan your Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau & Salt Mine Guided Tour in 1 Day

Krakow, located in the southern part of Poland, is a city that boasts a rich historical culture and tradition, and is often referred to as the cultural capital of Poland. If you’re looking for a guided tour in Poland that includes two of the most popular destinations, then the Auschwitz-Birkenau & Salt Mine Guided Tour in Krakow is the perfect choice for you!

This tour is designed to make sure you don’t miss out on any highlights of these two renowned historical sites, and runs daily from Krakow. The tour offers an experience that encompasses both the tragedy and the triumph of the human spirit. Here’s all you need to know to plan your own Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau & Salt Mine Guided Tour in 1 Day:

Itinerary

The tour starts with a morning pickup either at your hotel, or a pre-decided meeting point in Krakow, where you will board an air-conditioned bus that will transport you to the two sites.

You will start with a trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp, where you will have an opportunity to learn about the history of the site from a knowledgeable guide.

After completing your visit to Auschwitz I, you will take a break, before moving onto Auschwitz II-Birkenau, which is located just a few minutes’ drive away. This site is particularly moving as the sheer size of it, with buildings stretching into the distance, is overwhelming.

After Auschwitz-Birkenau, you will have a little free time to rest, if required, before embarking on the second part of the tour – the Wieliczka Salt Mine. This site takes only 45 mins to reach from Auschwitz-Birkenau. The salt mine tour takes approximately 1.5 hours, where you will explore the amazing chambers and see original sculptures when touring under the ground.

After completing the salt mine tour, you will head back to Krakow, where you’ll be dropped off at one of the two stops – Drop off link 1, or Drop off link 2.

Meeting point

Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau & Salt Mine Guided Tour departs from Krakow daily, and there are a few different meeting points depending on your choice.

You can choose to be picked up from you hotel, which must be located in Krakow, or you can choose to meet the group at the designated main pick up point.

Highlights

– Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp.
– Learn more about the history of the site from a knowledgable guide.
– Explore the Wieliczka Salt Mine and see the amazing chambers and original sculptures.

Experience

The tour experience itself is great value for money, offering an unforgettable experience at a reasonable price. The tour includes transportation by a comfortable bus, admission tickets to both Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine, as well as a guided tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau conducted by an English-speaking tour leader.

Time taken

The tour is for approximately 7.5 hours, including transportation to and from the sites, and the time spent at each site.

Conclusion

Booking your Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau & Salt Mine Guided Tour in 1 Day is a must-do if you’re in Krakow. You can book your tour at any time here book the tour here. The tour will seamlessly take you through the tragic history of Europe’s concentration camps and the wonders of the Wieliczka Salt Mine. To avoid disappointment, be sure to book your guided tour as soon as possible!

The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Krakow

Krakow, the former capital of Poland, is a city rich in history and culture. It attracts millions of visitors from around the world each year. However, as with any popular destination, there are bound to be some questions that arise for tourists planning their trip. In this blog post, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Krakow to help you plan your trip and make the most out of your stay.

1. What is the best time to visit Krakow?

The best time to visit Krakow is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild, and the crowds are thin. The peak tourist season is in the summer, especially in July and August, when the streets are filled with tourists, and the prices are high. If you’re planning to visit Krakow during the winter, make sure to pack warm clothes since it can get extremely cold.

2. How do I get to Krakow from the airport?

Krakow has a well-connected airport, the John Paul II International Airport Kraków–Balice, located just 11 km from the city center. There are a few transportation options to get to the city center from the airport. One option is to take a taxi, which costs around 80 PLN (approximately 20 USD). Another option is to take a train, which departs every 30 minutes from the airport to the central train station and costs around 9 PLN (approximately 2 USD). There is also a public bus line that runs to the city center, with a fare of 3.80 PLN (approximately 1 USD).

3. What are the must-see attractions in Krakow?

Krakow has no shortage of attractions for visitors to explore. The most popular attractions include:

• Wawel Castle and Cathedral
• Main Market Square
• Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz)
• Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
• Salt Mine in Wieliczka
• Cloth Hall

4. What is the currency used in Krakow, and can I use Euros?

The currency used in Krakow is the Polish Zloty (PLN). Euros are not commonly accepted, but there are ATMs throughout the city that will allow you to withdraw Zloty. It’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand for small vendors who may not accept credit cards.

5. Is it safe to visit Krakow?

Krakow is generally a safe city for tourists. However, as with any city, you should take basic precautions, such as keeping an eye on your belongings and not leaving valuables unattended. Be especially cautious in crowded areas, such as markets and train stations, where pickpocketing is more common.

6. What is the cuisine of Krakow?

Krakow offers a variety of traditional Polish cuisine, including pierogi (dumplings), kielbasa (sausage), and bigos (hunter’s stew). Other popular dishes include oscypek (smoked sheep cheese), golonka (pork knuckle), and barszcz (beetroot soup). For dessert, try the traditional Polish apple cake (szarlotka) or plum dumplings (knedle).

7. How easy is it to get around Krakow?

Krakow is a relatively small city, and most of the attractions are within walking distance of each other. However, if you prefer not to walk or are visiting during the winter, there are many transportation options available. The most popular one is the tram, which is relatively cheap and runs throughout the city. There are also buses and taxis available for transportation.

8. Are there any cultural events or festivals in Krakow?

Krakow is known for its many festivals and events throughout the year. The most popular one is the Krakow Christmas Market, which takes place in the Main Market Square in December, offering delicious food and amazing hand-crafted decorations. Other popular festivals include the Jewish Culture Festival, the Pierogi Festival, and the Krakow Film Festival.

9. Is English widely spoken in Krakow?

Most of the people in Krakow speak English, especially the younger generation, and those employed in the tourism industry. However, it’s always a good idea to learn a few basic Polish phrases before visiting the city.

10. What is the dress code for visiting churches in Krakow?

When visiting churches in Krakow, it’s essential to dress modestly out of respect for the religious culture. This means covering your shoulders and avoiding shorts, mini-skirts, and low-cut tops. It’s also essential to remove your hats and sunglasses before entering the church.

Conclusion

Krakow is a beautiful city that offers a rich cultural experience for its visitors. From its stunning architecture and historical attractions to its delicious cuisine and entertaining festivals, there is something for everyone in Krakow. Hopefully, this blog post has answered some of the most frequently asked questions about the city, helping you to plan your trip and make the most out of your stay.