How to Plan Your Tour from Krakow to Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re looking for an unforgettable day trip from Krakow, a guided tour of Auschwitz and the Wieliczka Salt Mine is an excellent choice. This combined tour allows you to experience two of Poland’s most significant historical landmarks in one day. With hotel pickup, transport, tickets, and guides already included, you can enjoy an organised and worry-free day out. In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know to plan your trip to Auschwitz from Krakow.

Experience

Your tour will start with a pickup from your hotel or accommodation in Krakow, after which you’ll be taken to one of two sites – Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum or Wieliczka Salt Mine. The order of the visits will depend on your selected date and time. In Auschwitz, you will have an authorised live guide who will take you through Auschwitz I, where you can walk on the grounds of the former camp that was built in 1940. You’ll also visit exhibitions showcasing shoes, pots, and other everyday objects that belonged to people who were kept prisoners during World War II. Next up is a visit to the second and larger camp of Auschwitz, Birkenau. There are numerous barracks, various huts, and watchtowers in this area, as well as a railway platform, where prisoners were transported to the camps. You will have the opportunity to reflect upon the history of this place and pay homage to the lives lost during these terrible events. Following Auschwitz, it’s time to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine. You’ll meet with an authorised live guide who will take you underground; first, you’ll go through the Danilowicz Shaft, which is the oldest part of the mine. During the tour, you’ll see dozens of sculptures and bas-reliefs cut out of the rock salt, which will take your breath away.

Highlights

The main highlights of the tour include: – Hotel pickup and transport included from Krakow – Authorised live guides to tell you about the history and stories – See exhibitions showcasing everyday objects from Auschwitz – Visit infamous railway platform in Birkenau – Marvel at the salt sculptures and bas-reliefs – Worry-free organisation of the whole day trip

How to Book Your Tour

You can book this tour easily through GetYourGuide. The site allows you to choose group size between 20 25 30 35 or 40 people. When you book, you’ll be prompted to select your preferred date and time. The link to book the tour is as follows: book the tour here.

Tips for Your Tour

1. Dress comfortably for the day: You’ll be doing quite a bit of walking on this tour, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes and clothing that won’t restrict your movement. 2. Bring a bottle of water: It’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day, so bring a bottle of water with you. You can also purchase water on-site. 3. Listen carefully to your guide: To get the most out of your visit to Auschwitz and the Wieliczka Salt Mine, pay close attention to everything your guide says. 4. Respect the sites: Both Auschwitz and the Wieliczka Salt Mine are significant historical landmarks; it’s important to act respectfully during your visit. 5. Prepare yourself emotionally: Visiting Auschwitz and the Wieliczka Salt Mine can be an emotional experience. Be mentally prepared for the tour, and take time to reflect on your experience afterward.

Book Your Tour Now

If you’re looking for a tour that combines history and awe-inspiring sights, look no further than the Auschwitz and Wieliczka Salt Mine guided trip from Krakow. With everything included, you can relax and focus on experiencing these two significant sites. Don’t hesitate to book this tour and explore the history of Poland during your stay.

Auschwitz FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re planning a visit to Auschwitz, also known as Auschwitz-Birkenau, you likely have many questions about the infamous concentration camp. In this FAQ, we’ll cover everything from the history of the camp to practical information on visiting.

1. What is Auschwitz?

Auschwitz was a network of concentration and extermination camps operated by Nazi Germany during World War II. It is located in Oswiecim, a town in southern Poland. From 1940 to 1945, over 1.1 million people, the vast majority of whom were Jewish, were brutally murdered at Auschwitz.

2. What is the history of Auschwitz?

Auschwitz was established in 1940 as a concentration camp for political prisoners. The camp expanded over the years, with a second camp, Birkenau, being constructed in 1941. Birkenau was used primarily for mass extermination in gas chambers. Until 1942, the majority of prisoners at Auschwitz were political dissidents, criminals, and other “undesirables.” However, in 1942, the Nazis began transporting Jews to Auschwitz in large numbers. Over 90% of the people who died at Auschwitz were Jews. In January 1945, as Soviet troops approached, the Nazis began evacuating Auschwitz. About 7,000 prisoners were left behind, most of whom were too sick to travel. Soviet forces liberated those prisoners on January 27, 1945.

3. What are the main sites at Auschwitz?

There are several main sites at Auschwitz that are open to visitors, including:

• Auschwitz I: the original concentration camp
• Auschwitz II-Birkenau: the extermination camp
• The Museum: located at Auschwitz I, this museum tells the story of the camp through exhibits and artifacts
• The Memorial and Monument: located at Auschwitz II-Birkenau, this memorial honors the victims of Auschwitz

4. How do I visit Auschwitz?

You can visit Auschwitz by booking a guided tour or by visiting on your own. If you choose to visit on your own, you can buy a ticket at the entrance and take a self-guided tour. However, we recommend booking a guided tour, as the guides are knowledgeable about the camp’s history and can provide a more meaningful experience.

5. Is there an admission fee?

Admission to Auschwitz is free, but you must reserve your tickets in advance. If you choose to book a guided tour, there will be a fee for the tour.

6. How long does a visit to Auschwitz take?

A visit to Auschwitz usually takes about 3-4 hours. However, if you choose to book a guided tour, the tour may take longer.

7. What should I wear and bring?

You should dress comfortably and wear appropriate clothing for the weather. It is important to note that visitors must dress respectfully, and women are required to cover their shoulders and knees. You may also want to bring water and snacks, as there are limited food options at the camp.

8. Is Auschwitz suitable for children?

Auschwitz can be a difficult and emotional experience for both adults and children. We advise that parents make an informed decision based on their child’s maturity level and ability to handle the subject matter. Children under 14 are not permitted on guided tours.

9. What languages are the tours offered in?

Guided tours are offered in several languages, including English, German, Polish, and Hebrew.

10. Can I take photos at Auschwitz?

Photography is allowed at Auschwitz, but it is important to be respectful when taking photos. Flash photography is not permitted inside buildings, and visitors are asked not to take selfies or pose for photos.

Book Your Tour Now

Auschwitz is a haunting reminder of the atrocities committed during World War II. We hope this FAQ has provided you with helpful information on visiting this important historical site.

How to spend your time as a tourist in Auschwitz

Auschwitz concentration camp is located in Poland, and it is important to note that visiting this place is not just an ordinary tourist attraction, but a solemn and emotional experience. The concentration camp is a witness to the atrocities that happened during the Holocaust, and visitors need to have appropriate behaviors and attitudes to show their respect to the victims. Therefore, if you are planning to visit Auschwitz as a tourist, it is crucial to be well informed before going there to prepare yourself emotionally and mentally. Here is how you can make the most out of your visit:

1. Book a guided tour

There are two main parts of the Auschwitz concentration camp, Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. Both require different tickets, and it is highly advised to book a guided tour to get a deep and educational understanding of the camps’ history, layout, and significance. The guides are knowledgeable about the details of the concentration camps and will provide you with valuable information during your visit. They will also give you insights about the personal experiences of the prisoners and the soldiers who worked in the camps, making your visit much more meaningful. Additionally, booking a guided tour would ensure you have a reserved slot, especially during peak season when the concentration camp can be crowded.

2. Prepare for an emotional experience

Visiting Auschwitz can be a very emotional and overwhelming experience. You will have to deal with the past atrocities of the concentration camp, and seeing the personal belongings of the prisoners, their living conditions, and the gas chambers can be a heavy burden, especially to those who are sensitive to such sights. It would be best to prepare yourself by reading and learning about Auschwitz’s history, visiting relevant museums and memorials, and seeking support when necessary, such as a friend or a counselor.

3. Get an early start

Auschwitz concentration camp can get very crowded, so it is best to start your visit early in the morning to avoid the long queues and potentially large crowds. Starting early will allow you to experience the memorials and exhibits without being rushed or having to deal with crowds. It will also provide you ample time to take in each exhibit fully.

4. Wear appropriate attire

Since Auschwitz concentration camp is a solemn and emotionally charged place, it is essential to show respect and honor by dressing appropriately. It would be best to dress in comfortable, respectful clothes that are non-revealing. Some parts of Auschwitz are outdoors, so it is recommended to dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes, as a lot of walking is involved.

5. Remain respectful

As much as possible, visitors are advised not to joke around, smile or take selfies while inside the Auschwitz concentration camp. It is highly inappropriate and disrespectful to the victims and survivors of the concentration camp. Visitors are advised to take time to reflect, be solemn, and offer prayers or respects in each memorial or exhibit. Additionally, it is highly advised not to bring food or drinks inside the concentration camp.

6. Learn and read the exhibits

Auschwitz concentration camp has a vast array of exhibits and memorials, including personal items, photographs, and information about the prisoners and soldiers who worked there. The information displayed in each exhibit is valuable and educational to understand the Holocaust. Therefore, it would be best to take your time and read through each exhibit carefully. Some exhibits have brief summaries in English, but if you want a deeper understanding, visitors can hire an audio guide or a translator to get a full picture of the exhibit’s significance.

7. Respect the rules

Visitors are strongly advised to follow the rules and regulations, such as no smoking, no eating or drinking, and no touching of the exhibit items. These rules are set to protect the items and maintain the solemnity and respect for the victims’ memories. Furthermore, visitors are not allowed to use their phones close to the exhibits or memorials. It is essential to remain silent and be aware of your surroundings, especially in areas where there are a lot of people. In conclusion, visiting Auschwitz can be a life-changing and meaningful experience, but it also requires preparation, emotional readiness, and respect for the victims’ memories. Following these tips will make sure that you have a valuable and educational experience while showing proper respect to the victims and survivors of the Holocaust.