How to Plan Your Trip to Auschwitz: Birkenau Memorial Entry Ticket and Guided Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Auschwitz, you’re likely looking for ways to make your experience as educational and respectful as possible. A guided tour of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is the best way to learn about the atrocities that took place there during World War II. This blog post will walk you through how to plan your trip to Auschwitz and book a guided tour.

Experience

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is a humbling experience. The museum was established after World War II to preserve the memory of the Holocaust and to educate people about the atrocities that took place in Auschwitz. The museum receives an overwhelming number of visitors each year. Many have connections to the victims or survivors of the Holocaust, and come to pay their respects.

Highlights

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is divided into two parts, Auschwitz I and Birkenau. During the guided tour, you will see many of the exhibition blocks, such as Block 11, where prisoners were held in isolation cells and sentenced to death. The infamous entrance gate, barracks, and railway platform are also highlights of the tour.While visiting Auschwitz, you will also see the gas chamber and crematorium in Birkenau, where an estimated 1.5 million people were murdered, most of whom were Jews. Additionally, you will hear stories about the prisoners who suffered in Auschwitz and who fought for their survival.

How to Book the Tour

You can book a guided tour of Auschwitz through a third-party company, such as GetYourGuide. This company partners with local experts to provide informative and respectful tours. The tour includes entry tickets to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum and a professional guided tour.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Visit GetYourGuide’s website and search for the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Entry Ticket and Guided Tour.

2. Choose the date and time that works best for you.

3. Select the number of tickets you need for your group.

4. Add to cart and proceed to checkout.

5. Enter your personal information and payment details.

6. Review your order and confirm.Once you have booked your tour, you will receive a confirmation email with your tickets and all necessary information for your trip to Auschwitz.

Getting to Auschwitz

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is located in Oswiecim, Poland, about 65 km west of Krakow. Unless you book a tour that includes transportation, you will need to arrange your own transportation to and from Auschwitz.The easiest way to get to Auschwitz is to take a bus, train, or private car. There are also numerous companies that offer day tours from Krakow, which include transportation to and from Auschwitz in addition to a guided tour of the museum.

What to Expect on the Guided Tour

When you arrive at Auschwitz, you will need to show your tickets at the entrance. You may encounter a long queue, so it’s best to arrive early.Once you enter the museum, you will meet your authorised live guide on-site. The guide will take you through the camp and provide insights into the history of Auschwitz. You will be able to hear the guide’s words through a headset provided to you.During the tour, you will visit Auschwitz I, where prisoners were held, tortured and killed. You will also visit Birkenau, where the gas chambers and crematoria were located. This is a sobering experience, and you should expect to feel emotional during the tour.

Important Information

– Photography is not allowed inside the museum.

– You should wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved.

– Bags larger than 30x20x10 cm are not allowed and must be left in the cloakroom.

– The tour is not recommended for children under the age of 14.

Final Thoughts

A visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is an important and humbling experience. It’s crucial to plan your trip ahead of time and book a guided tour to ensure that you have an educational and respectful experience.

Book the tour here: Book Here.

The Most Frequently Asked Questions about Auschwitz

Auschwitz is one of the most infamous names in history, known for being the largest Nazi concentration camp during World War II. It’s now a museum and memorial that welcomes millions of visitors each year. Despite this, many people still have questions about Auschwitz. In this article, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this complex and tragic site.

What is Auschwitz?

Auschwitz was a network of concentration and extermination camps run by Nazi Germany during World War II. The main camp, known as Auschwitz I, was established in 1940 and eventually grew to include three main camps and 45 subcamps. It’s estimated that between 1.1 and 1.5 million people, mostly Jews, were killed at Auschwitz between 1940 and 1945.

Why was Auschwitz chosen as a site for a concentration camp?

Auschwitz was chosen for a number of reasons. Its location in occupied Poland was convenient for transporting prisoners from across Europe. The nearby town of Oswiecim provided a source of cheap labor, and the site had good rail connections. Additionally, the surrounding countryside was sparsely populated, making it easier to keep the camp hidden from prying eyes.

What was life like in Auschwitz?

Life in Auschwitz was unimaginably harsh. Prisoners were subjected to forced labor, starvation, and brutal treatment. They were also subjected to medical experiments, many of which were conducted without their consent and often resulted in serious injury or death. The living conditions in the barracks were terrible, with overcrowding, lack of food and water, and poor hygiene leading to rampant disease and death.

Who were the prisoners at Auschwitz?

The prisoners at Auschwitz came from a wide range of backgrounds. The majority were Jews, but there were also significant numbers of Poles, Roma, Soviet prisoners of war, disabled people, and others considered “undesirable” by the Nazi regime.

How were prisoners treated at Auschwitz?

Prisoners at Auschwitz were treated with extreme cruelty. They were subject to beatings, torture, and execution, and many were worked to death. Medical experiments, including sterilization and disfigurement, were performed on many prisoners, often leading to permanent physical and psychological damage.

What happened at the gas chambers in Auschwitz?

The gas chambers were used to kill large numbers of prisoners at once. Victims were stripped of their clothing and led into a room filled with poison gas, usually Zyklon B. The gas quickly caused unconsciousness and death, after which the bodies were taken to cremation ovens and burned.

What happened to the survivors of Auschwitz?

Many survivors of Auschwitz were liberated by Allied forces in early 1945. However, many others died soon after liberation due to illness or malnutrition. Some survivors were able to return to their homes, but many faced discrimination and struggled to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the war.

Does Auschwitz still exist today?

Auschwitz still exists today as a museum and memorial. The main camp, Auschwitz I, has been preserved largely as it was during the war, with exhibits detailing the history of the camp and the experiences of its prisoners. The nearby Auschwitz II-Birkenau camp, where the majority of the killings took place, has also been preserved as a memorial site.

Can I visit Auschwitz?

Yes, Auschwitz is open to visitors. However, due to the sensitive nature of the site, there are rules and regulations that visitors must follow. Visitors are not allowed to take photos inside the exhibitions, and they are not allowed to bring food, drink, or large bags inside the museum. Additionally, visitors are asked to dress appropriately and show respect for the site and its history.

Conclusion

Auschwitz is a place of immense historical significance, but it’s also a place of tragedy and horror. Visiting the site can be a sobering and emotional experience, but it’s also an important way to pay respect to the victims and learn about the atrocities committed during the Holocaust. By understanding the history of Auschwitz and the experiences of its prisoners, we can work to ensure that such atrocities are never repeated.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Auschwitz

If you’re planning a visit to Auschwitz, there are a number of things to keep in mind to make the most of your time there. Auschwitz is a place of tragic history, and it’s important to approach your visit with respect and sensitivity. In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know to make the most of your time in Auschwitz.

Plan Your Visit Before You Arrive

Before arriving in Auschwitz, it’s important to plan your visit in advance. Auschwitz is a large complex of museums and memorials, and there’s a lot to see and do. Here are a few things to do before you arrive:

Book your tickets in advance

Auschwitz is a very popular tourist attraction, and tickets often sell out. To avoid disappointment, book your tickets in advance. You can book tickets online up to three months in advance.

Decide which tours you want to take

There are a number of tours available at Auschwitz, each with different themes and focuses. Decide which tours you want to take before arriving. Tours are available in several languages, including English, German, and Polish.

Dress appropriately

Auschwitz is an outdoor attraction, and the weather can be unpredictable. Make sure to dress appropriately for the weather, and wear comfortable shoes for walking.

Bring essentials

There are few places to buy food or drinks at Auschwitz, so make sure to pack some snacks and water. You’ll also want to bring a camera, as there are many photo opportunities throughout the complex.

What to Expect When Visiting Auschwitz

When you arrive at Auschwitz, you’ll notice that the complex is divided into two main sections: Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. Here’s what to expect:

Auschwitz I

Auschwitz I is the smaller of the two complexes and was originally a military base. You’ll see many original buildings, including the infamous Block 11, the prison block where punishment and executions took place.

Auschwitz II-Birkenau

Auschwitz II-Birkenau is much larger than Auschwitz I and was primarily used as a death camp. The main entrance of Birkenau has become an iconic photograph of the Holocaust.

Guided Tours in Auschwitz

There are a number of tours available at Auschwitz, each with a different focus. Here are some popular tours:

General Tour

The General Tour is a comprehensive overview of both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. It covers the history of the camp, the living conditions of the prisoners, and the procedures of their extermination.

Block 11 Tour

The Block 11 Tour focuses on the prison block at Auschwitz I, where prisoners were subjected to torture and punishment. This tour is not recommended for young children or those who are sensitive to graphic content.

Birkenau Memorial and Museum Tour

The Birkenau Memorial and Museum Tour focuses on the extermination camp of Auschwitz II-Birkenau. This tour is recommended for those who are interested in exploring the history and the tragedy of the Holocaust.

Things to Keep in Mind While Visiting Auschwitz

When visiting Auschwitz, it’s important to keep in mind that this is a place of tragic history. Here are some things to keep in mind while visiting:

Be respectful

Auschwitz is a place of reverence, and it’s important to approach it with respect and sensitivity. Keep your voice low and avoid taking selfies or other inappropriate photos.

Stay with your guide

While touring Auschwitz, it’s important to stay with your guide at all times. They will help you understand the history of the camp and can answer any questions you may have.

Be aware of the museum’s rules

There are a number of rules in place to protect the museums and memorials at Auschwitz. Make sure to read the rules before your visit, and follow them carefully.

Conclusion

Visiting Auschwitz can be a powerful and sobering experience. By following these tips and guidelines, you can make the most of your time in Auschwitz while showing respect for those who suffered there. Remember to approach your visit with sensitivity and a willingness to learn about this important piece of history.