Taking a Full-Day Tour in Krakow: Exploring Auschwitz-Birkenau

Krakow is one of the most historical cities in Poland, and as such, it can be a great place to explore some of the most significant sites in the country’s history. For those looking for a comprehensive tour, a full-day visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau is a must. Here’s everything visitors need to know about experiencing this incredible place.

What is Auschwitz-Birkenau?

Auschwitz-Birkenau (also known simply as Auschwitz) was the Nazi Germany’s largest concentration and extermination camp during World War II. It was established by Nazi forces in the suburbs of the Polish cities of Oświęcim and Brzezinka, near Krakow. Between 1940 and 1945, more than 1.1 million men, women, and children were killed in the camp, making it one of the deadliest places in history. Today, Auschwitz-Birkenau is a UN World Heritage Site and serves as a reminder of the horrors suffered by those persecuted by the Nazis during this dark chapter in human history.

What You’ll See on an Auschwitz-Birkenau Full-Day Tour in Krakow

Full-day tours to Auschwitz-Birkenau are organized by numerous tour providers in Krakow. Whether you opt for a private tour or book a shared tour, you’ll be picked up at your hotel or other designated locations in Krakow. From here, your guide will transport you to Auschwitz-Birkenau for a full day of exploration and education. On arrival, your tour guide will provide an introduction to the camp’s history as well as its various sights and monuments. This will be followed by a guided walk around the premises which may include several buildings such as Block 11 and the “Death Wall’ where hundreds of prisoners were executed; the remaining buildings from the camp’s BIIa section; the iconic Arbeit Macht Frei gate; and many more. You’ll also have access to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Museum which holds hundreds of artifacts documenting the history of the camp and its victims. Furthermore, visitors will also get to visit some important memorials such as Auschwitz Prayer Wall and Monument to Roma and Sinti Deportees. During your full day at Auschwitz-Birkenau, you’ll also have free time to explore some of the areas on your own while listening to audio recordings or podcasts provided by some tour companies. Additionally, some providers will even take you on a guided tour to Birkenau (Auschwitz II), where visitors can explore the barracks, watchtowers, and Commandant’s House.

What You Need to Know About an Auschwitz-Birkenau Full-Day Tour in Krakow

Before booking an Auschwitz-Birkenau full-day tour with a Krakow provider, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind.

Ease of Access

Accessing Auschwitz-Birkenau from Krakow is very easy thanks to daily public buses from Krakow’s main bus station. However, due to long queues at Auschwitz’s entrance during peak season (April – October), those who do not have advance tickets are likely to wait for hours before being admitted into the camp. On the other hand, booking a guided tour ensures that you don’t have to wait in long queues and waste your time, while being guaranteed guaranteed admission through the VIP entrance. Nevertheless, it is important to note that Auschwitz-Birkenau remains a solemn place of remembrance which requires visitors to remain respectful at all times. You’re expected to show respect for all signs/fences/monuments/memorials within the site.

The Inclusion of Lunch

Some companies will include meals for guests taking part in their full-day Auschwitz-Birkenau tours. This can be helpful in ensuring that you don’t miss out on any part of your tour and get some energy before heading into Birkenau. Generally, this meal includes a variety of local delicacies like Pierogis (Polish Dumplings) along with some hot/cold drinks. The exact meal may vary depending on the tour operator you book with though.

Price

The price of full-day tours to Auschwitz-Birkenau vary based on what you’re looking for in terms of accessibility, duration of visits and extra facilities included. Depending on the timing of your visit during peak season, price may range between $50.00 to $150.00 per person for a private tour. Keep in mind that prices may also differ slightly depending upon how far you’re traveling from Krakow and if you’re taking a shared or private tour. A list of some of the most reputed providers of full day tours for Auschwitz-Birkenau are mentioned at the end of this article if you’d like to book one right away.

The Verdict: Recommended or Not?

Taking a full-day tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau is an eye-opening experience which gives visitors a better understanding of one of the darkest times in human history. The guided tours not only provide you with detailed knowledge about each monument, but also help you avoid long waiting times at the entrance. Apart from that, the opportunity to explore this somber site in peace allows one to properly appreciate its magnificence and pay respects those who suffered here over seventy years ago. Therefore, if you’re travelling in Krakow looking for a comprehensive and thoroughly educational tour, a full-day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau is something which should certainly be on your bucket list! For those interested in visiting Auschwiz as part of a FUll-Day Tour from Krakow, we strongly recommend booking with GetYourGuide. GetYourGuide offers reliable and high quality Auschwitz tours pulled together by professionals who’ve got years of experience managing group excursions around Poland as well as other European countries. With GetYourGuides’ attention to detail and knowledge on Poland’s rich history this is gauranteed to be an unforgettable experience!