Lesser Poland, Oświęcim · Poland
The former Nazi German concentration and extermination camp, preserved as a memorial and museum to the victims of the Holocaust.
Photo: Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 3.0
Auschwitz-Birkenau was the largest of the Nazi German concentration and extermination camps. Established in 1940 by Germany in occupied Poland, near the town of Oświęcim, it became the main site of the Holocaust: about 1.1 million people were murdered here, roughly one million of them Jews from across Europe, along with Polish prisoners, Roma and Sinti, Soviet prisoners of war and others. The camp was liberated by the Red Army on 27 January 1945.
Today the site is the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum, a memorial and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has two main parts: Auschwitz I, the original camp of brick barracks, with exhibitions in preserved blocks and the gate with the words 'Arbeit macht frei', and Birkenau, 3 km away, a vast site with railway tracks, ruined gas chambers and rows of surviving barracks. Visitors come to bear witness, and to learn.
A visit is emotionally demanding, and it deserves preparation. Entry is by timed ticket and usually with a guided tour, which lasts about 3.5 hours, and it is not suitable for children under 14. It is best treated as a memorial rather than an attraction, with quiet, respect and time afterwards to reflect.
Why visit
A visit is not enjoyable, but many people find it one of the most important things they do in Europe.
To the scale of the Holocaust.
Through the exhibitions and guides.
Preserved as a warning.
Trained museum educators.
About 1.5 hours away.
Main attractions
The memorial has two sites, linked by a shuttle bus.
The original camp, with brick barracks that now house exhibitions on the history of the camp, the victims and the perpetrators, including personal belongings.
Tip Take the guided tour.
The vast extermination camp, with the railway ramp, ruins of the gas chambers, the memorial monument and surviving barracks.
Tip Wear comfortable shoes and bring water.
Permanent exhibitions in blocks, including national exhibitions and the display of victims' belongings.
Tip Photography is limited in some blocks.
A memorial at Birkenau with plaques in the languages of the victims.
Tip Take a moment of silence.
A museum and synagogue in the town of Oświęcim.
Tip Optional addition.
The town outside the camp, with a Jewish history before the war.
Tip Stay respectful.
Things to do
A visit is a serious experience.
Educators lead groups through both sites.
Tip Book weeks in advance.
Between Auschwitz I and Birkenau.
Tip Included in tours.
Crowds are smaller.
Tip Book the first slot.
Survivor testimonies such as Primo Levi.
Tip Prepare emotionally.
Do not schedule anything intense.
Tip Take a quiet evening.
To see the wider story.
Tip Visit Kazimierz.
Local food
There is a cafeteria at the museum, but most visitors eat in Kraków.
Simple meals and snacks.
Where to try it At the visitor centre.
Polish and Jewish-style food.
Where to try it Kazimierz.
Food cannot be eaten inside.
Where to try it Bring a snack.
Bring water, especially in summer.
Where to try it At the entrance.
Available at the visitor centre.
Where to try it The cafeteria.
Accommodation
Most visitors stay in Kraków.
Transport
Auschwitz is about 65 km west of Kraków.
A shuttle links the two sites.
When to go
The site is open all year, and the atmosphere is heavy whatever the weather.
Mild and smaller crowds.
Busy and hot.
Calm.
Cold and quiet, and the atmosphere is stark.
Worth planning around: Peak July and August, and 27 January, the anniversary of liberation, when there are ceremonies.
Itinerary
A guided tour from Kraków.
A guided visit.
Travel tips
A few tips help you prepare.
FAQ
About 3.5 hours for a guided tour.
Yes at certain times, but book a slot online.
Entry without a guide is free at certain hours, though a ticket is still needed. Guided tours cost money.
It is not recommended for those under 14.
Yes in most places, but not in some rooms. Be respectful.
About 65 km, or 1.5 hours.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Auschwitz-Birkenau, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Lesser Poland, southern Poland, Poland
A UNESCO-listed old town with the Main Market Square, Wawel Castle, Kazimierz, Schindler's Factory and easy trips to Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz.
Don't miss The Main Market Square at dusk, with the trumpeter's call from St. Mary's tower and horse carriages passing the Cloth Hall.
Explore Destination — KrakówLesser Poland, Tatra Mountains, Poland
The gateway to the Polish Tatras, with the carved-wood Zakopane style, Morskie Oko lake, the Kasprowy Wierch cable car, Giewont, hiking, skiing and smoked oscypek cheese.
Don't miss Morskie Oko, a glacial lake ringed by granite peaks, reached by an easy walk from the road.
Explore Destination — Zakopane and the TatrasMasovia, central Poland, Poland
Poland's capital, with the reconstructed Old Town, the Royal Castle, Łazienki Park, the POLIN Museum, the Warsaw Uprising Museum, Palace of Culture and a lively restaurant and bar scene.
Don't miss The Old Town Market Square, meticulously reconstructed after 1945 from paintings and photographs, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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