Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour with AT Cracow in Poland
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4–5 hours including transportation
Fitness Level
Suitable for most adults able to walk briskly over uneven surfaces for several kilometers
Overview
Journey beyond the typical tourist track with AT Cracow’s private car tour to Auschwitz-Birkenau, a stark memorial that offers a respectful, deeply moving glimpse into history just outside Krakow.
Auschwitz & Birkenau with Private Car
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About This Adventure
Experience a profound journey through history at the Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial complex. With a professional guide, explore the haunting remnants of Europe’s largest concentration camp, learn the stories of its victims, and reflect on the importance of humanity. This unique tour offers a deeply moving opportunity to honor those lost.
The Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial complex holds a special place in Poland’s history.
Duration
6-7 hours
Highlights
• Visit the Camps with a professional guide • Hotel pickup included • Enjoy your journey in a comfortable private car • Have assistance during the tour by professional English speaking driver
About
Our professional guide will provide you with information about the different parts of the complex along with the history and stories of the place. The Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial complex holds a special place in Poland’s history. Marked by the Nazi regime, which spread terror throughout Europe, this somber site invokes the need to preserve humanity in the world. Visitors of the site can go through photographs, letters, documents, and even learn stories about the victims who lived in the Auschwitz-Birkenau site, which was the largest concentration camp in Europe. Housed in the complex are a museum, three concentration camps and several other relics from the World War period. It is believed that nearly 1.3 million prisoners were held captive in this camp, out of which 1.1 million people lost their lives in the camp. Some fell prey to sickness while others ended up becoming lab rats for clinical tests and research and many others were gassed to death. To visit the place is not just to learn about the terrifying past of the site, but also to remember the importance of humanity, the extent of horrors faced by the people in the camp and to pay your respects to the victims who could not survive the camp.
Duration of the visit:
• Auschwitz – 2 hours • Birkenau – 1 hour (Above times are approximate)
Important information
• Tickets are per name, do not forget to take any document with a picture to confirm your identity. • Please note that the maximum size of bags and backpacks allowed on the museum grounds is 30 x 20 x 10 centimetres (roughly 12 x 8 x 4 inches). You can always leave your belongings inside the vehicle, or in the luggage store in Auschwitz. • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Adventure Tips
Book Your Tour in Advance
Auschwitz-Birkenau tours fill quickly; securing your spot early ensures access and preferred timing.
Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes
Expect to walk several kilometers on uneven surfaces and gravel paths within the camp grounds.
Maintain Respectful Behavior
Photography is allowed in most areas, but silence and reverence should be preserved throughout the visit.
Bring Weather-Appropriate Clothing
Weather can be unpredictable; pack layers and rain gear as the site is mostly outdoors.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- European hares often found in the surrounding fields
- Various bird species including white storks in nearby rural areas
History
Auschwitz was established in 1940 and became the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp during World War II, symbolizing the tragic human cost of the Holocaust.
Conservation
The memorial site focuses on preservation and respectful education, with ongoing efforts to maintain the historic structures while minimizing visitor impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Krakow
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Supportive footwear is necessary for traversing gravel and cobblestone surfaces.
Weather-Appropriate Layers
Layering helps adjust to changing temperatures during the outdoor portion of the tour.
spring|fall|winter specific
Rain Jacket or Poncho
Rain protection is advised as the grounds are mostly open and exposed.
spring|summer|fall specific
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during several hours of walking and standing.