Historical Day Tours in Krakow with AT Cracow
Difficulty
easy
Duration
7–9 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have basic fitness to handle a full day of walking and moderate stairs.
Overview
Spend a day traversing the stark history of Auschwitz-Birkenau before descending into the stunning salt-carved chambers of the Wieliczka Salt Mine. AT Cracow’s combined tour delivers a uniquely powerful glimpse into Poland’s past and geology—all within reach of Krakow’s city center.
Auschwitz-Birkenau & Salt Mine in One Day and Ebook
All ages • Duration: 10-12 hours
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About This Adventure
Experience a profound journey through history with a day tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Explore the haunting remnants of the concentration camps and delve into the stunning underground corridors filled with salt sculptures and chapels. This guided tour offers deep insights and unforgettable memories in one remarkable day.
Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau and Salt mine at one day
Duration
10-12 hours
Highlights
• Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau and Salt mine at one day. • Great-value tour includes entrance fees, guides and hotel pick-up • Explore 3 km of the underground corridors of the Wieliczka Salt Mine • During the tour brake time between 30min - 90min • Prepare for the tour with our eBook in English ("The Stories of Auschwitz")
About
Spread over 191 hectares of land, the museum is symbolic of the atrocities suffered by the victims living in the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps. With ruins of gas chambers and the crematoria being a part of the museum grounds, your visit can help you imagine the carnage that took place on the same grounds less than a century ago. The rest of the complex offers equally poignant experiences and deep insight into the unfathomable pain and horrors of the 1.2 million people who led their fateful lives in these concentration camps. During the course of this guided tour, an experienced English-speaking guide will accompany you through the complex sharing important information about various parts of the camps and helping you better understand the significance of these camp relics.
The second leg of the tour takes you to the Located not very far from Krakow Wieliczka Salt Mine, one of the most popular historic monuments in Poland. Salt Mines in Wieliczka was excavated since the 13th century for its rock salt and had been used by the Nazis as an armament factory. The tour covers a 3km stretch of the mines where you will come across chapels, shafts, lakes, sculptures carved in rock salt and mining technology used centuries ago. The salt mines require visitors to take a staircase consisting of 700 steps which takes you down to the level of mines. An elevator ride will bring you back to the ground level once the tour ends.
Important information
• Youth tickets discount is only with valid student ID card, in the day of the tour. Please ensure to take student ID card with you, otherwise you will need to pay an extra fee for an adult ticket • 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. • During the course of the tour, you will get a 30min to 90min breaks to have snacks. It is advised that you carry your own food and water as the duration of the brakes may bi different due to the traffic conditions, entrance queues, and other not expected situations. • You must be prepared to walk through the memorial complex and the 3km stretch of the salt mines along with the 700 steps that take you down to the level of the mines. It is advised that you consider this tour if you have a moderate fitness level. • A uniquely personalized English copy of the eBook is valid for each participant of the tour.
Adventure Tips
Respect the Historical Site
Maintain silence and follow all guidelines at Auschwitz-Birkenau to honor the memory of victims.
Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes
Both sites require substantial walking on uneven surfaces, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Bring a Light Jacket
The Wieliczka Salt Mine maintains a cool temperature year-round, often around 14°C (57°F).
Carry Water and Snacks
There are limited refreshment options inside the sites, so come prepared for the full day.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban birds like common swifts in Krakow.
- Small cave-dwelling fungi and microorganisms inside the salt mine.
History
Auschwitz-Birkenau was the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp, operating from 1940 to 1945, while Wieliczka Salt Mine has been producing salt since the 13th century.
Conservation
Both sites are protected as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with strict visitor guidelines to preserve their condition for future generations.
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Adventure Hotspots in Krakow
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Necessary for navigating uneven terrain and long walks comfortably.
Light Jacket or Sweater
Keeps you warm in the cooler temperatures of the salt mine and outdoor sites.
fall|spring|winter specific
Water Bottle
Staying hydrated during the physically active day is essential.
summer|null specific
Camera or Smartphone
Useful for capturing the striking sights respectfully.