The Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour offers visitors a chance to explore the complex history of one of the most notorious concentration camps from World War II. With the option to join a guided tour or explore at one’s own pace, the experience provides a rundown of the camp’s layout and the stories of its victims. Complemented by an informative ebook and round-trip transportation, the tour allows visitors to enjoy this solemn yet crucial chapter of history. Whether seeking a deeper understanding or simply wishing to pay respects, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour presents a meaningful and thought-provoking opportunity.
Key Points

- The tour offers a comprehensive experience exploring both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau concentration camps.
- Participants can choose between a guided tour with a certified museum English-speaking guide or a self-guided tour.
- The tour includes entry fees, headsets, and a preparation e-book ‘The Stories of Auschwitz’.
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible but suitable for most visitors, with a casual dress code and limited bag size.
- The tour provides round-trip transportation from and to Krakow, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
Tour Overview

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour offers visitors a comprehensive experience, allowing them to explore the historic Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau camps.
Participants will travel by air-conditioned vehicle to and from Krakow, with the option to have a certified museum English-speaking guide accompany them.
The tour includes entry fees, headsets to hear the guide clearly, and a preparation e-book titled ‘The Stories of Auschwitz’ for each participant.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s suitable for most visitors, though children under 13 aren’t recommended.
Participants should dress casually and pack light, as bag size is limited.
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Inclusions
The Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour includes a certified museum English-speaking guide for those who select that option, providing visitors with expert commentary and insights throughout the experience.
Along with the guide, the tour package includes entry fees to both the Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau camps. Participants will also receive headsets to ensure they can hear the guide clearly, even in crowded conditions.
The tour includes round-trip transportation from and to Krakow, as well as a preparation e-book called ‘The Stories of Auschwitz‘ provided to each participant.
This comprehensive package ensures visitors have everything they need for a meaningful and informative visit to these historic sites.
Considerations

Though the Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour offers a comprehensive experience, there are several practical considerations visitors should keep in mind. For instance, the tour is not wheelchair accessible, so those with mobility challenges may need to make alternative arrangements. Plus, visitors are required to behave appropriately and maintain a casual dress code throughout the tour.
Children below 13 are not recommended, though they can participate with no headset or receiver. Bag size is limited to 30 x 20 x 10 cm, and lunch is not included, though a lunchbox option is available.
| Consideration | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Wheelchair Accessibility | Not wheelchair accessible |
| Behavior | Mandatory to behave appropriately |
| Dress Code | Casual dress code required |
Tour Options
Visitors can choose between guided and non-guided options for the Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour, with a maximum group size of 30 when a guide is selected.
The guided option includes a certified museum English-speaking guide, providing in-depth commentary and insights into the history of the camps.
For those seeking a more independent experience, the non-guided option allows visitors to explore the sites at their own pace, with the supplementary eBook ‘The Stories of Auschwitz‘ as a helpful resource.
The guided tour offers a more comprehensive and structured experience.
The non-guided option provides flexibility for self-paced exploration.
Both options include roundtrip transportation from Krakow and entry fees to Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau.
Additional Information

With over 525 reviews and a Badge of Excellence, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour has earned the trust of many visitors. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours prior.
While reviews generally indicate overall satisfaction, some visitors have expressed concerns about the rushed pace and limited time for exploration during the tour.
The tour offers both guided and non-guided options, with a maximum group size of 30 when a guide is present. Participants should note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and a casual dress code is required.
Children under 13 aren’t recommended, unless they opt out of using the provided headsets and receivers.
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Meeting Points
The tour offers pickup from 8 different meeting points scattered throughout Krakow, providing visitors with convenient transportation options to the Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial site.
This allows participants to join the tour directly from their accommodation or a central location, saving time and effort.
The pickup points include:
- Main Market Square
- Radisson Blu Hotel
- Sheraton Grand Krakow
- Hilton Garden Inn Krakow
- DoubleTree by Hilton Krakow
- Novotel Krakow Centrum
- Ibis Krakow Stare Miasto
- Holiday Inn Krakow City Center
This flexible arrangement ensures a seamless start to the Auschwitz-Birkenau tour, allowing visitors to focus on the emotional and educational experience ahead.
Headsets and Transfers

One of the key inclusions in the Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour is the provision of headsets, which allow participants to clearly hear the guide’s commentary throughout the tour. This ensures visitors can fully engage with the historical information and accounts being shared, even in the large outdoor areas of the memorial site.
The tour also includes round-trip transportation from Krakow, with pickup from 8 different meeting points. This air-conditioned vehicle service makes the tour accessible and convenient for visitors, allowing them to focus on the emotional and educational aspects of the experience rather than navigating transportation.
Together, the headsets and transfers work to enhance the overall tour, providing a seamless and immersive visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau camps.
Lunch and Dress Code
Lunch isn’t included in the Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour, though a lunchbox option is available for purchase.
The dress code for the tour is:
- Comfortable, casual clothing
- Closed-toe shoes for walking
- No revealing or inappropriate attire
While the tour doesn’t provide lunch, visitors can opt for a lunchbox to enjoy during their visit. This ensures they’re nourished and energized to fully engage with the powerful history of the Auschwitz-Birkenau camps.
Plus, the tour requires a casual dress code, as visitors are expected to behave appropriately while exploring the somber memorial site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Photos Inside Auschwitz-Birkenau?
Photography is generally allowed at Auschwitz-Birkenau, but visitors are asked to be respectful and avoid taking photos in certain sensitive areas. It’s best to check with staff for specific guidelines before taking pictures on the site.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
There are age restrictions for the Auschwitz-Birkenau tour. Children under 13 are not recommended, though they can attend with no headset/receiver. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users either.
Is Water/Snacks Provided During the Tour?
The tour doesn’t provide water or snacks. Visitors should bring their own refreshments to stay hydrated and nourished during the experience. Bringing a small bag with personal items is recommended, as long as it meets the size restrictions.
How Much Time Is Allocated for Exploring Each Camp?
The tour allocates approximately 1.5-2 hours to explore each camp, Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. The time may vary depending on the guided or non-guided option selected and the group size. Visitors should expect a thoughtful yet efficient pace.
Are There Any Special Accommodations for Mobility-Impaired Visitors?
The tour is not wheelchair accessible, so mobility-impaired visitors may face challenges navigating the camps. However, the tour provider doesn’t specify any special accommodations, so visitors with accessibility needs should inquire about options when booking.
Recap
The Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour provides a comprehensive experience to explore the historical camps. Visitors can choose a guided tour with an expert guide or a self-paced non-guided tour.
The tour includes entry fees, headsets, an ebook, and roundtrip transportation from Krakow.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most visitors with a casual dress code and limited bag size requirements.
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