VISIT AUSCHWITZ – COMPLETE GUIDE TO VISITING AUSCHWITZ INSIDE 2026
Everything you need to know before visiting Auschwitz
During World War II, Auschwitz, located in German-occupied Poland, was one of the largest concentration camps run by the Nazis from 1940 to 1945, where over a million people, mostly Jews, lost their lives during the Holocaust. The camp was separated into three parts: Auschwitz I camp (a prison), Auschwitz II-Birkenau (a place of executions with gas chambers), and Auschwitz III-Monowitz (a forced labor camp).
Auschwitz was liberated by Soviet soldiers in January 1945. Today, people from all over the world visit Auschwitz. In 2023, more than 1.6 million people came to see the Auschwitz Memorial, which stands as a memorial, a place of education, and a reminder of the horrors of inhumanity, hatred, and prejudice.
About Auschwitz
Life inside Auschwitz was defined by terrible suffering. Prisoners were exposed to starvation, forced labor, and brutal violence. They lived in harsh conditions in overcrowded, dirty conditions that spread contagious diseases while also suffering emotional and mental abuse.
Families were separated, and many people were executed shortly after arriving. It is estimated that more than 1 million people lost their lives at Auschwitz, with the majority being Jewish men, women, and children. Other victims included many members of the Polish army and resistance, Romani people, Soviet prisoners of war, and others persecuted by the Nazis.
Best time to visit Auschwitz
You can visit Auschwitz at any time of the year. The weather is usually more pleasant in spring, early autumn, and summer. The winter months in Poland can be pretty cold, but there are fewer crowds. Summer months are more comfortable, but you should expect a large number of people visiting at that time.
If you want to avoid crowds, we recommend visiting on weekdays and avoiding anniversaries and festive seasons. Arriving early when it opens or later in the afternoon, especially on weekends or holidays, can also help to ensure a quieter experience.
Getting there
Auschwitz Concentration Camp is located in Oświęcim, about an hour from Krakow. You can take a direct train from Kraków Główny to Oświęcim, which is a 25-minute walk from the station to Auschwitz I. Driving is another option, with car rentals available in Krakow and parking space at Auschwitz I. Buses take around 90 minutes from Krakow’s bus station and drop you off near the museum.
The most convenient way to visit is by booking a tour. We offer tours to Auschwitz from Krakow, Katowice, Wroclaw, Warsaw, and Prague.
Auschwitz inside – A must-see sights
The main gate entrance: The large gate at Auschwitz is one of the most recognizable images of the camp, with the words “Arbeit Macht Frei”, meaning “Work Sets You Free”. Prisoners walked through this gate every day on their way to forced labor.
The prison blocks: The prison blocks house exhibits displaying personal belongings of prisoners, photographs, and evidence of the atrocities, such as cells, wooden bunks, and displays relating to the camp’s brutal operations, including execution sites and medical experiments done by Dr. Josef Mengele and other scientists.
Gas chambers and crematoria: Prisoners were taken to gas chambers with the toxic gas Zyklon B. Deceived into believing they were going for a shower, the gas chambers were designed to look like bathing facilities.
Block 11 (The Death Block): Prisoners in Block 11 faced severe punishments, including confinement in dark, overcrowded, or standing cells, often for sabotage or escape attempts. In Block 11 today, visitors can see the punishment cells, prisoner belongings, and documents that show the harsh conditions and executions that occurred there.
The Auschwitz-Birkenau ramp: Visit the site where prisoners arrived by train, a place of tragic separations as families were torn apart. Many were sent directly to their deaths in the nearby gas chambers.
The Memorial and International Monument: Situated strategically between the remnants of two crematoria at Birkenau, this monument commemorates the victims of the Holocaust and the millions who lost their lives at Auschwitz.
Explore the tragic history of Auschwitz with our guided tours
Skip-the-line
Auschwitz Tickets
Skip the lines and explore the remains of Nazi’s largest concentration camp in Poland. Learn about the Holocaust and visit the original barracks and the gas chambers. See the personal belongings of prisoners and harrowing Block 11, known as the Death Block, which holds exhibits about punishments and executions. Walk through the powerful and haunting sight of Auschwitz’s iconic main gate, where so many entered but never left.
Skip-the-Line
Auschwitz Guided Tour
Visit Auschwitz Concentration Camp with a licensed guide and learn about its important and tragic history. Skip the line and enter through the "Arbeit Macht Frei" gate and explore both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. Hear about the Holocaust, World War II, and the terrible events that took place there. See the Auschwitz Museum and the remains of gas chambers and crematoria, preserved as a reminder of the horrific crimes that happened there.
FAQ - Visit Auschwitz
Should I book my tour in advance?
There are long lines at Auschwitz, no matter the time of day. We strongly recommend reserving your tour online in advance. With guided tours, you will skip the entrance lines and be accompanied by a designated tour guide.How long does it take to explore Auschwitz?
Exploring Auschwitz usually takes around 3.5 hours. You are welcome to stay longer to explore in more detail or pause for the reflection.Can I visit Auschwitz with children?
Consider the ages and emotional maturity of children. The Auschwitz Memorial recommends that children under 14 not visit.Are there specific rules of behavior that should be observed during the visit?
Remember that Auschwitz is a memorial; therefore, respectful behavior is required. In certain places like the crematoria, silence is required out of respect for victims.What type of clothes should I wear for the visit to Auschwitz?
Visits to Camps Auschwitz and Birkenau Camps require a fair amount of walking; therefore, we recommend wearing walking closed-toed shoes and comfortable clothes as per the weather conditions.Are restrooms available at Auschwitz?
Restrooms, including accessible ones, are available at several key locations at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum. Due to the size of the site, it’s recommended to use facilities near the entrance before starting your visit.What are the rules regarding the bags and luggage?
You can enter Auschwitz with a small bag or backpack. Please remember that the size should not be larger than 35x25x15 cm. If you have larger items, paid luggage storage is offered with several size options of 90x50x30 cm, 60x50x30 cm, and 90x65x50 cm, with a maximum weight of 30 kg.Is Auschwitz suitable for visitors with reduced mobility?
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum offers some accessibility for disabled visitors, though there are limitations due to the historical nature of the site. The museum offers wheelchairs, accessible restrooms, and assistance, with advance notice recommended.Auschwitz DO’s & DON’Ts
DO visit a bookshop
Auschwitz has two leading book shops located at the Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau sites. These shops offer a range of books, documentaries, and educational materials related to the history of the Holocaust, Auschwitz, and World War II.
DON’T rush & leave time after the tour to process your emotions
The visit will probably leave you full of thoughts and reflection. Discussion, especially if you are visiting with children, could be helpful.
DO walk along the railway tracks
At Birkenau, the railway tracks are a significant part of the site, marking the place where prisoners were unloaded and families separated. Walking along these tracks will give you time and space for personal reflection.
DON’T treat the visit as a typical tourist attraction
Remember that Auschwitz is a place of historical tragedy, not a sightseeing site.
DO sign the guestbook
Many visitors sign the guestbook, leaving messages of remembrance and reflections.
Experience Auschwitz from other locations with our convenient tours!
T&T selected and approved for you!
Skip-the-line
Auschwitz Tour from Krakow
Visit the historic grounds of the former concentration camp where over 1 million people, primarily Jews, lost their lives during the Holocaust. Explore the gas chambers, view the original belongings of Auschwitz prisoners, and walk through the historic buildings and barracks as your expert guide shares their stories. Enjoy the convenience of skip-the-line tickets, hotel pick-up, comfortable transportation, and drop-off in Krakow.
Fast-track access
Auschwitz Tour from Warsaw
Join us on a guided tour from Warsaw to Auschwitz, and explore the historic site where over 1 million people lost their lives between 1941 and 1945. This guided tour offers a deep insight into the tragic events of World War II. Experience the somber atmosphere as you visit the gas chambers and original barracks. Your knowledgeable guide will share powerful stories and insights about this tragic chapter in history. The tour includes convenient round-trip transportation from Warsaw.