What is the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial?
Auschwitz was the largest of the Nazi German concentration and extermination camps. About 1.1 million people were murdered there between 1940 and 1945, around a million of them Jews, along with Poles, Roma, Soviet prisoners of war and others. The Memorial and Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserves two parts of the camp in Oświęcim, about 65 km west of Krakow.
- Auschwitz I, the original camp: brick blocks with exhibitions on the deportations and life in the camp, the "Arbeit macht frei" gate, the execution wall and the gas chamber.
- Auschwitz II-Birkenau, 3 km away: the vast extermination camp, with the railway ramp, the ruins of the gas chambers and crematoria, wooden barracks and the international monument.
It's a place of remembrance, not a tourist attraction. Plan your visit with that in mind.
Entry passes and tours
Entry to the grounds is free, but numbers are strictly limited, and you must reserve a named entry pass online for a specific time. Since passes went online-only, nothing is sold at the entrance. Bring the ID used for booking.
The guided tour is paid. Check the current price on visit.auschwitz.org, where reduced prices apply for students and pupils up to 26, visitors over 75 and disabled visitors. English tours run most often: hourly in winter, every 30 minutes from April to June and in September, and every 15 minutes in July and August. Other languages run a few times a day.
Book as early as possible
Passes for English-language tours in summer often go weeks in advance. If your date is full, check the later independent-entry times, or book a tour from Krakow that includes the entry.
Independent entry times
Before these times, entry is only with a Memorial guide. After them, you can visit independently with a free pass. You can stay 90 minutes after the last entry time.
An independent visit in the late slot is very rushed, and it's easy to miss Birkenau. Most visitors are much better served by the guided tour.
How busy is it?
Around 1.8 million people visit each year. Timed passes limit numbers, but Auschwitz I's narrow blocks can still feel crowded in summer, which is hard in a place like this.
Crowds by day and time
From the typical weekly visitor pattern for Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, based on Google’s popular-times data.
Quietest time
Sunday, 7-8 am
Busiest time
Monday, 9 am-4 pm
Getting there from Krakow
A free shuttle bus runs between Auschwitz I and Birkenau. Guided tours use it as part of the visit.
Practical tips
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early for security checks.
- Bags must be under 35 x 25 x 15 cm. Larger bags must be left in the luggage room (paid) or the car.
- Bring your ID matching the pass.
- Dress respectfully and wear comfortable shoes: Birkenau is huge and unpaved in places.
- Bring water and layers: Birkenau is exposed, very cold in winter and hot in summer.
- Photos are allowed in most places, but not in the hall with the victims' hair, or in the basement of Block 11.
Visiting with children
The Memorial doesn't recommend visits for children under 14. Older teenagers usually benefit most from a guided visit, with preparation beforehand.
Mistakes to avoid
- Turning up without a pass: nothing is sold at the gate.
- Bringing a big backpack.
- Skipping Birkenau. It's the heart of the site and many people run out of time.
- Booking the late independent slot expecting a full visit.
- Planning something light right after. Most people need quiet time afterwards.
Is it worth visiting?
Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau is one of the most important things you can do on a trip to Poland. It's harrowing, but the educators do an extraordinary job of making the history understandable and personal. Book a guided tour and give the day the time it deserves.
🎟️ Explore tours
Entry is free. Find guided tours and things to do in Krakow through our authorised partner.
FAQs
Is Auschwitz free to visit?
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Yes, entry is free, but you need a timed entry pass booked online. Guided tours are paid.
Can I visit Auschwitz without a guide?
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Yes, but only in the later entry times, which vary by month (from 5 pm April-September).
How do I book Auschwitz tickets?
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Online at visit.auschwitz.org. No passes are sold at the entrance.
How long does a visit take?
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The guided tour of both camps takes about 3.5 hours, plus travel from Krakow (about 1.5 hours each way).
What size bag can I bring?
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A maximum of 35 x 25 x 15 cm.
When is it least crowded?
Heading to Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum?
See how busy it is right now and the quietest hours for your date, then walk in when the line is short.
Check live crowds →Sources
How we research: every guide is written by the BeatTheCrowd team from official sources and recent traveller reports, cross-checked against each other, and dated so you know how fresh it is. Last checked 29 October 2026. Prices and rules change, so always confirm on the official site before you book.
