Plan yours visit to Auschwitz Birkenau Museum

Plan Your Visit To The Auschwitz Concentration Camp

Auschwitz-Birkenau Plan Your Visit

The largest Nazi concentration camp built in occupied Europe, Auschwitz-Birkenau has become a significant site in the history of the Holocaust. Visiting Auschwitz will allow you to view artifacts, the execution and imprisonment sites, and thousands of preserved objects. A somber and emotional visit, the time you spend at the Auschwitz concentration camp allows you to pay tribute to the many victims of the genocide.

Auschwitz-Birkenau | Visitor information at a glance

  • What are the Auschwitz-Birkenau opening hours?
    Auschwitz is open to visitors from 7:30 AM. The closing hours vary depending on the month.
  • When is Auschwitz closed?
    Auschwitz is closed on January 1, December 25, and Easter Sunday.
  • Where is Auschwitz located?
    Auschwitz is located at Ofiar Faszyzmu 12, 32-600 Brzezinka, Poland
  • How many entrances does Auschwitz have?
    There are two Auschwitz entrances, Auschwitz I Main Entrance and Auschwitz II-Birkenau Hell’s Gate entrance.
  • How many visitors does Auschwitz see per year?
    Auschwitz-Birkenau welcomes around 2 million visitors annually.
 
 
 

Auschwitz Opening Hours

General timings:

  • December: 7:30 AM – 2 PM
  • January & November: 7:30 AM – 3 PM
  • February: 7:30 AM – 4 PM
  • March, October: 7:30 AM – 5 PM
  • April, May & September: 7:30 AM – 6 PM
  • June, July & August: 7:30 AM – 7 PM

Duration: Visiting Auschwitz can take a minimum of 3-4 hours. Visitors can stay on the site 90 minutes after the last entrance hour. 

Best time to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau?

  • Weekdays vs. Weekends: Weekdays are generally less crowded at Auschwitz, allowing for a more contemplative atmosphere. If you prefer quieter moments of reflection, aim for a weekday visit. 
  • Ideal timing: Mornings often offer a serene ambiance as visitors arrive, making it a great time to explore in relative solitude. The afternoons can be busier.
  • Seasonal considerations: The peak tourist season falls between June -August during summer, so if you prefer a quieter visit, consider visiting Auschwitz during the off-peak seasons like spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), when the crowds are thinner, and the weather is milder. Winter months (December – February), with fewer tourists, also provide a quieter, more contemplative experience. 

Where is Auschwitz located?

Address: Ofiar Faszyzmu 12, 32-600 Brzezinka, Poland
Auschwitz location on map

Auschwitz concentration camp location: Auschwitz-Birkenau is situated in the southern part of Poland. Nestled in the town of Oswiecim, this solemn site can be found in the Lesser Poland region.

Closest city to Auschwitz: Krakow (approximately 70 km)

Nearest airport to Auschwitz: John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice (59 km)

Getting to Auschwitz-Birkenau

The Auschwitz concentration camp has two sections, Auschwitz I, the primary camp, and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, which is located 3 km away from the main site. Here are some of the best ways for you to get to Auschwitz from different parts of Poland.

Visiting Auschwitz by train

Train

Nearest train station: Oswiecim Central Station

  • From Krakow: Direct trains run from the Krakow’s main railway station to Oswiecim station, 2 km away from Auschwitz. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
  • From Warsaw: Take a train from Warsaw Central Station (Warszawa Centralna) to Oswiecim station. The journey takes approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours.
  • From Wroclaw: The train ride usually takes around 3.5 to 4 hours.
  • From Gdansk: The train ride takes around 5 to 6 hours.
  • From Katowice: You can take a train from Katowice station to Oswiecim station. The train journey takes around 1 to 1.5 hours.
Visiting Auschwitz by bus

Bus

Nearest bus stop: Oswiecim Muzeum

  • From Krakow: Board the bus at Krakow MDA Station. The journey will take around 1.5 to 2 hours.
  • From Warsaw: Buses from Warsaw to Auschwitz are available, usually departing from the main bus station. The journey by bus may take around 4.5 to 5.5 hours.
  • From Wroclaw: Buses from Wroclaw to Auschwitz are another option, departing from the central bus station. The journey may take around 4 to 5 hours.
  • From Gdansk: Buses from Gdansk to Auschwitz can be taken from the main bus station. The bus journey may take approximately 6 to 7 hours.
  • From Katowice: Buses depart from Katowice’s main bus station and offer a comfortable ride of about 1.5 hours.
Visiting Auschwitz by car

Car

  • From Krakow: If you prefer driving, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive from Krakow to Auschwitz.
  • From Warsaw: It’s about 3.5 to 4.5-hour drive from Warsaw to Auschwitz.
  • From Wroclaw: It’s about a 3.5 to 4-hour drive from Wroclaw to Auschwitz.
  • From Gdansk: It’s about a 5 to 6-hour drive from Gdansk to Auschwitz.
  • From Katowice: If you prefer driving, it’s about a 1 to 1.5-hour drive from Katowice to Auschwitz.

Parking facilities:

Paid car parking facilities are available near both former concentration camps, including:

If you want to avoid the hassle of planning your travel to Auschwitz, you can take a guided tour to Auschwitz with free transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle. Depending on your ticket, you will be picked up from a common meeting point or your hotel and will be accompanied by an expert guide.

Know before you go to Auschwitz

 
Auschwitz Entrances

Auschwitz-Birkenau has two entrances:

  1. The Main Entrance to Auschwitz I: This well-known wrought-iron gate, which bears the haunting inscription “Arbeit Macht Frei” (Work Liberates), marks the entrance to the Auschwitz I camp. 
  2. Hell’s Gate Entrance to Auschwitz II Birkenau: The second entrance provides access to the extensive grounds of Auschwitz II Birkenau, highlighted by the iconic railway tracks leading into the camp.
 

Frequently asked questions about visiting Auschwitz

Where is Auschwitz located?
 

Auschwitz-Birkenau, Nazi Germany’s largest concentration and extermination camp, is located near the town of Oswiecim in southern Poland. The exact address is Ofiar Faszyzmu 12, 32-600 Brzezinka, Poland.

 
What are Auschwitz opening hours?
 

Auschwitz is open to visitors from 7:30 AM every day. However, the closing times vary depending on the month. 

 
What are the different ways to reach Auschwitz?
 

You can reach Auschwitz from Krakow, Warsaw, Gdansk, Wroclaw, and Katowice via car, train, or bus.

 
Is there any age limit to visit Auschwitz?
 

Children under the age of 14 are not allowed to visit Auschwitz.

 
How long do I need to spend at Auschwitz?
 
Is there a dress code to be followed when visiting Auschwitz?
 

There’s no dress policy, but visitors are expected to dress respectfully, keeping the historical significance of the place in mind.

 
Is photography allowed during my visit to Auschwitz?
 
Can you take food inside Auschwitz?
 

No. Consuming food is prohibited on the memorial grounds.

 
Are there any refreshments offered during my visit to Auschwitz?
 

Refreshments are not offered during your visit to Auschwitz, but you can visit the cafeteria in Auschwitz I camp for a quick bite.

 
Are there toilet facilities inside Auschwitz?
 

There are paid toilets available in both Auschwitz I and Birkenau concentration camps.

 
What country is Auschwitz in?
 

Auschwitz is in Poland.

 
Which is the closest big city to Auschwitz?
 

Krakow is the closest city to Auschwitz. It is located approximately 71 km away

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