In which town is Auschwitz?

Located in and near the town of Oswiecim, the Auschwitz camp system was the largest of the concentration and death camp complexes built by the Germans in occupied Poland during World War II. The camp complex included Auschwitz I, Auschwitz II-Birkenau, Auschwitz III-Monowitz (Buna), and over 45 subcamps.



The Auschwitz concentration and extermination camp is located on the outskirts of the Polish town of Oświęcim. During the German occupation of Poland in World War II, the town was annexed by Nazi Germany and renamed Auschwitz, which is the German translation of Oświęcim. The camp complex was divided into several parts: Auschwitz I (the original "Main Camp") is located right on the edge of the town center, while Auschwitz II-Birkenau is located about 3 kilometers away in the nearby village of Brzezinka. Today, the town of Oświęcim is a living community with a population of approximately 37,000, located in the Lesser Poland (Małopolska) province, about 66 kilometers (41 miles) west of Kraków. Visitors typically arrive at the Oświęcim train station and take a short bus or taxi ride to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, which preserves the site as a somber historical monument and educational center.

People Also Ask

Auschwitz-Birkenau is just under 70km from the centre of Kraków and will take just over an hour via the A4. Note, however, that you'll need to play a toll, paid for electronically in advance.

MORE DETAILS

There are also two international airports within about 50 kilometers of Oswiecim: Kraków-Balice and Katowice-Pyrzowice.

MORE DETAILS

It is essential to visit both parts of the camp, Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, in order to acquire a proper sense of the place that has become the symbol of the Holocaust as well as Nazi crimes againt Poles, Romas and other groups.

MORE DETAILS

Most people who visit Auschwitz-Birkenau do so on a day trip from Krakow. Auschwitz-Birkenau is 75 kilometers west of Krakow. You can get to Auschwitz-Birkenau by car, bus or train. The closest town to Auschwitz is Oswiecim.

MORE DETAILS

While the memorial does not specifically impose a dress code, it urges visitors to dress appropriately, keeping in mind the solemn and sensitive nature of the site. Photography is allowed on the grounds of the museum, but visitors should avoid using flash and stands.

MORE DETAILS

How long will it take to cover Auschwitz? Visiting Auschwitz can take a minimum of three-and-a-half hours. Visitors can stay on the site 90 minutes after the last entrance hour.

MORE DETAILS

Refreshments are not offered during your visit to Auschwitz, but you can visit the cafeteria in Auschwitz I camp for a quick bite. There are paid toilets available in both Auschwitz I and Birkenau concentration camps.

MORE DETAILS

Krakow is quite affordable for most types of travelers. Especially in comparison to Western Europe, not to mention Scandinavia. Since it is one of Poland's biggest cities, prices in Poland Krakow such as living and travel are slightly higher than in the rest of the country.

MORE DETAILS

Our most recommended Auschwitz Tours
  • Krakow: Auschwitz Guided Tour with Pickup and Optional Lunch. ...
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau: Skip-the-Line Guided Tour. ...
  • Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour with Transportation. ...
  • From Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour with Transportation. ...
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau Skip-the-Line Guided Tour.


MORE DETAILS

Groups get from 4 up to 8 participants, maximum size of the group at Auschwitz is between 20 - 30 people. During the trip you stay under our driver's care, you can rely on his experience. Auschwitz tour takes about 6 hours if you decide to made Auschwitz & Salt Mine 1 day tour it takes about 10 hours.

MORE DETAILS

Individual visitors may tour the Memorial independently or in organised groups with a guide-educator. Entrance to the Museum, to both Auschwitz I and Birkenau parts, is possible only with a personalized entry pass booked in advance. Reservations can be made at visit.auschwitz.org or on the spot at the cashier.

MORE DETAILS

How Much Time Should You Spend in Krakow? 3 days in Krakow is the perfect amount of time to tour Wawel Castle, visit the top sights in the Old Town, get a history lesson in Kazimierz, and day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau. If you have less than 3 days in Krakow, you can do this same itinerary, with some modifications.

MORE DETAILS

It's best to wear long trousers when visiting Auschwitz, regardless of the weather. This signifies respect for the memory of those who suffered in the concentration camps and the historical site. Wearing shorts could be perceived as disrespectful by some visitors and staff.

MORE DETAILS

Guided tours: A popular and convenient way to travel from Krakow to Auschwitz is by day tour. Bus tours usually include transportation from Krakow (around 1.5 to 2 hours drive), entrance tickets to the site, and an experienced guide who provides valuable insights into the history of the death camps.

MORE DETAILS

All tourists to Auschwitz are usually seen as dark tourists [26], an approach that overlooks the possibility that the reasons for visiting and the experiences sought might be completely devoid of interest in death. In a study of visitors to Auschwitz, Biran et al.

MORE DETAILS

How old do you have to be to go to Auschwitz? There is no age limit to visit; HOWEVER, museum staff do not recommend anyone under the age of 14. I strongly recommend to bring anyone that is old enough to respect this place.

MORE DETAILS