Auschwitz-Birkenau: Skip-the-Line Guided Tour from Krakow
Explore Auschwitz-Birkenau on a guided tour with skip-the-line access, delving into history’s darkest chapter.
Overview
Embark on a deeply moving guided tour to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, one of the most significant and somber sites in modern history. Located in Oświęcim, Poland, this memorial stands as a powerful reminder of the atrocities committed during World War II. With skip-the-line access and a professional guide by your side, this tour provides a profound, educational, and reflective experience.
The journey begins as you travel from Kraków to the Auschwitz-Birkenau complex, approximately 1.5 hours away. Upon arrival, you’ll meet your guide and group members, and receive your entry tickets. Before entering the museum, you will go through airport-style security checks, ensuring a smooth start to the experience.
The first stop on your tour is Auschwitz I, the original concentration camp that was established by the Nazis in 1940. Auschwitz I is the site where over a million men, women, and children perished during the Holocaust. As you walk through the haunting remains of the camp, your guide will provide you with detailed commentary on the history of the site, from its establishment as a labor camp to its transformation into a center for systematic extermination.
During your 1.5 to 2-hour tour of Auschwitz I, you will visit several key locations within the camp. These include the infamous “Arbeit Macht Frei” gate, which greeted prisoners with the chilling message “Work Sets You Free,” and the preserved barracks that housed thousands of prisoners. You will also witness personal belongings of the victims, including shoes, glasses, and suitcases, all of which evoke the unimaginable loss of life that occurred here. The museum exhibitions inside these barracks provide further insights into the experiences of the prisoners, showcasing photographs, documents, and personal testimonies from survivors.
After your tour of Auschwitz I, you will travel to Auschwitz II-Birkenau, the larger and more notorious part of the camp. Birkenau was the site of mass exterminations, where the Nazis implemented their horrific plan for the systematic genocide of the Jewish population. The scale of Birkenau is vast and chilling, as you will see the remnants of the gas chambers and crematoria where millions of lives were lost.
Your guide will lead you through Auschwitz II-Birkenau, pointing out significant landmarks like the railroad tracks that led countless victims to their deaths, and the remains of the barracks where prisoners were held under inhumane conditions. At Birkenau, the vastness of the camp becomes clear, and the sense of history is overwhelmingly poignant. You will walk through the remains of the gas chambers and visit the memorial monument, a solemn place where people from around the world come to pay their respects to the victims of the Holocaust.
Following the guided portion of your tour, you’ll have time to reflect and explore Auschwitz II-Birkenau on your own. Take a moment to absorb the gravity of the site and ponder the immense suffering that took place within its walls. The memorial offers visitors an opportunity for quiet reflection, allowing you to connect with the memory of the victims in a personal way.
After your time at Birkenau, the tour will conclude, and you’ll return to Kraków by coach, where you can take a moment to reflect on the day’s emotional journey. This educational experience provides a deeply sobering and transformative insight into one of the darkest periods of human history, ensuring that the memory of those lost at Auschwitz-Birkenau is never forgotten.
Throughout the day, your guide will offer extensive insights into the history of the Holocaust, making sure that every visitor leaves with a thorough understanding of the events that took place at Auschwitz-Birkenau. You’ll also receive headphones during the tour to ensure that you don’t miss any details while walking through the expansive grounds.
Select date, participants and language
Excursion Itinerary
Duration: 15 Min.
The tour begins at the Auschwitz I Museum meeting point, where you’ll meet your guide, receive tickets, and start your journey through history.
After meeting at the designated point, you'll be transferred by coach to Auschwitz I Museum, where your impactful visit begins.
Duration: 1.5 Hours.
Your first stop is Auschwitz I, the original Nazi camp, where you'll explore the barracks, exhibits, and key historical sites with your guide, gaining insight into the atrocities that occurred.
Duration: 15 Min.
After visiting Auschwitz I, you’ll take a brief 15-minute break. Use this time to reflect, grab a drink, or prepare for the next part of the tour.
Duration: 1 Hour.
After the break, your guide will take you to Auschwitz II-Birkenau, where you'll witness the remains of gas chambers, crematoria, and barracks, offering a sobering look at the scale of the genocide.
After Auschwitz II-Birkenau, the group returns to the meeting point, where you can leave or explore Oświęcim. The tour ends with a reflective experience.
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
Highlights
- ● Explore Auschwitz-Birkenau, one of history’s most significant sites.
- ● Skip-the-line access for quick entry and maximum time spent on-site.
- ● Visit both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, with guided tours.
- ● See powerful personal artifacts of victims, telling stories of unimaginable loss.
- ● Gain a deeper understanding of the Holocaust from an expert guide.
What's Included and What's Not?
Included
- Skip-the-line tickets to Auschwitz-Birkenau
- Licensed guide (English, Spanish, French, Italian)
- Headsets for better audio quality
- Assistance from a local host
Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Transportation to Krakow or other cities
- Parking fees
Not Suitable For This Activities
- ●People with mobility impairments
Not Allowed This Activities
- ●Alcohol and drugs
Important Information
What to Bring
Information Before Booking
- ● Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure.
- ●No refunds for tickets due to museum policy.
- ●Appropriate attire is essential, as this is a memorial site.
- ●Tours are subject to museum regulations, so timing and pace may vary.
Know Before You Go
- ●Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled departure to ensure timely check-in and avoid delays.
- ●Auschwitz-Birkenau is a solemn memorial, so we recommend dressing modestly and respectfully. Avoid wearing sleeveless shirts or inappropriate clothing.
- ●The tour involves significant walking across uneven surfaces. Wear comfortable and sturdy shoes to navigate the camp's grounds easily.
- ●The weather can change rapidly, especially in winter. Bring appropr
Highlighted reviews from other travelers
Yulya Krylov - Russia
01 June
I’ve visited Auschwitz eight times now, and this guide was by far one of the best I’ve had.
Sasha Gusev - Russia
02 June
Everything was perfect. He planned our visit a day in advance, which helped us organize our schedule. The coordinator was very attentive and the tour guide did an excellent job.
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Customer Reviews
All reviews are from verified customers who purchased the activity. Reviews can only be submitted after the activity takes place.
Overall Rating
4.3/5
Based on 37 Reviews
4.3/5
4.3/5
4.3/5
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By Traveler Types
By star rating
01 June
I’ve visited Auschwitz eight times now, and this guide was by far one of the best I’ve had.
Helpful? Yes
02 June
Everything was perfect. He planned our visit a day in advance, which helped us organize our schedule. The coordinator was very attentive and the tour guide did an excellent job.
Helpful? Yes
03 June
The experience was flawless. Our guide was wonderful.So kind and personable. Many thanks.
Helpful? Yes
04 June
Despite so many visitors, the site is impressively well managed. Our Italian guide, in his seventies, showed us around with impressive professionalism, always maintaining a calm and respectful demeanor.
Helpful? Yes
05 June
The tour was both educational and emotional. However, it wasn't very accessible for wheelchair users. Additionally, there were many groups inside the buildings at the same time, which made it a bit crowded
Helpful? Yes
06 June
The service was excellent and the whole experience was very well organised.
Helpful? Yes
07 June
The organization was flawless, and our tour guide did an excellent job.
Helpful? Yes
08 June
The tour was fantastic, and I really appreciated learning about the history. The guide spoke very clearly and demonstrated great knowledge throughout the trip.
Helpful? Yes
09 June
Janus was exceptionally friendly and very supportive throughout.
Helpful? Yes
10 June
The tour was excellent. Our guide was fantastic and showed deep knowledge about the camp.
Helpful? Yes
11 June
The experience was very educational, and we gained a deep understanding of Auschwitz’s history.
Helpful? Yes
12 June
The guide provided an excellent tour filled with detailed information and added a personal perspective that made the experience even more meaningful.
Helpful? Yes
13 June
Since we had our own rental car, it was difficult to find a Spanish language tour that didn't include transportation from Krakow, so this option was perfect for us. The team was incredibly attentive, greeting us at the entrance and escorting us to our tour leader. Everything was so well coordinated. The visit itself is a must see experience.
Helpful? Yes
14 June
The tour was excellent. We wished we had time to visit the gas chambers at Birkenau. It's a shame our schedule didn't allow for that.
Helpful? Yes
15 June
Our guide was extremely friendly and supportive. The information was clearly explained, and I’m happy I took part in such a well organized tour.
Helpful? Yes
16 June
The tour was truly impressive, with an excellent guide. Everything was well thought out down to the smallest detail.
Helpful? Yes
18 June
A sincere and distinguished guide who is passionate about her subject.
Helpful? Yes
19 June
The experience was short but impactful and emotional, taking place in a well planned venue. Our guide, Thérèse, showed genuine warmth. She was forthright and challenged us with thoughtful questions throughout the tour.
Helpful? Yes
20 June
The tour was highly educational and excellently carried out.
Helpful? Yes
21 June
A really fascinating tour. Everything was well coordinated, and the guide was excellent throughout.
Helpful? Yes
22 June
Excellent experience. The guide communicated in clear and well spoken English.
Helpful? Yes
23 June
The guide shared plenty of information throughout the visit. The pace of the tour was fairly quick, likely due to the high volume of visitors. At Birkenau, there was no audio system, which made it difficult at times to clearly follow the commentary. Still, walking through a site where so much suffering occurred was a powerful and sobering experience.
Helpful? Yes
24 June
The guide was sincere and treated everything with great sensitivity. It was an experience that left a lasting impression on me. I'm truly grateful for such a meaningful tour.
Helpful? Yes
25 June
The guide gave very detailed explanations and shared valuable information. It was really good. We were very pleased with the guides overall. We visited Auschwitz and Birkenau on our own, without transportation.
Helpful? Yes
26 June
After our French language guided tour was cancelled, we ended up joining the English tour, which was initially set for 8 a.m. but took place at 1 p.m. in the end. The experience was deeply moving, informative, and truly worthwhile.
Helpful? Yes
27 June
The guide was very professional and shared in depth knowledge in a way that kept everyone interested and engaged throughout the tour.
Helpful? Yes
28 June
The tour was wonderful both fascinating and emotional. The meeting point for the guided group could have been more clearly marked, but the guides were very good at bringing everyone together.
Helpful? Yes
29 June
The tour began a little later than scheduled. Our guide was very apologetic about the delay, and soon after, we got started. Even though the story was quite somber, the tour was full of valuable information.
Helpful? Yes
30 June
Our tour was outstanding. The guide was extremely well informed and managed the group smoothly throughout the experience.
Helpful? Yes
01 July
The overall experience was good, but I encountered a small issue before the tour began. I was told the tour would start at 10:00 AM and that I would meet at the restroom at 9:45 AM. I arrived early, around 9:00 AM, and waited until 10:00 AM, but couldn't find the guide. Luckily, a staff member was very helpful and kindly transferred me to another group, and from then on, everything went smoothly. I really appreciated their help. It would be helpful if the guides wore uniforms so we could identify them more easily.
Helpful? Yes
02 July
The visit was impressive and emotionally moving. The coordinator who was supposed to give us our entrance tickets arrived 45 minutes late. Our initial reservation was for a French speaking guide at 11:00 AM, but it was canceled 15 days in advance. Instead, we were given a self guided tour at 3:30 PM, which didn't actually start until 5:00 PM, at a location that closed at 8:30 PM. As a result, we had to rush through the site and missed many of the explanations.
Helpful? Yes
03 July
The tour itself was nice, but there was a problem with the guide. He wasn't there for the second part of the visit, which made things a bit confusing. This part of the experience could definitely have been managed better.
Helpful? Yes
04 July
Your platform seems excellent and quite reliable, but as for the tour experience itself, the guide was truly disappointing. He didn't wait for everyone in the group, kept coughing into his microphone, and delivered information as if he were just reading from a script. There was no real interaction or interaction. Everything felt rushed, and he didn't even have time to go to the restroom because he kept moving forward without checking in on us. It's unfortunate that such a guide is needed for such an important and emotionally impactful place. In my opinion, it's a must see.
Helpful? Yes
05 July
I only gave it two stars because the place was truly worth seeing and our guide did an excellent job. Unfortunately, everything else was poorly managed. The organization was chaotic, with one person trying to manage everything, clearly overwhelmed and unsure of which group belonged where or which bus to take. It was disorganized and stressful.
Helpful? Yes
06 July
I had specifically booked this tour with a Spanish speaking guide, but was told several days in advance that no one was available. They said they would provide us with a map or other self guided materials, but we received nothing.
Helpful? Yes
07 July
I was really disappointed with my experience. One of our tickets was unexpectedly cancelled. It was frustrating that no refund was offered or suggested given the situation.
Helpful? Yes
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