Auschwitz & Wieliczka Salt Mine: A Full Day of History and Reflection
Embark on a moving full-day journey from Krakow to two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Auschwitz-Birkenau, a poignant reminder of the Holocaust, and the Wieliczka Salt Mine, an awe-inspiring underground world of history and art.
Overview
Embark on a profound and reflective full-day journey from Krakow to two of Poland’s most important UNESCO World Heritage sites: Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine. This tour offers a unique opportunity to delve into history and culture, providing an unforgettable experience that combines somber reflection with awe-inspiring exploration.
Your day begins with a drive to Auschwitz-Birkenau, the infamous Nazi concentration and extermination camp, where you’ll have a chance to reflect on the atrocities that occurred during the Holocaust. Upon arrival, you’ll embark on a self-guided tour with a detailed informational brochure, allowing you to explore the site at your own pace. The museum and memorial provide a haunting look into the past, with exhibits detailing the experiences of the victims, the horrors of the camp, and the impact of this tragic chapter in world history. As you walk through the barracks, gas chambers, and remnants of the camp, you’ll be guided by the information provided in your brochure, which helps to put the history into context. Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II (Birkenau) are both included in your visit, with time to reflect on the significance of each area. You will learn about the victims' suffering and the profound legacy of this site that serves as a reminder of the horrors of war and genocide.
After this deeply moving visit, you’ll board your vehicle for a short journey to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, one of the world’s oldest and most fascinating salt mines. The mine’s history spans over 700 years, and as you descend into its depths, you’ll be amazed by its extraordinary chambers, salt sculptures, and the rich history of salt mining. A guided tour takes you through the mine’s vast network of tunnels and chambers, showcasing not only the industrial history of mining but also the artistic masterpieces created by miners over the centuries. The Chapel of St. Kinga, a stunning underground church entirely carved out of salt, is one of the highlights of the tour, with its intricate carvings and serene atmosphere. Your guide will provide insights into the mine’s operation, the lives of the miners, and the cultural significance of salt mining in Poland. Along the way, you’ll see salt sculptures, centuries-old mining equipment, and exhibits detailing the technological advancements made throughout the history of the mine. This journey into the earth will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship involved in salt mining, as well as the role the mine played in Poland’s economic and cultural development.
Following your visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, you’ll ascend back to the surface, where your guide will take you back to Krakow. Whether you’re visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau to learn about its dark past or the Wieliczka Salt Mine to witness its underground wonders, this tour offers a comprehensive look at Poland’s rich history and heritage. This day trip is perfect for history enthusiasts, culture seekers, and those interested in experiencing two of Poland’s most significant landmarks.
The tour ends with a return to your accommodation or the meeting point, concluding a deeply moving and enriching day spent discovering Poland’s complex and fascinating past.
Select date, participants and language
Excursion Itinerary
Your day begins with a comfortable ride from Krakow to Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, offering a scenic drive through the Polish countryside.
Duration: 2 Hours.
Upon arrival, you'll have 2 hours to explore Auschwitz I. With a brochure in hand, visit the barracks, exhibitions, and reflect on the Holocaust at your own pace.
Duration: 1.5 Hours.
Next, visit Birkenau, the site of mass exterminations. Explore the barracks, gas chambers, and crematoria, using your brochure to learn about the history of this powerful memorial.
Duration: 1 Hour. Optional
Enjoy a short break for lunch at a local restaurant near the Auschwitz site. This is a good opportunity to reflect on what you've seen and mentally prepare for the next leg of the tour.
Duration: 1.5 Hours.
After Auschwitz, head to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, one of the world’s oldest and most impressive. Relax during the scenic drive to this UNESCO World Heritage site.
After the Salt Mine tour, ascend to the surface and take the bus back to Krakow. Reflect on the day's powerful experiences as you're dropped off at the original meeting point.
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
Highlights
- ● Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp.
- ● Reflect on the Holocaust at Auschwitz I and Birkenau.
- ● Explore the stunning Wieliczka Salt Mine with a guided tour.
- ● See artistic salt sculptures and underground chapels.
- ● Learn about salt mining history in the depths of the mine.
What's Included and What's Not?
Included
- Air-conditioned transport from Krakow
- Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum entrance fees
- Entrance to the Wieliczka Salt Mine
- Guided tour at Wieliczka Salt Mine
- Informational brochures for Auschwitz-Birkenau
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off (if selected)
Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Personal expenses
Not Suitable For This Activities
- ●People with mobility impairments
Not Allowed This Activities
- ●Alcohol and drugs
Important Information
What to Bring
Information Before Booking
- ●Auschwitz tickets are non-refundable once booked.
- ●The departure time can vary between 06:00 - 10:30 AM.
- ●You will have to confirm personal details for Auschwitz entry.
- ●Transportation is provided, but traffic can affect the schedule.
- ●Ensure you have your ticket and brochure ready for Auschwitz entrance.
Know Before You Go
- ●The pick-up time might change, so confirm with us one day before the tour.
- ●Auschwitz requires the full name of all participants for ticket booking.
- ●The tour includes sensitive historical content. Please be prepared.
- ●Lunch break is at a local restaurant, but food is not included.
- ●The tour is educational and may be emotionally intense.
Highlighted reviews from other travelers
Lachlan Westfield - United Kingdom
02 April
Had an awesome trip, and our driver Potr was really friendly.
Katya Sorokina - Russia
05 April
The guide was really great, and the experience was full of emotion.
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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
4.7/5
Based on 35 Reviews
4.7/5
4.7/5
4.7/5
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By Traveler Types
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02 April
Had an awesome trip, and our driver Potr was really friendly.
Helpful? Yes
05 April
The guide was really great, and the experience was full of emotion.
Helpful? Yes
09 April
The organization was outstanding! The service was very professional. Everything was carefully planned so that no time was wasted. Visiting Auschwitz and the salt mine together makes the day balanced you don’t get too emotionally drained and still make the most of the day. We really enjoyed this trip.
Helpful? Yes
11 April
The tour guides were always on time and really knowledgeable.
Helpful? Yes
15 April
We had an amazing day that was really interesting. All the guides were super helpful and shared a lot of useful information. Definitely recommend it.
Helpful? Yes
19 April
Communication was excellent and everything was really well organised. The tour guides did a great job answering all our questions.
Helpful? Yes
22 April
The transport was well organised, and it was great to fit both activities into one day. We had to change the order because of a shortage of guides, but it still worked out fine. Really good value.
Helpful? Yes
25 April
We were picked up just a minute from our hotel. All the tours were great. The guide at Auschwitz was good but repeated some points and it felt like we didn’t get to see everything that was available. The guide at the salt mine was excellent.
Helpful? Yes
26 April
Zizzy was fantastic as our guide at Auschwitz and Birkenau. Marek did an excellent job at the Salt Mines. Many thanks to Tom and Albert for the driving. The lunch they provided was tasty.
Helpful? Yes
29 April
The day before the trip, we were told the pick-up time was moved up to 7:45 a.m. instead of 9 a.m. The guide was excellent, but the bus was old, noisy, and uncomfortable. The driver didn’t speak English and came across as quite rude when we asked to buy water, even though we had been told to do so. The Auschwitz tour was led by a different guide who was friendly but a bit dull and rushed, making us feel like we didn’t get enough time to explore. There was no time for lunch, so we had to eat during the short seven-minute transfer between Auschwitz and Birkenau. The Birkenau visit was very fast and felt rushed, which was disappointing. Afterward, we went back to the center to drop off people not doing the salt mine tour and switched to a different driver in a van. We were left at the mine entrance with tickets and joined another guide for that tour. At the end, the driver picked us up and took us back to the center. Overall, I expected better for the price.
Helpful? Yes
30 April
The whole day was really well organised. The pick-up was punctual, and the communication before the trip was excellent. Our guide at Auschwitz was outstanding, making for a very moving morning. The guide on the bus was good too. The transport to the salt mines was arranged perfectly, especially since only three of us did both tours. Just a heads-up that the salt mine tour adds another two hours after a long and tiring morning at Auschwitz, so be prepared if your stamina isn’t great.
Helpful? Yes
03 May
It was good overall, but unfortunately the guide at the mine seemed quite uninterested. I guess it just depends on luck which guide you end up with.
Helpful? Yes
08 May
Everything was really well organised and informative. The guide was friendly and attentive she even spotted us at the pick-up point and explained everything before the tour began.
Helpful? Yes
11 May
The guide was fantastic and shared a lot of information. It was a really sad story told by someone who clearly understands its meaning deeply.
Helpful? Yes
14 May
It was a pleasant experience overall. I think the driver could have shared more details about the schedule since we never really knew what was coming next or how much time we had. Also, I wouldn’t suggest booking both the Auschwitz and Wieliczka tours on the same day, it’s just too tiring. Honestly, Wieliczka felt a bit dull on its own (climbing 856 stairs over two hours for a single religious hall).
Helpful? Yes
16 May
The salt mine tour got canceled, and the Auschwitz visit was switched from a guided tour to a self-guided one. We were only told about these changes the day before, which was really disappointing.
Helpful? Yes
18 May
The audio through the earphones during the salt mine tour was often unclear.
Helpful? Yes
21 May
Our guide was knowledgeable, and the bus driver did a good job. The lunch was tasty.
Helpful? Yes
24 May
Looking back, though, combining both tours would have been physically too demanding. Auschwitz and Birkenau are places everyone should visit to honor the millions who suffered there. The visit is respectful and sincere, leaving you feeling very humbled. There’s a lot of walking due to the size of the sites, but there’s enough time to see everything and truly take in what happened. It’s hard to put into words the emotions you experience, but I’m glad I went and would definitely recommend this tour.
Helpful? Yes
28 May
Communication was great, and this trip was incredibly good value considering how well organised everything was from beginning to end. Truly impressive!
Helpful? Yes
03 June
The transportation ran smoothly, but the departure time was moved way earlier to 5:35 a.m. Our guide was very knowledgeable and spoke English well, though the tour felt rushed. We didn’t get a chance to stop and really look at the display cases, photos, or barracks we just walked through quickly in a group. Still, overall, it was a memorable experience.
Helpful? Yes
06 June
It was a long day! About 12 hours, but a great experience overall. The salt mine was stunning, and we had a one-hour lunch break. We did quite a bit of walking throughout the day.
Helpful? Yes
09 June
Peter, our driver, was very kind and clearly experienced. Our tour guide was really knowledgeable and explained everything well. Unfortunately, she had another tour scheduled right after ours, so the last part felt a bit rushed.
Helpful? Yes
30 June
It was a fantastic experience. This agency has great offers, and everything ran smoothly. I’d definitely recommend them.
Helpful? Yes
02 July
Everything went really smoothly, and the guides were amazing. I’d definitely recommend this. Top notch service, thanks!
Helpful? Yes
04 July
The trip was well organised, and we were given all the necessary information.
Helpful? Yes
09 July
The trip was brilliant and really well organised. The company communicated clearly with us before the day, and we’d definitely recommend this tour.
Helpful? Yes
12 July
An incredible day overall! It was a long and busy one, but really fascinating from start to finish.
Helpful? Yes
15 July
We really enjoyed the day, but just a heads-up, it’s a long one! Pick-up was shortly after 5 a.m. and we didn’t get back to the hotel until around 5 p.m., so expect to be tired. That said, it’s absolutely worth doing if you’re visiting Krakow. The guides were fantastic, and the organisers were great always checking the temperature on the bus, offering tips for things to do in Krakow, and sharing lots of helpful info. There’s a lunch option available, but if you don’t go for it, definitely bring your own food, as there aren’t many chances to get a proper meal during the day. Good walking shoes are a must because there’s a lot of walking. Would highly recommend!
Helpful? Yes
17 July
Fantastic day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mines. There’s a lot of walking involved in both parts, so it might not be ideal for anyone with mobility issues especially since the salt mine tour starts with 380 steps and includes more throughout. I’m glad we did both on the same day, as the visit to the camps was very heavy, and the salt mines provided a bit of a lighter finish to the day. I’d definitely recommend seeing both. The transport was excellent, even with the early 5:25 a.m. pick-up. We were on a large coach in the morning with a big group, then switched to a smaller minivan with just six of us for the salt mine tour.
Helpful? Yes
19 July
Everything was really well organised, the bus was comfortable, and the guides were excellent.
Helpful? Yes
22 July
It was really convenient to have both tours combined in one day, but there was no info about the second part at the start, which left everyone confused due to the lack of communication.
Helpful? Yes
24 July
The organization was excellent, and the staff were very friendly and welcoming.
Helpful? Yes
26 July
It was a long and tiring day, but definitely worth the visit.
Helpful? Yes
27 July
It was really good, and everything was explained clearly. We just ran a bit short on time at the end, and it was dark, so it was harder to see. Overall, though, a great experience with a fantastic team.
Helpful? Yes
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