“Auschwitz (museum) is a place where visitors can learn the history of World War II and the Holocaust. It was a Nazi concentration camp in the 20th century, but Auschwitzis now the Auschwitz-BirkenauState Museum, which is open to the public as a memorial to the victims of the Nazi regime.
History of the Auschwitz concentration camp
“Auschwitz was established in 1940 in occupied Poland as a concentration camp for Jews and political prisoners. During World War II about 1.1 million people were killed there, most of them Jews. It was liberated by Soviet troops in January 1945 and then handed over to the Polish authorities.
Brief description of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum
The Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum was opened shortly after the war, in 1947. It is located on the grounds of the former Auschwitz concentration camp and includes 2 parts: “Auschwitz I” and “Birkenau” (“Auschwitz II”).
The museum contains exhibits, photographs, documents, and other materials related to the history of the Auschwitz concentration camp and the lives of its prisoners.
This allows visitors who have purchased tours to learn historical facts and how people lived and suffered in the concentration camp.
Structure
“Auschwitz I” appeared in 1940. Here are the original buildings of the concentration camp, where prisoners lived and worked in inhumane conditions. They now act as expositions.
“Birkenau” (“Auschwitz II”) was created in 1942 as an extension of “Auschwitz I.” Barracks were built in its place for the Jews whom the German Nazis tried to exterminate.
Working time
“Auschwitz-Birkenau is open to visitors every day except for some holidays. Opening hours may vary depending on the season, but daily it opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. During the summer season (from May to September) the museum may be open until 19:00.
To visit it is recommended to book tickets in advance on the official website. This will avoid long lines at the entrance and guarantee the availability of seats. Also on the museum’s website you can see the schedule of tours and other events that take place in the museum.
Cost of attendance
The cost of visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau museum depends on the type of tour and the age of visitors:
- A regular ticket for a visit costs 60 zlotys (about 15 euros) for adults, 50 zlotys (about 12 euros) for students and pensioners, 40 zlotys (about 10 euros) for students and children under 7 years.
- An individual guided tour in Polish is priced at 75 zlotys (about 19 euros) for adults, 65 zlotys (about 16 euros) for students and seniors.
- A guided group tour in Polish (15 to 30 people) requires 50 zlotys (about 12 euros) for adults, 40 zlotys (about 10 euros) for students and seniors.
Excursions to “Auschwitz” now
“Auschwitz-Birkenau” is a place of remembrance and respect for the victims of Nazism. Today there are group and individual tours.
Group
Organized in several languages, including Polish, English, German, and Russian. You can go not only from Krakow, but also from Warsaw. The recommended age for a visit is 14 years old, but parents have the right to take their children under their supervision during the tour.
It is important to remember that there are strict rules of conduct in the museum, which must be respected.
Thus, offend the feelings of some visitors may loud talking, laughter. In some areas of the museum there is a ban on photography and videotaping.
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Individual
Conducted only in Polish or English. This type of tour is preferable for those who want to learn the whole history of the concentration camp “Auschwitz-Birkenau”. Each visitor is given a separate tour guide.
Is it possible to visit the museum in “Auschwitz” on your own?
It is possible to get to Auschwitz-Birkenau on your own, without taking part in group or individual excursions. However, to do this, you must reserve a ticket on the official website or at the museum’s box office and buy an audio guide, which will help you learn the exposition and get detailed information about the history of the place.
It is also worth bearing in mind that visiting without a guide can be a challenging and emotionally taxing experience, so it is advisable to prepare and read information about its history and exposition before visiting on your own.
Do you need a visa and where to get one?
Citizens of countries that do not belong to the European Union necessarily need a visa to visit Poland, including Auschwitz.
It can be obtained from the Polish consular offices located in the visitor’s country, or from visa centers, if there are any. You will need to fill out an application, provide a photo, proof of accommodation, plane tickets and other documents.
It is important to keep in mind that the visa procedure may take some time, so you should plan your visit in advance.
How to get to Poland
Travelers can reach the former concentration camp “Auschwitz-Birkenau” by plane, train or car. The nearest airport is in Krakow, from where you can get to the museum by train or car.
Where to spend the night in “Auschwitz
In and around “Auschwitz” there are many options for accommodation, suitable for all tastes and wallets. In the city itself there are hotels of various categories, hostels and apartments for rent.
One of the best options for accommodation may be the Auschwitz Palace Hotel (Auschwitz Palace Hotel), which is a 5-minute walk away.
Also in close proximity are the Hotel Monte Cassino and the Hotel Oswiecim.
To save money, you can stay in one of the hostels in “Auschwitz” or in nearby cities such as Krakow, which is 60 kilometers from the museum. There are many accommodation options in Krakow, including hostels, apartments, and hotels.
