Auschwitz-Birkenau & Wieliczka Salt Mine – One Day Guided Trip

Krakow , Poland

Auschwitz-Birkenau & Wieliczka Salt Mine – One Day Guided Trip

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(34 reviews)

11h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Combine two completely different worlds into one tour. Recommended for both busy and on-the-go tourists. During this full-day excursion see two of the most visited museums in the Krakow area.

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial & Museum- UNESCO World Heritage Site, a former Nazi concentration camp, where more than a million Jews and other prisoners were oppressed or killed during World War II.

Wieliczka Salt Mine- one of the most amazing monuments in Polish cultural history listed on the first UNESCO Cultural and Natural World Heritage List.

- Live-guided tour (up to 30 visitors)
- Quick Meet & Go: centrally located 3 meeting points. Don't waste your time picking up others from their addresses
- Learn the history of World War II, Nazi Holocaust and the liberation
- See carvings, statues, and mining equipment all made of salt
- Avoid crowds skipping the long line for individual visitors

Available options

Full-Day Guided Tour Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine from Krakow

What's included

Headsets to hear the guide clearly

Professional assistance in case of any issue

Round-trip transportation from and to Krakow by air-conditioned vehicle (van or mini-bus)

Entry fees (Wieliczka Salt Mine, Auschwitz I & Auschwitz II Birkenau), insurance and taxes

Highly qualified, helpful and friendly customer service

Licensed, English speaking local guides

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your tour begins with transportation from Krakow (chosen meeting point). Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum is located in the town Oswiecim, about 1h15min in one way (65km). Every driver we cooperate with has all required by EU permissions for passenger transport. An English-speaking and friendly leader of the group will assist you at any time you need. After arriving in Oswiecim, have a short break to grab a coffee or keep an eye on outdoor exhibitions. Then be kindly introduced to your local and professional guide who is licensed by Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum.

Stop 2

Start your tour by walking through the gate to the first camp - Auschwitz I - originally conceived as a concentration camp, to be used as a detention centre for the many Polish citizens arrested after Germany annexed the country in 1939, with the most recognizable sign Arbeit Macht Frei (Work Makes You Free).This part usually takes 2 hours and you will be using a headset to hear your guide clearly. The group according to the Museum’s rule counts up to 30 people making the visit comfortable and accessible for every participant. Visit the original wooden buildings, fortified walls, barbed wires, gas chambers and crematoria - all of those leave a shocking impression allowing to imagine the scale of Holocaust.

After the 1st camp short break up to 15 minutes is planned. You will be taken by us to visit the second part of the tour - Birkenau (Auschwitz II), only 3 minutes away, which is the largest camp built and operated for the specific purpose of making Europe ''Judenrein'' (free of Jews). The same guide continues a poignant lecture about the camp in the village Brzezinka (Birkenau) which was constructed in 1941 on the order of Heinrich Himmler (SS commander) and could hold some 90 000 prisoners.You will be told about terrible stories of unimaginable living conditions as well as cruel selection and pseudo-scientific medical experiments made by prominent Nazi doctors including Josef Mengele. A history about soldiers of the 60th Army of the First Ukrainian Front opened the gates of Auschwitz on January 27, 1945, which meant the final liberation, ends your tour with a feeling, both this genocide should never have happened and it can not happen again.

Transport from Birkenau to Wieliczka, takes about 90 minutes. Your time for a nap.

Stop 5

When the tour ends, you are not rushed by us. Take a few minutes break which you can spend in a bookstore, grocery store or just rest. After that, you will be taken to a predetermined address in Krakow.

The tour starts with a descent of 64 meters by stairs. You are then led through a number of chambers and shown underground lakes, shrines and salt monuments. The trip finishes at the level of 135 meters below the surface and the return to the surface is by lift. A standard guided tour through the Salt Mine lasts 2-3 hours and visitors walk through a 3.5 kilometres long tourist route.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Toilete

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

31 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

VISIT: Both museum are visited by hundreds of people every day. Keeping your own pace of sightseeing is not possible. While in the camps, visitors are required to behave appropriately and respectfully. Dress code is smart casual, to respect the place. Eating and smoking, as well as acting in a loud manner are forbidden at both museums.

PICKUP: Please provide your address in Krakow when booking. Some of the hotels in Krakow are located in traffic restricted areas. Your pick up will be organised from the nearest possible point and you will be informed.

DEPARTURE: The hours you book are tentative and may change. The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions.The exact pickup time will be confirmed a day before the tour (in the afternoon at the latests).

DOCUMENTS: As it is mandatory in Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum to confirm your personal details, you are required to put in the reservation full names of all participants and to take with you passport or ID which might be checked at the entrance to the museum. Otherwise you may not be allowed to enter the museum.

BAG SIZE: Please note you are not permitted to enter the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum with large bags or backpacks. The maximum size permitted is 30cm x 20cm x 10cm. You can leave your bags at the car which is locked during your visit.

LUNCH: You are going on a full day tour that lasts approximately 10 hours. A regular form of lunch is not provided, so we recommend you bring snacks with you. You can also choose lunch as an additional option when booking.

SECURITY: Be prepared to go through a security check (similar to the airport's one) in order to enter Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum.

WEATHER: We operate in all weather conditions. Up to 70% of the time you spend outdoors (especially at Auschwitz II Birkenau). Please bring weather appropriate clothing and water on sunny days. The temperature in the Mine is around 14 degrees of Celsius.

CHILDREN: Children must be accompanied by an adult. Infant seats are available. A visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum can be traumatic, therefore we recommend that visitors should be at least 13 years old.

PICTURES: In the Salt Mine the photography permission fee costs 10 PLN. Can be purchased on site. In Auschwitz visitors are generally allowed to take pictures with a few, clearly indicated exceptions. Taking photos in the buildings with the use of flash is forbidden.

Meeting point

Located in Kazimierz, Jewish District

Important notes

Some importants:
- take with you passport or ID which might be checked at the entrance to the museum (mandatory)
- the maximum size of bag permitted is 30cm x 20cm x 10cm. You can leave your bags at the car which is locked during your visit
- take comfortable shoes. In the Salt Mine is approx. 800 steps on the route, 380 of them are at the very beginning. The way back is by lift only.
- wear proper clothes (to respect the place). The temperature in the Mine is around 14 degrees of Celsius.

The hours you book are tentative and may change. The exact pickup time will be confirmed a day before the tour (in the afternoon at the latests).

About Krakow

Krakow, the former capital of Poland, is a city rich in history, culture, and stunning architecture. It's home to the Wawel Royal Castle, the historic Main Market Square, and the largest medieval old town in Europe. Krakow's vibrant arts scene, bustling nightlife, and proximity to Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine make it a must-visit destination.

Top Attractions

Wawel Royal Castle

This iconic castle was the residence of Polish kings and a symbol of Polish statehood. It offers a glimpse into Poland's rich history.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours 30-50 PLN (€7-12)

Main Market Square (Rynek Główny)

One of the largest medieval town squares in Europe, surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and shops.

Historical/Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore

Wieliczka Salt Mine

A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring underground chambers, chapels, and sculptures carved out of salt.

Historical/Adventure 4-5 hours 89-139 PLN (€20-32)

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

A poignant and sobering visit to the largest Nazi concentration camp, now a memorial and museum.

Historical/Educational Full day 70-100 PLN (€16-23)

Kazimierz District

The historic Jewish quarter with a rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, and charming streets.

Cultural/Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pierogi

Dumplings filled with various ingredients like meat, cheese, potatoes, or fruits.

Dinner Can be vegetarian or vegan

Obwarzanek

A type of bread ring, similar to a bagel, often sold by street vendors.

Snack Vegetarian

Zapiekanka

A Polish street food consisting of a half-baguette topped with mushrooms, cheese, and various condiments.

Snack Can be vegetarian

Schabowy

A breaded pork cutlet, similar to schnitzel, often served with potatoes and cabbage.

Dinner Contains meat

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Tatra Mountains Skiing in Zakopane Spa and wellness treatments Strolling through parks and gardens Visiting museums and galleries Attending concerts and performances Boating on the Vistula River Skiing and snowboarding in the nearby mountains

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Krakow for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city is lively with festivals and tourists.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Polish
Widely spoken: English, German, Russian
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Polish Złoty (PLN)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Krakow is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure in crowded areas.
• Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps.
• Be cautious when withdrawing money from ATMs.

Getting there

By air

John Paul II International Airport Krakow-Balice • 11 km from city center

By train

Krakow Glowny, Krakow Plaza

By bus

Krakow Main Bus Station, Młocińscy Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Krakow's tram system is efficient and covers most of the city. Trams are comfortable and frequent.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town (Stare Miasto) Kazimierz Nowa Huta Zakrzówek

Day trips

Wieliczka Salt Mine

14 km from Krakow • Full day

Explore the underground chambers, chapels, and sculptures carved out of salt in this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

70 km from Krakow • Full day

Visit the largest Nazi concentration camp, now a memorial and museum, to learn about the Holocaust.

Zakopane

100 km from Krakow • Full day

A picturesque mountain town known for its stunning scenery, hiking trails, and skiing opportunities.

Festivals

Krakow Jewish Festival • June or July (annual) Krakow Film Festival • May (annual) Krakow Christmas Market • December (annual)

Pro tips

Use the Krakow Card for unlimited public transport and free entry to many attractions.
Visit the Wawel Dragon statue and make a wish by placing a coin in its mouth.
Try traditional Polish dishes like pierogi and żurek at local restaurants.
Explore the Kazimierz district for its vibrant nightlife and cultural scene.
Take a day trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine or Auschwitz-Birkenau for a deeper understanding of Polish history.