Auschwitz Birkenau and Salt Mine from Krakow

Krakow , Poland

Auschwitz Birkenau and Salt Mine from Krakow

Active

12h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore the profound history of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum with guided tour from Krakow. Begin your journey with a hassle-free hotel pickup, then travel comfortably to the memorial site. Once there, delve into the poignant history at your own pace, utilizing an audio guide or brochure to enhance your experience. This allows for a personalized exploration of the significant locations that resonate with you.
After visiting Auschwitz, you will go to the salt mine in Wieliczka where you will spend two and a half hours underground with a guide and feel the whole atmosphere of the underground life of miners and enjoy the exhibits that are there.

- Convenient hotel pickup included for easy access
- Self-paced exploration with audio guide or brochure available
- Spend as much time as you need at meaningful sites
- Comfortable transport back to your hotel in Krakow

Available options

ENG speaking guide

Duration: 7 hours<br/>Minibus<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Visiting Auschwitz I, you will see:

- The gate with the inscription “Arbeit macht frei” – the camp’s symbol.

- Brick barracks with exhibitions about prisoners’ lives and suffering.

- Personal belongings of victims – suitcases, shoes, glasses, prayer items.

- Block 11 (“Death Block”) and the Wall of Death.

- The first crematorium and gas chamber.

It is preserved as a memorial and museum, allowing visitors to grasp the scale of the tragedy and honor the victims.

Visiting Auschwitz II – Birkenau, you will see:

- The large entrance gate with the tower and the railway tracks that brought prisoner transports.

- Ruins of gas chambers and crematoria, blown up by the Nazis before retreat.

- Prisoner barracks – wooden and brick, some preserved.

- Guard towers and barbed wire fences, showing the vast scale of the camp.

- The victims’ memorial near the crematoria ruins.

Birkenau conveys the immensity of the extermination, as it was the main death camp of the complex.

Stop 3

The Wieliczka Salt Mine tour is a unique underground journey that takes you hundreds of meters below the surface into a world shaped entirely by salt. Visitors walk through a labyrinth of historic tunnels, vast chambers, and beautifully sculpted chapels, all carved by miners over several centuries. The highlight for many is St. Kinga’s Chapel, an impressive underground church featuring salt chandeliers, detailed reliefs, and statues made from salt.

Along the route, you’ll learn about the history of salt mining in Poland, the tools and techniques used by miners, and the legends connected to the mine. The tour combines history, art, and engineering, offering a fascinating insight into one of Poland’s most important cultural landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located just outside Kraków.

Available languages

Written guide

DE IT FR NL ES

Audio guide

Guide guide

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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.