{"id":172397,"date":"2026-05-25T21:15:57","date_gmt":"2026-05-25T19:15:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/?p=172397"},"modified":"2026-05-27T21:57:05","modified_gmt":"2026-05-27T19:57:05","slug":"visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Auschwitz-Birkenau: 21 Things You Should Know Before Visiting"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Some places you don&#8217;t look forward to visiting \u2014 you don&#8217;t plan smiley photos for social media, and honestly, they scare you a little from the start. Lucka openly admitted she didn&#8217;t have the emotional capacity for such a heavy place. Don&#8217;t treat this as a travel tip. Think of it as a challenge \u2014 go and see it for yourself. In this guide to visiting Auschwitz Poland, you&#8217;ll learn the difference between the two camps, how and where to get tickets, what exactly awaits you on site, and how to organise the entire trip from Krakow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#TLDR\" >TL;DR<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#Auschwitz_I_vs_Auschwitz_II-Birkenau_Whats_the_Difference\" >Auschwitz I vs. Auschwitz II-Birkenau: What&#8217;s the Difference<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#1_Auschwitz_I_The_Main_Camp_and_Museum\" >1. Auschwitz I (The Main Camp and Museum)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#2_Auschwitz_II-Birkenau_The_Extermination_Camp\" >2. Auschwitz II-Birkenau (The Extermination Camp)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#Practical_Information_2026_Tickets_and_Tours\" >Practical Information: 2026 Tickets and Tours<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#3_Free_Tickets_Without_a_Guide\" >3. Free Tickets Without a Guide<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#4_Official_Tour_with_an_Educator\" >4. Official Tour with an Educator<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#5_Complete_Tour_from_Krakow\" >5. Complete Tour from Krakow<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#How_to_Get_from_Krakow_to_Auschwitz\" >How to Get from Krakow to Auschwitz<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#6_By_Bus_Cheapest_and_Most_Practical\" >6. By Bus (Cheapest and Most Practical)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#7_By_Train_from_Krakow\" >7. By Train from Krakow<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#8_By_Car_If_Youre_on_a_Road_Trip\" >8. By Car (If You&#8217;re on a Road Trip)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#What_Youll_See_at_Auschwitz_I\" >What You&#8217;ll See at Auschwitz I<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#9_The_Iconic_Arbeit_Macht_Frei_Gate\" >9. The Iconic Arbeit Macht Frei Gate<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#10_Block_4_Extermination_and_Personal_Belongings\" >10. Block 4: Extermination and Personal Belongings<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#11_Block_11_The_Death_Prison_and_the_Death_Wall\" >11. Block 11: The Death Prison and the Death Wall<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#12_Crematorium_I_and_the_Gas_Chamber\" >12. Crematorium I and the Gas Chamber<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#What_Youll_See_at_Auschwitz_II-Birkenau\" >What You&#8217;ll See at Auschwitz II-Birkenau<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#13_The_Gatehouse_and_Death_Tower\" >13. The Gatehouse and Death Tower<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#14_The_Railway_Ramp_and_the_Cattle_Wagon\" >14. The Railway Ramp and the Cattle Wagon<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#15_Wooden_Barracks_and_Living_Conditions\" >15. Wooden Barracks and Living Conditions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#16_Crematoria_Ruins_and_the_Memorial\" >16. Crematoria Ruins and the Memorial<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#Where_to_Stay_Your_Base_in_Krakow\" >Where to Stay: Your Base in Krakow<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#How_to_Plan_Your_Day_Recommended_Itinerary\" >How to Plan Your Day (Recommended Itinerary)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#17_Start_Early_in_the_Morning_at_Auschwitz_I\" >17. Start Early in the Morning at Auschwitz I<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#18_Take_a_Breather_During_the_Transfer\" >18. Take a Breather During the Transfer<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#19_Unlimited_Time_in_Birkenau\" >19. Unlimited Time in Birkenau<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#Auschwitz_and_Children_Should_You_Bring_Them\" >Auschwitz and Children: Should You Bring Them?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#Rules_Clothing_and_What_Not_to_Bring\" >Rules, Clothing, and What (Not) to Bring<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#20_The_Crucial_Bag_Rule\" >20. The Crucial Bag Rule<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#21_Clothing_and_Behaviour\" >21. Clothing and Behaviour<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#Combining_with_Other_Attractions_Wieliczka\" >Combining with Other Attractions: Wieliczka<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#Where_to_Eat_After_the_Tour\" >Where to Eat After the Tour<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#Lukass_Final_Reflection\" >Luk\u00e1\u0161&#8217;s Final Reflection<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#Travel_Tips_and_Tricks\" >Travel Tips and Tricks<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#Finding_Flights_to_Poland\" >Finding Flights to Poland<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-37\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#Hiring_a_Car_for_a_Road_Trip\" >Hiring a Car for a Road Trip<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-38\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#Dont_Forget_Travel_Insurance\" >Don&#8217;t Forget Travel Insurance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-39\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#Internet_Abroad\" >Internet Abroad<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-40\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#FAQ_Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-41\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#What_is_Birkenau\" >What is Birkenau?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-42\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#How_much_does_a_ticket_to_Auschwitz_cost\" >How much does a ticket to Auschwitz cost?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-43\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#How_many_people_died_at_Auschwitz\" >How many people died at Auschwitz?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-44\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#What_does_the_Auschwitz_tour_involve\" >What does the Auschwitz tour involve?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-45\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#Can_you_visit_the_museum_with_children\" >Can you visit the museum with children?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-46\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#Can_you_take_photos_inside_the_camp\" >Can you take photos inside the camp?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-47\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\/#Can_you_bring_food_and_drink_inside\" >Can you bring food and drink inside?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"TLDR\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"TL_DR\"><\/span>TL;DR<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Before I dive into the details, here are the key things you should know before you even start figuring out how to get there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>  <strong>Two camps:<\/strong> The visit consists of two parts. Auschwitz I (the original camp with brick buildings and a museum) and Auschwitz II-Birkenau (the extermination camp about 3 kilometres away).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>  <strong>Tickets:<\/strong> Tickets sell out incredibly fast. If you want to go without a guide for free, you need to book on the official website <a href=\"https:\/\/visit.auschwitz.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">visit.auschwitz.org<\/a> exactly one month in advance. A much safer and logistically easier option is to book a tour from Krakow (around \u20ac45 to \u20ac90).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>  <strong>Getting there:<\/strong> It&#8217;s roughly 70 kilometres from Krakow. The journey by bus, train, or car takes one to one and a half hours.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>  <strong>Time needed:<\/strong> Set aside a full day. The tour of both camps alone takes 3.5 to 4 hours, plus you need to factor in travel and transfers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>  <strong>Rules:<\/strong> There&#8217;s a strict ban on large bags (maximum A4 size), you must wear appropriate clothing (no bare shoulders or very short shorts), and flash photography is strictly forbidden inside buildings \u2014 in some rooms, photography is banned entirely.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>  <strong>Age:<\/strong> The museum&#8217;s official recommendation is not to bring children under 14. From personal experience, I completely agree.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Auschwitz_I_vs_Auschwitz_II-Birkenau_Whats_the_Difference\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Auschwitz_I_vs_Auschwitz_II-Birkenau_Whats_the_Difference\"><\/span>Auschwitz I vs. Auschwitz II-Birkenau: What&#8217;s the Difference<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you even start looking at tickets, it&#8217;s crucial to understand that the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum isn&#8217;t just one place. People often arrive and are surprised to find they have to travel between two sites. The entire complex is divided into two main and completely different parts, and you should see both to grasp the full context of the horror.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Auschwitz_I_The_Main_Camp_and_Museum\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Auschwitz_I_The_Main_Camp_and_Museum\"><\/span>1. Auschwitz I (The Main Camp and Museum)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-0-cihlove-baraky-v-puvodnim-koncentracnim-tabore-auschwitz-i.jpg\" alt=\"Brick barracks in the original Auschwitz I concentration camp\" class=\"wp-image-165430\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-0-cihlove-baraky-v-puvodnim-koncentracnim-tabore-auschwitz-i.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-0-cihlove-baraky-v-puvodnim-koncentracnim-tabore-auschwitz-i-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-0-cihlove-baraky-v-puvodnim-koncentracnim-tabore-auschwitz-i-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-0-cihlove-baraky-v-puvodnim-koncentracnim-tabore-auschwitz-i-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-0-cihlove-baraky-v-puvodnim-koncentracnim-tabore-auschwitz-i-80x60.jpg 80w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-0-cihlove-baraky-v-puvodnim-koncentracnim-tabore-auschwitz-i-160x120.jpg 160w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-0-cihlove-baraky-v-puvodnim-koncentracnim-tabore-auschwitz-i-696x522.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Ron whisky \/ Public domain \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the place you&#8217;ve probably seen in most photographs. It&#8217;s here that you&#8217;ll find the iconic iron gate bearing the inscription &#8220;Arbeit Macht Frei.&#8221; Originally Polish military barracks with solid brick buildings, the site was seized by the Nazis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, the complex primarily functions as a museum. The individual blocks house massive, harrowing and fact-driven exhibitions. You&#8217;ll see piles of personal belongings confiscated from prisoners, the first primitive gas chamber, and a crematorium. The grounds are relatively compact, lined with trees, and paradoxically don&#8217;t look like a death factory at first glance \u2014 until you step inside the buildings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Auschwitz_II-Birkenau_The_Extermination_Camp\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Auschwitz_II-Birkenau_The_Extermination_Camp\"><\/span>2. Auschwitz II-Birkenau (The Extermination Camp)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-1-koleje-koncici-uprostred-vyhlazovaciho-tabora-auschwitz-ii-b.jpg\" alt=\"Railway tracks ending inside the Auschwitz II Birkenau extermination camp\" class=\"wp-image-165431\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-1-koleje-koncici-uprostred-vyhlazovaciho-tabora-auschwitz-ii-b.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-1-koleje-koncici-uprostred-vyhlazovaciho-tabora-auschwitz-ii-b-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-1-koleje-koncici-uprostred-vyhlazovaciho-tabora-auschwitz-ii-b-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-1-koleje-koncici-uprostred-vyhlazovaciho-tabora-auschwitz-ii-b-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-1-koleje-koncici-uprostred-vyhlazovaciho-tabora-auschwitz-ii-b-696x464.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: This picture has been taken by Oleg Yunakov. Contact e-mail: yunakovgmail.com. I \/ CC BY-SA 4.0 \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While the first camp served as an administrative centre, Birkenau was pure extermination machinery, built from scratch on open land a few kilometres from the original camp. It&#8217;s a vast, chillingly empty expanse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is where the famous railway tracks lead, slicing through the entrance building with its watchtower. You&#8217;ll see the railway ramp where selections took place, long rows of reconstructed and original wooden barracks, and at the very far end, the ruins of enormous gas chambers and crematoria that the Nazis blew up before retreating. You can spend as long as you like here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Practical_Information_2026_Tickets_and_Tours\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Practical_Information_2026_Tickets_and_Tours\"><\/span>Practical Information: 2026 Tickets and Tours<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Securing entry is probably the most complicated part of the entire Auschwitz visit. The Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau sees overwhelming visitor numbers, and the days of simply turning up, buying a ticket at the gate, and walking in are long gone. Capacity is strictly regulated. If you&#8217;re planning a trip, you essentially have two ways to get inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Free_Tickets_Without_a_Guide\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Free_Tickets_Without_a_Guide\"><\/span>3. Free Tickets Without a Guide<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can enter the museum for free without a guide, but there&#8217;s a major catch. These free passes (&#8220;Entry Pass without an educator&#8221;) are released on the official website <a href=\"https:\/\/visit.auschwitz.org\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">visit.auschwitz.org<\/a> in limited numbers, always at specific times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They&#8217;re usually only available for early morning or late afternoon slots. If you&#8217;re visiting during peak season, you&#8217;ll need to &#8220;snag&#8221; these free tickets exactly one month in advance \u2014 otherwise, they simply won&#8217;t be available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Official_Tour_with_an_Educator\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Official_Tour_with_an_Educator\"><\/span>4. Official Tour with an Educator<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The most common option, chosen by the majority of visitors, is a guided tour with an official on-site educator. You book and pay directly on the museum&#8217;s website \u2014 roughly 110 PLN (about \u20ac25) per adult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You&#8217;ll receive headphones so the guide doesn&#8217;t need to shout and everyone can hear clearly. The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours. The problem is that even these tickets sell out weeks in advance, and you&#8217;ll still need to sort out your own transport from Krakow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Complete_Tour_from_Krakow\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Complete_Tour_from_Krakow\"><\/span>5. Complete Tour from Krakow<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In my opinion, this is by far the most convenient option logistically, even though it costs more. You&#8217;ll pay between \u20ac45 and \u20ac90, and the company picks you up by coach in central Krakow, shows a documentary film during the journey to set the context, hands you over to an official guide on site, arranges your entry and transfer between both camps, and finally drives you back. You can easily find and book these Krakow Poland Auschwitz tours through platforms like <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"GetYourGuide\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/doporucujeme\/getyourguide\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">GetYourGuide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It saves you an incredible amount of stress with parking or waiting for public transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Get_from_Krakow_to_Auschwitz\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Get_from_Krakow_to_Auschwitz\"><\/span>How to Get from Krakow to Auschwitz<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I personally chose the bus and didn&#8217;t regret it \u2014 it was far simpler than I expected. O\u015bwi\u0119cim (the Polish name for the town) lies in the Silesian Voivodeship, roughly 70 kilometres west of Krakow, and you have several options for getting there independently. The journey isn&#8217;t complicated; you just need to account for minor delays along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_By_Bus_Cheapest_and_Most_Practical\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_By_Bus_Cheapest_and_Most_Practical\"><\/span>6. By Bus (Cheapest and Most Practical)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Regular services depart from Krakow&#8217;s main bus station (MDA) directly to O\u015bwi\u0119cim. The journey takes about an hour and a half, and a ticket costs around 20 PLN (roughly \u20ac5).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I recommend using companies like <a href=\"https:\/\/lajkonikbus.pl\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Lajkonik<\/a>, which stop right by the museum (the stop is called O\u015bwi\u0119cim Muzeum). During summer, early morning buses tend to be absolutely packed, so definitely buy your ticket online in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_By_Train_from_Krakow\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_By_Train_from_Krakow\"><\/span>7. By Train from Krakow<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/rozklad-pkp.pl\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Polish State Railways (PKP)<\/a> operates train services from Krakow to O\u015bwi\u0119cim. The journey takes just over an hour. The advantage of the train is greater comfort and avoiding traffic jams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The downside is that the O\u015bwi\u0119cim train station is about 2 kilometres from the museum. From the station, you&#8217;ll either need to grab a taxi or prepare for a roughly 25-minute walk through the town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_By_Car_If_Youre_on_a_Road_Trip\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_By_Car_If_Youre_on_a_Road_Trip\"><\/span>8. By Car (If You&#8217;re on a Road Trip)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re on a <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/poland-road-trip-7-day-itinerary\/\">road trip through Poland<\/a>, driving is a great choice. We&#8217;ve had consistently good experience with the comparison site <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentalcars.com\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">RentalCars<\/a>, which we use all over the world. The drive along the A4 motorway takes just under an hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are paid car parks at both camps. Expect to pay around 20 PLN (about \u20ac5) per day. You can then drive between Auschwitz I and Birkenau in your own car, saving yourself the wait for the shuttle bus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Youll_See_at_Auschwitz_I\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Youll_See_at_Auschwitz_I\"><\/span>What You&#8217;ll See at Auschwitz I<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you start reading the information panels, there&#8217;s a strange moment where it almost feels like you&#8217;re standing on a university campus. That impression vanishes very quickly once you step inside the first of the blocks, which now serve as individual museums housing gut-wrenching exhibitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_The_Iconic_Arbeit_Macht_Frei_Gate\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_The_Iconic_Arbeit_Macht_Frei_Gate\"><\/span>9. The Iconic Arbeit Macht Frei Gate<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The first thing you&#8217;ll see is the iron gate bearing the cynical motto &#8220;Work Sets You Free.&#8221; Look closely at the inverted letter &#8220;B&#8221; in the word Arbeit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to historians, this was a small, hidden act of defiance by the prisoners who were ordered by the SS to make the gate. It was through this gate that work squads marched out each morning for slave labour and returned each evening carrying dead fellow inmates. This is <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"The Spot\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/doporucujeme\/the-spot-2\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">the spot<\/a> where most people fall silent and stop talking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Block_4_Extermination_and_Personal_Belongings\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Block_4_Extermination_and_Personal_Belongings\"><\/span>10. Block 4: Extermination and Personal Belongings<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"797\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-2-zavazadla-a-osobni-veci-odebrane-veznum-v-auschwitz-i.jpg\" alt=\"Luggage and personal belongings taken from prisoners at Auschwitz I\" class=\"wp-image-165432\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-2-zavazadla-a-osobni-veci-odebrane-veznum-v-auschwitz-i.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-2-zavazadla-a-osobni-veci-odebrane-veznum-v-auschwitz-i-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-2-zavazadla-a-osobni-veci-odebrane-veznum-v-auschwitz-i-700x465.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-2-zavazadla-a-osobni-veci-odebrane-veznum-v-auschwitz-i-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-2-zavazadla-a-osobni-veci-odebrane-veznum-v-auschwitz-i-696x462.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Jorge L\u00e1scar from Australia \/ CC BY 2.0 \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the block that shook me to the core. Inside, you won&#8217;t find weapons or building models \u2014 instead, you&#8217;ll see the belongings of people who arrived at the camp believing they were simply being relocated for work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There&#8217;s an enormous room, glass-walled from floor to ceiling, filled with human hair that never made it to the textile factories in the Reich. Other rooms are packed with thousands of spectacles, prosthetic limbs, and pots. The most powerful room for me was the one filled with children&#8217;s and adults&#8217; clothing, with hundreds of crumbling shoes spilling onto the floor. It&#8217;s here that it truly hits you: behind every single pair of shoes was a lost human life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11_Block_11_The_Death_Prison_and_the_Death_Wall\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11_Block_11_The_Death_Prison_and_the_Death_Wall\"><\/span>11. Block 11: The Death Prison and the Death Wall<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-3-cerna-zed-smrti-mezi-bloky-10-a-11-v-auschwitz-i.jpg\" alt=\"The Black Death Wall between blocks 10 and 11 at Auschwitz I\" class=\"wp-image-165434\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-3-cerna-zed-smrti-mezi-bloky-10-a-11-v-auschwitz-i.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-3-cerna-zed-smrti-mezi-bloky-10-a-11-v-auschwitz-i-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-3-cerna-zed-smrti-mezi-bloky-10-a-11-v-auschwitz-i-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-3-cerna-zed-smrti-mezi-bloky-10-a-11-v-auschwitz-i-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-3-cerna-zed-smrti-mezi-bloky-10-a-11-v-auschwitz-i-696x464.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Dawid Galus \/ CC BY-SA 3.0 pl \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While the rest of the camp was horrific, Block 11 was a place of terror even for the prisoners themselves. It functioned as a prison within a prison. In the basement, you&#8217;ll find cells where the Gestapo carried out the first tests with Zyklon B gas, and the so-called &#8220;standing cells&#8221; \u2014 tiny spaces less than one square metre where four people were crammed in as punishment after a full day of forced labour, unable to sit down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Right next to the block is the courtyard with the Death Wall, where mass executions by firing squad took place. Today, visitors and heads of state alike leave flowers here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_Crematorium_I_and_the_Gas_Chamber\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_Crematorium_I_and_the_Gas_Chamber\"><\/span>12. Crematorium I and the Gas Chamber<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"797\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-4-vnitrek-prvniho-krematoria-v-auschwitz-i.jpg\" alt=\"Interior of the first crematorium at Auschwitz I\" class=\"wp-image-165435\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-4-vnitrek-prvniho-krematoria-v-auschwitz-i.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-4-vnitrek-prvniho-krematoria-v-auschwitz-i-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-4-vnitrek-prvniho-krematoria-v-auschwitz-i-700x465.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-4-vnitrek-prvniho-krematoria-v-auschwitz-i-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-4-vnitrek-prvniho-krematoria-v-auschwitz-i-696x462.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Jorge L\u00e1scar from Australia \/ CC BY 2.0 \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>At the far edge of the Auschwitz I camp, you&#8217;ll enter the original, preserved crematorium building. This was the very first gas chamber at Auschwitz, before the killing was scaled up and moved to Birkenau.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Walking through the underground rooms with their dark, smoke-stained walls \u2014 where you can see the holes in the ceiling through which the poisonous gas was poured \u2014 is a deeply harrowing experience. Absolute silence fills the space, and photography is strictly forbidden inside. You&#8217;ll pause only by the preserved cremation ovens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Youll_See_at_Auschwitz_II-Birkenau\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Youll_See_at_Auschwitz_II-Birkenau\"><\/span>What You&#8217;ll See at Auschwitz II-Birkenau<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A free yellow shuttle bus runs between the two camps, taking you to the main gate of Auschwitz II in about 10 minutes. The moment you step off, you&#8217;re struck by the staggering change in scale. If the first camp felt small and organised, Birkenau is simply a gigantic expanse. It covers 170 hectares, and this is where the vast majority of the Holocaust took place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"13_The_Gatehouse_and_Death_Tower\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"13_The_Gatehouse_and_Death_Tower\"><\/span>13. The Gatehouse and Death Tower<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"801\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-5-vstupni-budova-birkenau-s-vez-smrti-hlavni-branka-tabora.jpg\" alt=\"Birkenau gatehouse with the Death Tower, the main entrance to the camp\" class=\"wp-image-165436\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-5-vstupni-budova-birkenau-s-vez-smrti-hlavni-branka-tabora.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-5-vstupni-budova-birkenau-s-vez-smrti-hlavni-branka-tabora-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-5-vstupni-budova-birkenau-s-vez-smrti-hlavni-branka-tabora-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-5-vstupni-budova-birkenau-s-vez-smrti-hlavni-branka-tabora-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-5-vstupni-budova-birkenau-s-vez-smrti-hlavni-branka-tabora-696x465.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Bahnfrend \/ CC BY-SA 4.0 \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The symbol of the entire Auschwitz-Birkenau complex is the long red-brick building with its enormous gate through which trains once passed. I recommend climbing the tower if it&#8217;s open to visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From this vantage point, you truly grasp the insane scale of the camp. As far as the eye can see, brick chimneys rise from the ground like gravestones where wooden barracks once stood and burned. Only from up here do you begin to comprehend how many hundreds of thousands of people were held here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"14_The_Railway_Ramp_and_the_Cattle_Wagon\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"14_The_Railway_Ramp_and_the_Cattle_Wagon\"><\/span>14. The Railway Ramp and the Cattle Wagon<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"903\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-6-zeleznicni-rampa-birkenau-kde-probihala-selekce.jpg\" alt=\"Birkenau railway ramp where selections took place\" class=\"wp-image-165438\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-6-zeleznicni-rampa-birkenau-kde-probihala-selekce.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-6-zeleznicni-rampa-birkenau-kde-probihala-selekce-300x226.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-6-zeleznicni-rampa-birkenau-kde-probihala-selekce-700x527.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-6-zeleznicni-rampa-birkenau-kde-probihala-selekce-768x578.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-6-zeleznicni-rampa-birkenau-kde-probihala-selekce-80x60.jpg 80w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-6-zeleznicni-rampa-birkenau-kde-probihala-selekce-160x120.jpg 160w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-6-zeleznicni-rampa-birkenau-kde-probihala-selekce-696x524.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Dom8Mi \/ CC BY-SA 3.0 \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The path inevitably leads you along the tracks towards the extermination zone. Roughly halfway down, a solitary cattle wagon stands on the rails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the exact spot where trains packed with deported people from across Europe came to a stop. This is where the so-called &#8220;selection&#8221; took place \u2014 SS doctors would simply point left or right, deciding with a single gesture who would go to the barracks for hard labour and who would go straight from the train to the gas chambers at the end of the camp. It&#8217;s an incredibly difficult place to process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"15_Wooden_Barracks_and_Living_Conditions\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"15_Wooden_Barracks_and_Living_Conditions\"><\/span>15. Wooden Barracks and Living Conditions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-7-drevene-baraky-pro-veznene-v-birkenau.jpg\" alt=\"Wooden barracks for prisoners in Birkenau\" class=\"wp-image-165440\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-7-drevene-baraky-pro-veznene-v-birkenau.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-7-drevene-baraky-pro-veznene-v-birkenau-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-7-drevene-baraky-pro-veznene-v-birkenau-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-7-drevene-baraky-pro-veznene-v-birkenau-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-7-drevene-baraky-pro-veznene-v-birkenau-80x60.jpg 80w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-7-drevene-baraky-pro-veznene-v-birkenau-160x120.jpg 160w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-7-drevene-baraky-pro-veznene-v-birkenau-696x522.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: China Crisis \/ CC BY 3.0 \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>On the right side of the tracks, several original wooden prisoner barracks have been preserved, and you can go inside. Originally designed as horse stables for a few dozen animals, the Nazis crammed over 400 people into each barrack on three-tier wooden bunks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you step inside, you&#8217;ll notice the peculiar, musty smell of old wood and damp. You can only begin to imagine the freezing winters prisoners endured here, surrounded by mud and with barely any food. It completely transforms your understanding of what the human body and spirit can endure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"lk-stays-module\">\n<style>\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 RESET PRO GUTENBERG \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stays-module * { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; }\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 WRAPPER \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stays-module {\n  font-family: 'DM Sans', Georgia, sans-serif;\n  max-width: 100%;\n  margin: 2.5rem auto;\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #fdfaf5 0%, #fcf8f0 100%);\n  border: 1px solid #e8dfd4;\n  border-radius: 16px;\n  overflow: hidden;\n  box-shadow: 0 16px 48px rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.25), 0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 HEADER \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stays-header {\n  position: relative;\n  padding: 24px 36px 24px;\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #c39f76 0%, #d4b188 60%, #c39f76 100%);\n  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.15);\n  display: flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  gap: 18px;\n}\n.lk-stays-header::before {\n  content: '';\n  position: absolute;\n  inset: 0;\n  background: url(\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg width='60' height='60' viewBox='0 0 60 60' xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%3E%3Cg fill='none' fill-rule='evenodd'%3E%3Cg fill='%23ffffff' fill-opacity='0.05'%3E%3Cpath d='M36 34v-4h-2v4h-4v2h4v4h2v-4h4v-2h-4zm0-30V0h-2v4h-4v2h4v4h2V6h4V4h-4zM6 34v-4H4v4H0v2h4v4h2v-4h4v-2H6zM6 4V0H4v4H0v2h4v4h2V6h4V4H6z'\/%3E%3C\/g%3E%3C\/g%3E%3C\/svg%3E\") repeat;\n  pointer-events: none;\n}\n.lk-stays-icon {\n  flex-shrink: 0;\n  width: 68px;\n  height: 68px;\n  border-radius: 14px;\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #fff 0%, #f9f6f0 100%);\n  display: flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  justify-content: center;\n  font-size: 26px;\n  box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.15);\n}\n.lk-stays-eyebrow {\n  font-size: 10px;\n  font-weight: 500;\n  letter-spacing: 2.5px;\n  text-transform: uppercase;\n  color: rgba(255,255,255,.85);\n  margin: 0 0 5px 0;\n}\n.lk-stays-title {\n  font-family: 'Playfair Display', Georgia, serif;\n  font-size: 24px;\n  font-weight: 700;\n  color: #fff;\n  line-height: 1.2;\n  text-shadow: 0 1px 2px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);\n  margin: 0;\n}\n.lk-stays-subtitle {\n  font-size: 13px;\n  color: rgba(255,255,255,.75);\n  margin: 4px 0 0 0;\n  font-weight: 300;\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 CARDS GRID \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stays-grid {\n  display: grid;\n  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;\n  gap: 1px;\n  background: rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.12);\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 SINGLE CARD \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stay-card {\n  background: #ffffff;\n  padding: 26px;\n  display: flex;\n  flex-direction: column;\n  gap: 11px;\n  transition: all 0.3s ease;\n  text-decoration: none;\n  color: inherit;\n  position: relative;\n}\n.lk-stay-card:hover {\n  background: #fffbf5;\n  transform: translateY(-2px);\n  box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.18);\n  z-index: 1;\n}\n.lk-stay-card.featured {\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #fffdf9 0%, #fff9f0 100%);\n  box-shadow: 0 4px 16px rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.15), inset 0 1px 0 rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.1);\n}\n.lk-stay-card.featured:hover {\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #fffbf5 0%, #fff8ed 100%);\n  box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.25), inset 0 1px 0 rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.15);\n}\n\n.lk-stay-badge {\n  display: inline-flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  gap: 5px;\n  font-size: 10px;\n  font-weight: 500;\n  letter-spacing: 1.5px;\n  text-transform: uppercase;\n  padding: 5px 11px;\n  border-radius: 20px;\n  width: fit-content;\n}\n.badge-top     { background: linear-gradient(135deg, #c39f76 0%, #d4b188 100%); 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}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 FOOTER \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stays-footer {\n  padding: 18px 36px;\n  background: linear-gradient(to bottom, #fdfaf5 0%, #f9f4ed 100%);\n  border-top: 1px solid rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.15);\n  display: flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  justify-content: space-between;\n  flex-wrap: wrap;\n  gap: 12px;\n}\n.lk-stays-footer-note {\n  font-size: 11.5px;\n  color: #6b7280;\n  font-weight: 300;\n  line-height: 1.5;\n}\n.lk-stays-footer-note a {\n  color: #c39f76;\n  text-decoration: none;\n  font-weight: 400;\n}\n.lk-stays-footer-note a:hover {\n  text-decoration: underline;\n}\n.lk-stays-all-btn {\n  display: inline-flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  gap: 6px;\n  font-size: 12.5px;\n  font-weight: 500;\n  color: #c39f76;\n  text-decoration: none;\n  border: 1px solid rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.35);\n  padding: 8px 18px;\n  border-radius: 8px;\n  transition: all .2s ease;\n}\n.lk-stays-all-btn:hover {\n  background: rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.08);\n  border-color: rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.5);\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 RESPONSIVE \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n@media (max-width: 600px) {\n  .lk-stays-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }\n  .lk-stays-header { padding: 24px 20px; }\n  .lk-stays-footer { padding: 16px 20px; }\n  .lk-stay-card { padding: 22px; }\n  .lk-stays-title { font-size: 20px; }\n}\n<\/style>\n\n  <!-- HEADER -->\n  <div class=\"lk-stays-header\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/lukas-a-lucka.jpg\" alt=\"\" style=\"width: 75px; height: 75px; border-radius: 8px; flex-shrink: 0; object-fit: cover; display: block; margin: 4px 0;\" title=\"\">\n    <div class=\"lk-stays-header-text\">\n      <div class=\"lk-stays-eyebrow\">Luk\u00e1\u0161 and Lucie recommend<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stays-title\">Where to Stay in Krakow<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stays-subtitle\">4 accommodations \u2014 hotels and other lodging options<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- CARDS -->\n  <div class=\"lk-stays-grid\">\n\n    <a class=\"lk-stay-card featured\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&#038;campaign=auschwitzbirkenauosvetim&#038;address=Krakovem&#038;hotelname=K4+APARTHOTEL+KRAK%C3%93W&#038;search=K4+APARTHOTEL+KRAK%C3%93W&#038;category=accommodation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-top\">\u2b50 TOP CHOICE<\/span>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-nature\">\ud83c\udfe8 Hotel<\/span>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-name\">K4 APARTHOTEL KRAK\u00d3W<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-desc\">The best apartments in the center of Krakow with breakfast included. Ideal for accommodation before or after visiting Auschwitz.<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-meta\">\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span>\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-price\">Check prices<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-cta\">\n        <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"M18 13v6a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2V8a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h6\"\/><polyline points=\"15 3 21 3 21 9\"\/><line x1=\"10\" y1=\"14\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"3\"\/><\/svg>\n        Check availability\n      <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n\n    <a class=\"lk-stay-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz-krakovpolsko&#038;product=lma&#038;habl=false&#038;isinc=false&#038;sid22=eyOhfbUVRdp25NRC&#038;hasCTZ=false&#038;hasTP=true&#038;conmeth=normal&#038;plng=cs-CZ&#038;pageCategory=travel&#038;source=direct&#038;medium=hyperlink&#038;address=Krakow%2C+Poland&#038;hotelname=Avium+Old+Town+Apartments&#038;search=Avium+Old+Town+Apartments&#038;category=accommodation&#038;version=surface-the-opportunities%7C7%7C1.2.0&#038;ref22=https%3A%2F%2Floudavymkrokem.cz%2Fkrakov-polsko\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-nature\">\ud83c\udfe1 Apartments<\/span>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-name\">Avium Old Town Apartments<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-desc\">Great apartments in the center of Krakow, suitable as a base for a trip to Auschwitz. Save time thanks to the central location.<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-meta\">\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span>\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-price\">Check prices<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-cta\">\n        <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"M18 13v6a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2V8a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h6\"\/><polyline points=\"15 3 21 3 21 9\"\/><line x1=\"10\" y1=\"14\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"3\"\/><\/svg>\n        Check availability\n      <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n\n    <a class=\"lk-stay-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&#038;campaign=auschwitzbirkenauosvetim&#038;address=Krakovem&#038;hotelname=Greg%26Tom+Beer+House+Hostel&#038;search=Greg%26Tom+Beer+House+Hostel&#038;category=accommodation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-nature\">\ud83c\udfe1 Hostel<\/span>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-name\">Greg&#038;Tom Beer House Hostel<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-desc\">Budget accommodation in a hostel right in the center of Krakow, ideal for travelers on a lower budget.<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-meta\">\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span>\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-price\">Check prices<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-cta\">\n        <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"M18 13v6a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2V8a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h6\"\/><polyline points=\"15 3 21 3 21 9\"\/><line x1=\"10\" y1=\"14\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"3\"\/><\/svg>\n        Check availability\n      <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n\n    <a class=\"lk-stay-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&#038;campaign=auschwitzbirkenauosvetim&#038;address=krakovem\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-nature\">\ud83d\udd0d Search<\/span>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-name\">View all accommodations in Krakow<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-desc\">Explore all available accommodation options in Krakow and find the best one according to your preferences and budget.<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-meta\">\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span>\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-price\">Compare prices<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-cta\">\n        <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"M18 13v6a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2V8a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h6\"\/><polyline points=\"15 3 21 3 21 9\"\/><line x1=\"10\" y1=\"14\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"3\"\/><\/svg>\n        Check availability\n      <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n  \n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"16_Crematoria_Ruins_and_the_Memorial\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"16_Crematoria_Ruins_and_the_Memorial\"><\/span>16. Crematoria Ruins and the Memorial<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"797\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-8-mezinarodni-pamatnik-a-ruiny-krematorii-v-birkenau.jpg\" alt=\"International memorial and crematoria ruins at Birkenau\" class=\"wp-image-165441\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-8-mezinarodni-pamatnik-a-ruiny-krematorii-v-birkenau.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-8-mezinarodni-pamatnik-a-ruiny-krematorii-v-birkenau-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-8-mezinarodni-pamatnik-a-ruiny-krematorii-v-birkenau-700x465.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-8-mezinarodni-pamatnik-a-ruiny-krematorii-v-birkenau-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/165425-8-mezinarodni-pamatnik-a-ruiny-krematorii-v-birkenau-696x462.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Jorge L\u00e1scar from Australia \/ CC BY 2.0 \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>At the very end of the tracks, you&#8217;ll reach the ruins of Crematoria II and III. When the Germans knew in early 1945 that the Red Army was approaching, they tried to destroy the evidence and blew up the gas chambers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, all that remains are collapsed concrete slabs overgrown with grass, but you can clearly make out the outlines of the undressing rooms and the chambers themselves. A short distance away stands the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial \u2014 the international monument to the camp&#8217;s victims \u2014 with plaques in many languages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_Stay_Your_Base_in_Krakow\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_Stay_Your_Base_in_Krakow\"><\/span>Where to Stay: Your Base in Krakow<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Staying in the town of O\u015bwi\u0119cim itself doesn&#8217;t make much sense either logistically or psychologically. A far better plan is to base yourself in beautiful Krakow, which offers plenty of experiences in its own right \u2014 fantastic food, stunning atmosphere, and a wonderful Old Town. Head to the museum in the morning and then treat yourself to a good dinner or a drink in the evening to decompress after such a heavy day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We prefer to stay right in the centre of Krakow, because it ultimately saves a lot of time (and time is money, right?). Some of the best apartments with breakfast can be found at <strong>K4 APARTHOTEL KRAK\u00d3W<\/strong>. Another excellent option is the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&amp;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz-krakovpolsko&amp;product=lma&amp;habl=false&amp;isinc=false&amp;sid22=eyOhfbUVRdp25NRC&amp;hasCTZ=false&amp;hasTP=true&amp;conmeth=normal&amp;plng=cs-CZ&amp;pageCategory=travel&amp;source=direct&amp;medium=hyperlink&amp;address=Krakow%2C+Poland&amp;hotelname=Avium+Old+Town+Apartments&amp;search=Avium+Old+Town+Apartments&amp;category=accommodation&amp;version=surface-the-opportunities%7C7%7C1.2.0&amp;ref22=https%3A%2F%2Floudavymkrokem.cz%2Fkrakov-polsko\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Avium Old Town Apartments<\/a><\/strong>. If you don&#8217;t mind hostels, you&#8217;ll find affordable accommodation right in the centre at <strong>Greg&amp;Tom Beer House Hostel.<\/strong> You can browse and compare accommodation on <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Booking.com\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/doporucujeme\/booking-com\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Booking.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Plan_Your_Day_Recommended_Itinerary\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Plan_Your_Day_Recommended_Itinerary\"><\/span>How to Plan Your Day (Recommended Itinerary)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An Auschwitz visit isn&#8217;t a two-hour affair. You need to expect spending a great deal of time on your feet. Most people are quite exhausted by the end of the tour \u2014 not just physically, but above all emotionally. If you&#8217;re going independently, here&#8217;s the approach I recommend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"17_Start_Early_in_the_Morning_at_Auschwitz_I\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"17_Start_Early_in_the_Morning_at_Auschwitz_I\"><\/span>17. Start Early in the Morning at Auschwitz I<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Arriving as early as possible is essential. Not only will you avoid the biggest crowds \u2014 organised tours tend to roll in around ten o&#8217;clock \u2014 but the morning atmosphere lends the place an even rawer quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Exploring the first part with its indoor exhibitions will take at least two hours. Read the information panels carefully, one by one. Don&#8217;t rush through them, even when it gets tough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"18_Take_a_Breather_During_the_Transfer\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"18_Take_a_Breather_During_the_Transfer\"><\/span>18. Take a Breather During the Transfer<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Between the first and second parts of the camp, you&#8217;ll need to wait for the shuttle bus. This is the perfect time to have a snack outside the grounds (eating inside is, of course, not allowed) and let your thoughts settle a bit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ride itself takes about ten minutes, and trust me, you&#8217;ll genuinely appreciate those few minutes of sitting down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"19_Unlimited_Time_in_Birkenau\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"19_Unlimited_Time_in_Birkenau\"><\/span>19. Unlimited Time in Birkenau<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>At Birkenau, your guide (if you have one) won&#8217;t stay with you as long, or you can break away from the group after the main loop. It&#8217;s an enormous area, and I recommend walking through the whole thing slowly \u2014 all the way to the crematoria ruins and to the &#8220;Sauna,&#8221; where newly arrived prisoners underwent disinfection and where there&#8217;s now a surprisingly emotional exhibition filled with pre-war photographs of smiling families who perished in the camp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You won&#8217;t be surrounded by large crowds here. Many tourists only make it as far as the cattle wagon before turning back, so push on further and let the silence wash over you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Auschwitz_and_Children_Should_You_Bring_Them\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Auschwitz_and_Children_Should_You_Bring_Them\"><\/span>Auschwitz and Children: Should You Bring Them?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a question many parents grapple with. The official stance of the Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau is clear: visits are not recommended for children under 14. I&#8217;ll be honest \u2014 I completely agree, and personally, I&#8217;d even raise that age limit a little higher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s not that children will be terrified. The issue is that a child&#8217;s or young teenager&#8217;s brain simply can&#8217;t process the context. I saw families on site with small children who were bored, running between the barracks, or laughing out loud because they simply didn&#8217;t understand where they were. For older teenagers, on the other hand, it&#8217;s an incredibly educational experience \u2014 but they need a solid grounding in history from school first, understanding who the SS were, what the Second World War was about, and why millions of people had to die.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re travelling through <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/poland-road-trip-7-day-itinerary\/\">southern Poland<\/a> and looking for things to do with younger children, take them to the nearby salt mines or the beautiful zoo in <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wroclaw-poland\/\">Wroc\u0142aw<\/a> instead. Auschwitz can wait a few more years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rules_Clothing_and_What_Not_to_Bring\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rules_Clothing_and_What_Not_to_Bring\"><\/span>Rules, Clothing, and What (Not) to Bring<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum isn&#8217;t Disneyland \u2014 it&#8217;s the largest cemetery in the world, and very specific, strict rules apply here with absolutely no exceptions. Polish security staff are uncompromising, and if you don&#8217;t follow the rules, you&#8217;ll be turned away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"20_The_Crucial_Bag_Rule\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"20_The_Crucial_Bag_Rule\"><\/span>20. The Crucial Bag Rule<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is probably the most common mistake people make at the security checkpoints. You cannot bring any bag larger than A4 paper size (precisely 30 \u00d7 20 \u00d7 10 cm) into the grounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have a standard daypack or backpack, you&#8217;ll need to leave it in the lockers at the entrance (for a small fee) or in your car. Bring only a small handbag, bum bag, or canvas tote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"21_Clothing_and_Behaviour\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"21_Clothing_and_Behaviour\"><\/span>21. Clothing and Behaviour<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Even in the sweltering heat of summer, a strict dress code applies as a mark of respect to the victims. No sleeveless tops with bare shoulders, no low-cut necklines, and shorts or skirts must reach at least above the knee. If you turn up in beachwear, you won&#8217;t be let in. At the same time, prepare for kilometres of walking on muddy, dusty paths. If you have decent hiking boots, definitely wear them. Birkenau is no place for heels or white canvas trainers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It should go without saying that you keep your voice low, don&#8217;t shout to each other, and absolutely do not take grinning selfies by the barbed wire. Whenever I see this, it makes me physically ill. Inside the buildings, flash photography is banned, and in certain specific blocks (such as the room with the hair or the death cells), photography is prohibited entirely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Combining_with_Other_Attractions_Wieliczka\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Combining_with_Other_Attractions_Wieliczka\"><\/span>Combining with Other Attractions: Wieliczka<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Most people who fly or drive to Krakow for a long weekend try to fit in the two most significant sites in the area: Auschwitz and the <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wieliczka-solny-dul\/\">Wieliczka Salt Mine<\/a>. Can you manage both in a single day?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Technically yes, but in practice, it&#8217;s an absolute marathon. Local agencies do offer full-day combined tours. You leave at seven in the morning for Auschwitz, spend four heavy hours there, get on a coach, drive to the other side of Krakow to the mine, do a three-hour underground tour, and get back completely drained by eight in the evening. If you&#8217;re not pressed for time, I strongly recommend splitting these two attractions across two separate days. After four hours at Auschwitz, you really won&#8217;t have the capacity to go admiring salt sculptures \u2014 and it would be a tremendous shame for both sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_Eat_After_the_Tour\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_Eat_After_the_Tour\"><\/span>Where to Eat After the Tour<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A tour of such an intense place drains a lot of energy, so it&#8217;s good to know where to refuel. There are no restaurants inside the museum grounds, and eating within the site is understandably not permitted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ideal plan is to reward yourself with a good meal once you&#8217;re back in Krakow. Head to the traditional Polish restaurant Ch\u0142opskie Jad\u0142o right in the centre, where they make fantastic pierogi and hearty \u017curek soup that will warm you up after a long day. If you prefer something more modern, Morskie Oko is an excellent choice \u2014 great food and a beautiful interior decorated in the highland Goral style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lukass_Final_Reflection\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lukass_Final_Reflection\"><\/span>Luk\u00e1\u0161&#8217;s Final Reflection<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When I walked out of the grounds after nearly five hours and climbed back onto the bus, my mind was completely blank. I spent a long time thinking about how to actually end this article, because a cheery sign-off and encouragement to visit would feel deeply inappropriate. It&#8217;s not a day trip. It&#8217;s a journey into the darkest depths of the human soul and a return with the awareness of everything that happened \u2014 and everything we must never allow to happen again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Everyone should visit at least once, to appreciate life more and to understand what human beings are capable of doing to one another. Go there. And then come home, hug your loved ones, and be grateful for what you have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Travel_Tips_and_Tricks\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Travel_Tips_and_Tricks\"><\/span>Travel Tips and Tricks<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>These are things we sort out before every trip, and Auschwitz was no exception. To help you avoid unnecessary logistical stress, here are a few of our favourite and tried-and-tested services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Finding_Flights_to_Poland\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Finding_Flights_to_Poland\"><\/span>Finding Flights to Poland<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Search for cheap flights on Kiwi or Skyscanner \u2014 they&#8217;re our go-to portals. You can often find bargain fares from London or other major UK airports to Krakow with airlines like Ryanair, Wizz Air, or easyJet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Try playing around with your dates \u2014 sometimes shifting your departure by a single day makes a huge difference to the price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hiring_a_Car_for_a_Road_Trip\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hiring_a_Car_for_a_Road_Trip\"><\/span>Hiring a Car for a Road Trip<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We regularly use the comparison site <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentalcars.com\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">RentalCars<\/a>. We&#8217;ve had consistently good experience with them and use them all over the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For travelling around Poland, it&#8217;s an ideal choice, especially if you&#8217;re planning multiple stops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dont_Forget_Travel_Insurance\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dont_Forget_Travel_Insurance\"><\/span>Don&#8217;t Forget Travel Insurance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For shorter trips we use standard travel insurance, and for longer ones we swear by <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Safety Wing\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/doporucujeme\/safety-wing\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">SafetyWing<\/a> (see our <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Safety Wing\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/doporucujeme\/safety-wing\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">SafetyWing<\/a> review).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Medical care abroad can be eye-wateringly expensive, so spending a few extra pounds for peace of mind is absolutely worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Internet_Abroad\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Internet_Abroad\"><\/span>Internet Abroad<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re travelling outside Europe or want data the moment you land without fussing over roaming, we recommend an eSIM \u2014 check out our <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Holafly\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/doporucujeme\/holafly\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Holafly<\/a> review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Poland, EU roaming applies for UK travellers with compatible plans, but having reliable data when navigating to memorial sites always comes in handy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ_Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ_Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are answers to the most common questions we receive before and after the trip. Hopefully, they&#8217;ll help you plan your visit even better.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1779731349140\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Birkenau\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Birkenau\"><\/span>What is Birkenau?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Auschwitz II-Birkenau was the primary extermination camp within the Auschwitz complex. Unlike the original labour and administrative camp Auschwitz I, Birkenau was used predominantly for the mass and systematic murder of people in gas chambers.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1779731349141\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_does_a_ticket_to_Auschwitz_cost\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_does_a_ticket_to_Auschwitz_cost\"><\/span>How much does a ticket to Auschwitz cost?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Entry to the site on your own without a guide is completely free, but these tickets must be booked well in advance online. A guided tour with an official educator costs roughly 110 PLN (about \u20ac25), and a comprehensive tour from Krakow ranges between \u20ac45 and \u20ac90.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1779731349142\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_many_people_died_at_Auschwitz\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_many_people_died_at_Auschwitz\"><\/span>How many people died at Auschwitz?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>It is estimated that at least 1.1 million people were murdered at the Auschwitz-Birkenau complex, the vast majority of whom were Jewish. Among the victims were also tens of thousands of Poles, Roma, Soviet prisoners of war, and people of many other nationalities from across Europe.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1779731349143\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_the_Auschwitz_tour_involve\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_the_Auschwitz_tour_involve\"><\/span>What does the Auschwitz tour involve?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The visit typically starts at Auschwitz I, where you walk through individual brick blocks housing museum exhibitions while listening to commentary through rented headphones. You then transfer by shuttle bus to Auschwitz II-Birkenau, about 3 km away, where you explore the open-air extermination camp, the railway ramp, and the crematoria ruins.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1779731349144\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_visit_the_museum_with_children\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_visit_the_museum_with_children\"><\/span>Can you visit the museum with children?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The museum&#8217;s official recommendation is not to visit with children under 14. The subject matter is psychologically too heavy and difficult for young children to comprehend.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1779731349145\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_take_photos_inside_the_camp\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_take_photos_inside_the_camp\"><\/span>Can you take photos inside the camp?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, photography for private purposes is permitted in most areas. However, there is a strict ban on using flash and tripods. In specific areas, such as Block 4 (the room with human hair) and the basement of Block 11 (death cells), photography is completely prohibited for obvious reasons of respect.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1779731349146\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_bring_food_and_drink_inside\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_bring_food_and_drink_inside\"><\/span>Can you bring food and drink inside?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>You can bring a small bottle of water, but consuming food inside the grounds (except in designated areas outside the entrance buildings) is forbidden as a mark of respect for a place where people suffered unimaginable hunger. Large bags and luggage must be left in the storage facility.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<!-- LKM_GYG_CARD start q=\"auschwitz\" lang=\"en\" rendered=\"2026-05-27T07:38:06+00:00\" v=\"1\" -->\n<style id=\"lk-gyg-styles\">\n@import url(\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Playfair+Display:wght@700&family=DM+Sans:wght@300;400;500;600&display=swap\");\n\/* === LKM GYG karty \u2014 sjednocen\u00e9 se Stay22 modulem === *\/\n.lk-gyg-module * { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; }\n.lk-gyg-module a,\n.lk-gyg-module a:link,\n.lk-gyg-module a:visited,\n.lk-gyg-module a:hover,\n.lk-gyg-module a:active {\n  background: none !important;\n  background-color: transparent !important;\n  background-image: none !important;\n  box-shadow: none !important;\n  text-decoration: none !important;\n  border-bottom: none !important;\n  color: inherit;\n}\n\n.lk-gyg-module {\n  font-family: 'DM Sans', Georgia, sans-serif;\n  max-width: 860px;\n  margin: 2.5rem auto;\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #fdfaf5 0%, #fcf8f0 100%);\n  border: 1px solid #e8dfd4;\n  border-radius: 16px;\n  overflow: hidden;\n  box-shadow: 0 16px 48px rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.25), 0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);\n}\n\n\/* HEADER *\/\n.lk-gyg-header {\n  position: relative;\n  padding: 28px 32px 24px;\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #c39f76 0%, #d4b188 60%, #c39f76 100%);\n  display: flex; 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align-items: center; justify-content: center;\n  gap: 7px; margin-top: auto;\n  padding: 10px 16px; border-radius: 8px;\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #3685fc 0%, #2a6fd9 100%);\n  color: #fff; font-size: 12.5px; font-weight: 500;\n  letter-spacing: .3px; transition: all .2s ease;\n  box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(54, 133, 252, 0.25);\n}\n.lk-gyg-card:hover .lk-gyg-cta {\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #2a6fd9 0%, #1e5bc4 100%);\n  box-shadow: 0 6px 16px rgba(54, 133, 252, 0.35);\n}\n\n\/* FOOTER *\/\n.lk-gyg-footer {\n  padding: 16px 32px;\n  background: linear-gradient(to bottom, #fdfaf5 0%, #f9f4ed 100%);\n  border-top: 1px solid rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.15);\n  display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between;\n  flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 12px;\n}\n.lk-gyg-footer-note {\n  font-size: 11.5px; color: #6b7280; font-weight: 300; line-height: 1.5;\n}\n.lk-gyg-all-btn {\n  display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 6px;\n  font-size: 12.5px; font-weight: 500; color: #c39f76 !important;\n  text-decoration: none !important;\n  border: 1px solid rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.35);\n  padding: 8px 16px; border-radius: 8px;\n  transition: all .2s ease;\n}\n.lk-gyg-all-btn:hover {\n  background: rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.08);\n  border-color: rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.5);\n  text-decoration: none !important;\n}\n\n\/* RESPONSIVE *\/\n@media (max-width: 700px) {\n  .lk-gyg-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }\n  .lk-gyg-header { padding: 22px 20px; }\n  .lk-gyg-htitle { font-size: 19px; }\n  .lk-gyg-footer { padding: 14px 20px; }\n}\n\n<\/style>\n<div class=\"lk-gyg-module\" data-query=\"auschwitz\">\n  <div class=\"lk-gyg-header\">\n    <div class=\"lk-gyg-icon\">\n      <svg width=\"28\" height=\"28\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#c39f76\" stroke-width=\"2\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><circle cx=\"12\" cy=\"12\" r=\"10\"\/><polyline points=\"9 11 12 14 17 9\" fill=\"none\"\/><\/svg>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"lk-gyg-header-text\">\n      <div class=\"lk-gyg-eyebrow\">Recommended experiences<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-gyg-htitle\">Auschwitz<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-gyg-subtitle\">Tickets &amp; tours via <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"GetYourGuide\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/doporucujeme\/getyourguide\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">GetYourGuide<\/a><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"lk-gyg-grid\"><a class=\"lk-gyg-card featured\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/en-us\/krakow-l40\/from-krakow-auschwitz-birkenau-guided-tour-hotel-pickup-t88880\/?partner_id=MKZ64IS&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\" rel=\"sponsored noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"lk-gyg-image\" style=\"background-image:url('https:\/\/cdn.getyourguide.com\/img\/tour\/94cdd9f9523ba989.jpeg\/132.jpg')\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"From Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour &amp; Hotel Pickup\"><\/div><div class=\"lk-gyg-body\">\n    <div class=\"lk-gyg-badges\"><\/div>\n    <div class=\"lk-gyg-title\">From Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour &amp; Hotel Pickup<\/div>\n    <div class=\"lk-gyg-meta\"><span class=\"lk-gyg-rating\">\n        <svg width=\"12\" height=\"12\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"#c39f76\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M12 2l3.09 6.26L22 9.27l-5 4.87 1.18 6.88L12 17.77l-6.18 3.25L7 14.14 2 9.27l6.91-1.01L12 2z\"\/><\/svg>\n        4.5 <span class=\"lk-gyg-reviews\">(36 579)<\/span>\n      <\/span><span class=\"lk-gyg-price\">from <strong>\u20ac18<\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n    <span class=\"lk-gyg-cta\">\n      <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M18 13v6a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2V8a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h6\"\/><polyline points=\"15 3 21 3 21 9\"\/><line x1=\"10\" y1=\"14\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"3\"\/><\/svg>\n      View &amp; book\n    <\/span>\n  <\/div>\n<\/a><a class=\"lk-gyg-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/en-us\/krakow-l40\/from-krakow-full-day-auschwitz-salt-mine-guided-tour-t89928\/?partner_id=MKZ64IS&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\" rel=\"sponsored noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"lk-gyg-image\" style=\"background-image:url('https:\/\/cdn.getyourguide.com\/img\/tour\/1ab07831c8c9e8f06d40f5817cd96d45ff685ff1d92c837fd6b6e4e8dc27b61b.jpg\/132.jpg')\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Krakow: Auschwitz &amp; Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Day Tour\"><\/div><div class=\"lk-gyg-body\">\n    <div class=\"lk-gyg-badges\"><\/div>\n    <div class=\"lk-gyg-title\">Krakow: Auschwitz &amp; Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Day Tour<\/div>\n    <div class=\"lk-gyg-meta\"><span class=\"lk-gyg-rating\">\n        <svg width=\"12\" height=\"12\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"#c39f76\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M12 2l3.09 6.26L22 9.27l-5 4.87 1.18 6.88L12 17.77l-6.18 3.25L7 14.14 2 9.27l6.91-1.01L12 2z\"\/><\/svg>\n        4.7 <span class=\"lk-gyg-reviews\">(2 554)<\/span>\n      <\/span><span class=\"lk-gyg-price\">from <strong>\u20ac46<\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n    <span class=\"lk-gyg-cta\">\n      <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M18 13v6a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2V8a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h6\"\/><polyline points=\"15 3 21 3 21 9\"\/><line x1=\"10\" y1=\"14\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"3\"\/><\/svg>\n      View &amp; book\n    <\/span>\n  <\/div>\n<\/a><a class=\"lk-gyg-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/en-us\/krakow-l40\/krakow-auschwitz-birkenau-and-salt-mine-guided-tour-t92097\/?partner_id=MKZ64IS&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=visiting-auschwitz-poland-guide\" rel=\"sponsored noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"lk-gyg-image\" style=\"background-image:url('https:\/\/cdn.getyourguide.com\/img\/tour\/432e7985dd1f177f57b53a213e2f2e43925185c6439fd53852085f3ab405556c.jpg\/132.jpg')\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau and Salt Mine Guided Tour\"><\/div><div class=\"lk-gyg-body\">\n    <div class=\"lk-gyg-badges\"><\/div>\n    <div class=\"lk-gyg-title\">Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau and Salt Mine Guided Tour<\/div>\n    <div class=\"lk-gyg-meta\"><span class=\"lk-gyg-rating\">\n        <svg width=\"12\" height=\"12\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"#c39f76\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M12 2l3.09 6.26L22 9.27l-5 4.87 1.18 6.88L12 17.77l-6.18 3.25L7 14.14 2 9.27l6.91-1.01L12 2z\"\/><\/svg>\n        4.7 <span class=\"lk-gyg-reviews\">(9 579)<\/span>\n      <\/span><span class=\"lk-gyg-price\">from <strong>\u20ac46<\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n    <span class=\"lk-gyg-cta\">\n      <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M18 13v6a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2V8a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h6\"\/><polyline points=\"15 3 21 3 21 9\"\/><line x1=\"10\" y1=\"14\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"3\"\/><\/svg>\n      View &amp; book\n    <\/span>\n  <\/div>\n<\/a><\/div>\n  <div class=\"lk-gyg-footer\">\n    <span class=\"lk-gyg-footer-note\">\n      \ud83d\udd17 These are affiliate links \u2014 they don&#39;t change your price and help us create content.\n    <\/span>\n    <a class=\"lk-gyg-all-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/en-us\/s\/?q=auschwitz&amp;partner_id=MKZ64IS&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener nofollow\">\n      All experiences\n      <svg width=\"12\" height=\"12\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><polyline points=\"9 18 15 12 9 6\"\/><\/svg>\n    <\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- LKM_GYG_CARD end -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Some places you don&#8217;t look forward to visiting \u2014 you don&#8217;t plan smiley photos for social media, and honestly, they scare you a little from the start. This is not a travel tip. 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