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Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial

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Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial (Poland)

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Auschwitz-Birkenau was the largest complex of Nazi concentration and extermination camps during World War II and stands today as the world's most significant memorial to the Holocaust. The site consists of two main parts: Auschwitz I, established in 1940 in former Polish army barracks, and the much larger Auschwitz II-Birkenau, built in 1941 to carry out the systematic mass murder of European Jews. It is estimated that over 1.1 million people, the vast majority being Jews, along with Roma, Sinti, Soviet prisoners of war, and Poles, were murdered here, mostly in gas chambers. The memorial preserves the ruins of crematoria, barracks, and kilometers of electrified barbed-wire fences that testify to the industrial scale of the Nazi genocide. Founded as a state museum in 1947, it serves as a global site for education and reflection. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it remains a stark warning of the consequences of hatred and prejudice. The personal effects of the victims, such as piles of shoes, luggage, and hair, provide a haunting and direct connection to the individuals who suffered and died within its perimeter.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-3-239141820201594-1
Rain mm524650519493967779605048

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial is a museum and memorial open daily to visitors. Entry is free, but advance booking is required for your visit.
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Typical hours
The memorial is open from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM (summer) and until 3:00 PM (winter). Last entry is one hour before closing.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in most areas, but without flash or tripod. Out of respect for the victims, do not take pictures in the memorial rooms.
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Time needed
Allow at least three to four hours to visit both camps (Auschwitz I and Birkenau). The tour includes exhibitions and the historic barracks.
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Combine with
The memorial is about 60 km west of Krakow, with regular bus connections. Combine the visit with the nearby town of Oświęcim, which has a small old town.
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Getting there
The easiest way is by bus from Krakow (main station) directly to the museum. Parking is limited; public transport is recommended.
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Insider tip
Book the free entry ticket online in advance as visits without reservation are not possible. Wear comfortable shoes and bring enough water - the tour is a long one.

Geography

Coordinates
50.02700, 19.20200

Facts

  • Liberated by the Red Army on January 27, 1945
  • Over 1.1 million people were murdered in the camp complex
  • Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979
  • Birkenau covers 191 hectares with over 300 ruined buildings
  • The State Museum was founded on July 2, 1947
  • International Holocaust Remembrance Day is held on the liberation date

Explore nearby

Notable places around

OświęcimOświęcim2 km · EExplore →
BrzeszczeBrzeszcze6 km · SWExplore →
BieruńBieruń10 km · NWExplore →
LędzinyLędziny13 km · NWExplore →
LibiążLibiąż13 km · NEExplore →
Fiat Factory TychyFiat Factory Tychy15 km · NWExplore →
KętyKęty16 km · SExplore →
TychyTychy18 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial (10)

"Arbeit macht frei" Gate

Infamous gate with the cynical slogan „Arbeit macht frei” at Auschwitz I.

Gallows

Gallows on the roll-call square of Auschwitz I, where the camp commandant was executed.

German Nazi Concentration Camp Auschwitz (Auschwitz I)🏛 museum

Main camp of the German Nazi concentration and extermination camp network.

🕒 Jan: Mo-Su 07:30-15:00; Feb: Mo-Su 07:30-16:00; Mar: Mo-Su 0

Centrum Obsługi Odwiedzających Muzeum Auschwitz-Birkenau🏛 museum

Visitor service centre of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, tickets and information.

Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum🏛 museum

State museum and memorial on the site of the former camps.

Łęg Kamieniec

Nature reserve near Auschwitz, wetland area with rare plant species.

Hala dawnych OZNS (wcześniej także Weichsel-Union-Metallwerke Krupp

Ruins of the former OZNS armaments factory, later Krupp, in Auschwitz.

Łęg Stare Stawy

Nature reserve with old ponds and riparian forests near Auschwitz.

Fountain of Tears

Fountain of Tears, a monument commemorating the victims of the Holocaust.

Kościół pw. Najświętszej Maryi Panny Wspomożenia Wiernych

Church near Auschwitz, dedicated to Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to book the visit in advance?
Yes, an online reservation is strictly necessary due to high demand.
Is entry free?
Entry without a guide is free, but also requires a prior time slot reservation.
How much time should I plan for both camps?
At least 3.5 to 4 hours for both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau combined.
Is there an age restriction?
Visiting is not recommended for children under 14 due to the sensitive subject matter.
How to get from one camp to the other?
A free shuttle bus runs regularly between Auschwitz I and Birkenau.
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial: where is it located?
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial is located in Poland.
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial: what is there to see?
Highlights include "Arbeit macht frei" Gate, Gallows, German Nazi Concentration Camp Auschwitz (Auschwitz I).
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial: why is it worth visiting?
Auschwitz-Birkenau was the largest complex of Nazi concentration and extermination camps during World War II and stands today as the world's most significant memorial to the Holocaust.
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