Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Tours
A place of memory and reflection on the site of the former German Nazi concentration and extermination camp.
Book a Guided TourThe Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum preserves the authentic site of the largest of the German Nazi concentration and extermination camps. A visit is a powerful act of remembrance and education. While entry is free, all visits must be booked online in advance due to overwhelming demand. A guided tour is highly recommended for understanding the complex history of the site. For planning, see our visitors guide and the latest opening hours.
Available Tickets
- Fast-track entry to Auschwitz I & Auschwitz II–Birkenau
- Pick-up from a meeting point in Krakow or the hotel (as per option selected)
- Fast-track entry to Auschwitz I & Auschwitz II–Birkenau
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Fast-track entry to Auschwitz I & Auschwitz II–Birkenau
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Bottled water
Reservation and Tour Prices
- Individual Entry (without guide): Free of charge. A timed entry pass must be reserved online in advance at visit.auschwitz.org. Availability is limited.
- Guided Tour for Individuals (3.5 hours): From 150 PLN. Join a group with a licensed Museum educator. This is the recommended way to visit.
- Study Tours (6 or 8 hours): From 190 PLN. In-depth tours for those seeking deeper historical context.
- Online Guided Tour (2 hours): From 60 PLN. A live, virtual tour of the Memorial.
All visits for both individuals and groups must be booked in advance on the official reservation website.
Why Book a Guided Tour?
Understanding the significance of the Memorial
Expert Context
A licensed Museum educator provides crucial historical context that is not apparent from the physical remains alone. They explain the functions of buildings and the stories of the victims.
Structured Visit
The Memorial covers two vast sites, Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. A guide ensures you see the most significant locations in a logical and respectful manner within the 3.5-hour timeframe.
Guaranteed Entry
Free individual entry slots are extremely limited and book out weeks or months in advance. Booking a guided tour is the most reliable way to secure your visit.
Multiple Languages
Official guided tours are offered in many languages, including English, Polish, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and more, making the history accessible to international visitors.
The Gate: "Arbeit Macht Frei"
The sign over the main gate to Auschwitz I reads "Arbeit Macht Frei" ("Work Sets You Free"). This cynical slogan was placed at the entrances of several Nazi concentration camps. The sign at Auschwitz is particularly infamous. It was made by Polish political prisoners, who reportedly placed the "B" in "Arbeit" upside down as a subtle act of defiance.
This gate was the entry point for countless prisoners into a system of forced labor, starvation, and extermination. Today, it stands as one of the most powerful and haunting symbols of the Holocaust, a stark reminder of the false promises and brutal reality that awaited the victims who passed beneath it.
How To Book Your Visit
All visits must be reserved online in advance
Choose Your Visit Type
Decide between a free individual entry (limited availability) or a paid guided tour. We highly recommend a guided tour for essential historical context.
Reserve Your Slot
Go to the official booking website, visit.auschwitz.org. Select your date, time, and tour language. Book several weeks or months in advance, especially for peak season.
Prepare for Your Visit
You will receive an entry pass via email. On the day of your visit, bring your pass (digital or printed) and a valid photo ID that exactly matches the name on the reservation. Arrive at least 30 minutes early for security checks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Essential information for your visit