Auschwitz & Birkenau Private Tour
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Auschwitz & Birkenau Private Tour
Trip Itinerary
- 1
Hotel Pickup
We will pick you up from your hotel. The final pick-up time is always confirmed on the day before the tour. Pick-up time depends on guide availability. We will do our best to adjust it to your needs. Please remember, that the preferable time is only a suggestion. The starting time of this tour my vary between 6:00 and 13:00. The final time is always confirmed upon the confirmation from the Auschwitz State Museum.
- 2
Transfer
First we will go to Auschwitz during the ride you will watch the documentary about the Camp.
- 3
Auschwitz I Museum
You will have 2-hour long tour in the camp which was the administrative headquarters of the complex.
- 4
Auschwitz II Birkenau
After first part we will go to Birkenau camp where you will spend another 1-hour with a guide.
- 5
Transfer and Hotel Drop off
Our service covers door-to-door transportation. That means You will be taken back to the hotel.
Please note that all times are approximate and depend on traffic conditions and guides availability.
Auschwitz & Birkenau Private Tour
Auschwitz Birkenau Private Tour: A Harrowing Journey Through History
The Auschwitz Birkenau Private Tour is a deeply moving experience, offering visitors an intimate and educational opportunity to explore the most significant Holocaust memorial in the world. Located just 66 km from Krakow, the Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial and Museum stands as a solemn tribute to the victims of Nazi atrocities during World War II.
The tour provides a profound opportunity to learn about the unimaginable horrors faced by millions of innocent people. Visitors can walk through the original barracks, view artifacts and photographs that highlight the daily struggles of prisoners, and see the gas chambers and crematoriums where many lives were tragically lost. With an expert guide, each step of the tour is enriched with historical context, ensuring that visitors leave with a deep understanding of the scale of the atrocities and the importance of remembering this dark chapter in history.
The Auschwitz Birkenau Private Tour serves not only as a lesson in history but as a reminder to preserve the dignity of human life and to prevent such horrors from happening again.
What is the Auschwitz Birkenau Private Tour?
This private guided tour allows you to experience the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial at your own pace, with the guidance of an expert English-speaking private guide. The tour covers both Auschwitz I and Birkenau, taking you through the harrowing history of Europe’s most infamous concentration camp.
The Auschwitz-Birkenau tour lasts approximately 3 hours, with an additional transfer time, making the entire experience around 7 hours long. This includes door-to-door transport, ensuring a comfortable and convenient trip from your Krakow hotel to the site, and back.
What is Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum?
The Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to preserving the memory of the victims who perished in the Holocaust. The museum consists of Auschwitz I (the main camp) and the Birkenau site, where the majority of the horrific events occurred. As part of the Auschwitz Birkenau tour, you will have the opportunity to pay your respects, explore the gas chambers, barracks, and memorials, and witness the unimaginable scale of Nazi extermination camps.
This guided tour takes you through both Auschwitz and Birkenau, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the camp’s history, the suffering of its victims, and the scale of Nazi war crimes.
Auschwitz - A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Auschwitz is one of Poland’s 16 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and while many of these places are recognized for their beauty or cultural significance, Auschwitz serves as a grim reminder of humanity's darkest moments. Unlike other sites that celebrate the triumphs of humankind, Auschwitz stands as a memorial to the depths of human hatred and a stark warning about the potential for evil in the world.
It is a place that forces us to reflect on the atrocities that took place and serves as a powerful study tour for visitors to understand the true consequences of prejudice, bigotry, and indifference.
Why Should You Visit Auschwitz?
Visiting Auschwitz is not a lighthearted experience. It’s an emotional journey through one of the darkest chapters of human history. However, it’s one of the most important landmarks in Poland and the world. Each year, countless visitors travel from across the globe to pay their respects and remember the lives lost at this Nazi concentration and extermination camp.
So, why should you visit Auschwitz? Here are a few compelling reasons:
- Honoring the victims: The memory of the 1.5 million innocent lives lost in Auschwitz and Birkenau must be kept alive.
- The passing of survivors: As the survivors of World War II and the Holocaust pass away, it becomes increasingly important to visit these sites and share their story.
- Educating future generations: The Holocaust awareness, especially among those under 40, is rapidly declining. Visiting Auschwitz ensures that future generations understand the gravity of what happened.
- The significance of the site: In just 25 years, Auschwitz will turn 100 years old. The memory of this dark history must continue to be preserved, ensuring that humanity never forgets the atrocities committed.
By visiting Auschwitz, you help keep the memory of the victims alive and ensure that such horrors are never repeated. It’s a stark reminder that we must remain vigilant against hatred and intolerance.
Why Choose MrShuttle for Your Auschwitz Birkenau Private Tour?
At MrShuttle, we prioritize customer satisfaction and comfort. With over a decade of experience, we have earned TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award and Certificate of Excellence. We offer a hassle-free and educational experience, ensuring you gain the most from your visit to Auschwitz Birkenau.
Here’s why you should choose MrShuttle for your private tour to Auschwitz:
- Time-saving: Our drivers take the fastest route from Krakow to Auschwitz, ensuring a direct and efficient journey. Unlike buses, there are no unnecessary stops, and our smaller vehicles can easily navigate the traffic.
- Comfortable transport: Enjoy the comfort of air-conditioned vehicles during your journey to Auschwitz. You’ll have more room to relax than in a cramped bus.
- No language barrier: Our team speaks fluent English and other languages, making communication seamless throughout your tour from Krakow.
- No ticket lines: We provide private transfers, so you won’t have to waste time standing in line for tickets. You can start your Auschwitz tour immediately upon arrival.
- Door-to-door service: Whether you’re staying at a hotel or arriving at Krakow airport, we’ll pick you up and drop you off at your convenience, without any additional stress.
Additionally, you can watch a documentary during your ride to Auschwitz, helping you gain a deeper understanding of the site before you even arrive.
How to Prepare for Your Auschwitz Birkenau Private Tour
Visiting Auschwitz is an emotional experience, and preparation is key to ensuring a meaningful visit. Here are some quick tips:
- Don’t overload your schedule: The tour is emotionally draining, and you may not feel up to further activities afterward. Ensure you have time to rest after the tour.
- Eat and stay hydrated: A full stomach and proper hydration will help you focus during the tour and reduce fatigue.
- Pack light: Remember, the maximum size for bags at the museum is 30 x 20 x 10 cm. Anything larger can be left in the car, so pack only what’s essential.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Expect to walk a lot. Choose shoes that will keep you comfortable for the 3-hour walking tour.
- Be prepared for weather changes: The weather in Poland can be unpredictable, so bring a jacket or extra layer, especially in colder months.
Other Attractions Near Auschwitz
If you have time after your Auschwitz Birkenau tour, there are several other attractions in Poland worth exploring. Consider visiting the Wieliczka Salt Mine, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, located not far from Krakow. You can also explore Krakow itself, with its historic Old Town, Wawel Castle, and vibrant cultural scene.
At MrShuttle, we offer many private tours around Krakow and beyond, making it easy to explore the region at your own pace.
Unique Experience with Mr. Shuttle
Visiting Auschwitz is not just about learning history – it’s about ensuring that the victims are remembered and that the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten. By booking a private guided tour with MrShuttle, you will receive an unparalleled experience that combines comfort, education, and respect. Join us on this important journey through history, and ensure that the horrors of Auschwitz Birkenau are never allowed to happen again.
Auschwitz & Birkenau Private Tour - Travellers recommend this tour:
Check opinions about this trip
This trip makes for a long day, but after touring the horrors of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the beauty and wonder of the salt mine was perfect. The purifying nature of salt was also much appreciated.
This was a very moving trip, we were very lucky to have a very knowledgeable and empathetic tour guide. I would recommend this trip and we learned a lot but it is a deeply thought-provoking and emotional experience
Tour was as organized as it stated on the website. Auschwitz - Birkenau is an absolute must-visit for any human being if you can as it is essential to see, pay your respects, and educate yourself. The guide was fantastic and honest!
More details about this tour
Here is a break down of all the activities in the tour:
The tour is a two-parter and takes about 7 hours to complete. You will spend 4 hours on the way, and 3 hours in the museum.
- First, you will spend 2 hours in Auschwitz I. Since this is a private guided tour, you will be provided with an English-speaking private tour guide. Once the first part of the experience is concluded, you will be transported to Auschwitz II Birkenau.
- Auschwitz II Birkenau is located about 2 km from Auschwitz I Museum. The Birkenau part of the private Auschwitz tour takes about one hour to complete. Just like in the Museum, you will be accompanied by a private guide.
You can take photos at Auschwitz. The basic rule is to be respectful and turn off the flash. However, there are two places where you cannot take any photos, even with the flash off. The hall with the hair of the victims in Block 4 and the basements of Block 11 are off-limits for taking photos.
Auschwitz-Birkenau is the most infamous, tragic nazi concentration camp in the history of World War II and the Holocaust. It is the place where countless lives were lost in a senseless, pointless crime of slaughter and genocide. Oświęcim carries a heavy burden of atrocity and crime against humanity.
Auschwitz-Birkenau approached extermination like an industry, optimizing and streamlining the process of murder and genocide. Everything was calculated and planned in the tiniest details. There was no room for humanity in that place. It was an organized, deliberate slaughter.
How long did Auschwitz operate?
The Auschwitz and Birkenau between 1940 and 1945, for five years total. However, it was during the final three years that the eradication of 1 million European Jews took place. Over the course of the Holocaust, 6 million of Jews were killed – and at least 1/6 of that was done in Auschwitz alone.
Was Auschwitz always a death camp?
Auschwitz was not always a death camp. Before it became a death factory, Auschwitz was a concentration camp and prisoner of war camp. At first, it was meant for political enemies of Nazis, such as Polish and Soviet soldiers. Everything changed after Wannsee Conference in 1942. Once the Final Solution was put in motion, Auschwitz became the designated slaughterhouse of Europe. Because of its convenient position and good railroad connection, Oświęcim was chosen as the optimal place for massive transports of Jews from all corners of Europe. Then, it was turned into an industrialized factory of death.
What is the history of gas chambers in Auschwitz?
Many find it surprising, but the first gassing in Auschwitz happened before it was turned into a death camp. Before the gas chambers were built, Nazis were experimenting with Zyklon B crystals on soviet and polish soldiers in 1941. In August 1941, the first prisoners were executed in Block 11 of Auschwitz. Then, in September, 850 more Poles and Soviets were gassed. As a result of these experiments, the Nazis decided that a dedicated gas chamber is necessary to continue. experimental gassing started in August 1941, when Zyklon B crystals were used on soviet soldiers in block 11 of Auschwitz-I. After that, the method was tested again in September on 600 more soviet soldiers and 250 polish prisoners. The experiments proved a need for building a dedicated gas chamber, which paved a way for the sickening atrocities of mass extermination.
Where were the corpses of Auschwitz victims burned?
The Crematorium I was built to dispose of corpses of sick prisoners. To met the demand of the Nazi Death Factory, Crematorium I was expanded. However, it was later retired in favor of the newly built Crematoria II-V. With these expanded and improved crematoria, Auschwitz was capable of burning 8000 corpses a day.
This is just a small glimpse of the history of Auschwitz. It is impossible to respectfully convey the gravity of the tragedy that took place there within a scope of a small page like this. There is nothing that can compare to visiting the place yourself. If you want to read more about Auschwitz before your trip, look at our blog – there are some articles you might find useful there.
Is the return trip from Auschwitz II Birkenau included?
Like our other tours and day trips, the return trip is included in the Auschwitz&Birkenau Private Tour. MrShuttle specializes in door-to-door services. To explain it simply, it means that we aim to cut out any unnecessary hassle from your experience. We pick you up at the agreed starting point and then drop you at the agreed return point when the tour is over. Most of the time, our customers choose to begin and end their journey at their hotel, but it is not the only available option.
What special opportunity is available during the transport to the Auschwitz Birkenau Museum?
To help you prepare for the Auschwitz and Birkenau experience, MrShuttle offers you a chance to watch a special documentary on your way to Auschwitz. This movie serves as an excellent introduction that will effectively start your trip two hours early. Many people consider this documentary an eye-opener that significantly improved their entire experience.
How long is the ride from Krakow to Auschwitz? How far is Auschwitz from Krakow?
Auschwitz-Birkenau is located somewhere around 66km from Kraków. It takes about 2 hours to drive from Kraków to Auschwitz. Return trip from Birkenau also takes 2 hours. You will spend 4 hours in transport in total.
What cars are used for transport to Auschwitz II Birkenau?
To travel with MrShuttle is to travel in Mercedes-Benz Vans and Minibuses. We keep our cars in top condition. They are regularly cleaned, disinfected, and held up to the highest hygienic standards. We offer the best English-speaking drivers at your service. They know Krakow and the neighborhood like the back of their hand and are happy to assist you with any problems you might have. If you have any questions, do not hold back. Ask the English speaking driver anything you want.
The Auschwitz&Birkenau Private Tour is a private guided tour. The certified English-speaking guides are provided by the Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial and Museum. While some people prefer using paper or electronic guides and learning on their own, we recommend taking the chance to experience the tour with a human guide. The person who will be assigned to show you around Auschwitz and Birkenau is going to be one of the most knowledgeable people about the camp possible. For many of them, being a guide is more than a job – it is a mission. They are passionate, driven, and dedicated. Many travelers comment that the human interaction and conversation with the guide was what helped them process the whole experience. To make sure you can hear the guide properly, you will be provided with a pair of headphones.
Delicious lunch offer
We have observed that many travelers end up hungry during or after the tour to Auschwitz. Sometimes this is because they skip breakfast, sometimes it is because they are too moved by the experience to think about stopping for food afterward. To address this, we offer you an optional lunch-packed set. Prepared by hand in the morning, made with only fresh ingredients, our lunch package consists of:
- A Chicken Salad
- A One of Fruit (apple, banana etc)
- A Chocolate Wafer
- A Bottle of Water
We especially urge you to make sure you stay hydrated during the tour to Auschwitz. It is easy to forget about drinking enough. Worsened focus and concentration make the whole experience worse.
Are there vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free options available?
Yes, there are vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free alternatives and options. If you want something to be changed or customized, leave us a note. We will try our best to accommodate your needs and desires.
More reasons why you should use our services:
We have invented this tour on the market and we are the best in it.
Free Hotel Pickup
We will pick you up and drive you back to your hotel or apartment.
Professional Guide
Certified, passionate and experienced people.
Documentary Movie
On your way, you will watch a documentary introduction movie. (subject to availability)
Skip the lines
All admission fees and tickets are included so you don't have to worry about a thing and stand in the lines to buy the tickets
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FAQ
Here you can find answers for frequently asked questions.Please note that the maximum size of bags and backpacks allowed to carry on the Museum grounds is 30 x 20 x 10 cm. You can always leave your belongings inside the bus which will be parked nearby.
Yes. You need to provide your personal information when securing a ticket, and you need to bring proof of your identity when coming to visit. You will not be able to enter Auschwitz Birkenau Museum without an ID, passport, or similar document. If you fail to identify yourself, you will not be able to get in and no refund will be given to you.
Auschwitz Birkenau Museum is closed on the following days: 25th of December, 1st of January, Liberation Anniversary (27th of January), Easter Saturday afternoon (3rd of April), Easter Sunday (4th of April) and March of the Living Day.
Please note that for Balice airport/hotels near the airport pickup the additional fee is 120 PLN per booking.
Correct. Auschwitz & Birkenau Private Tour is a private guided tour. You will be placed under the care of an expert, certified English-speaking private guide who will answer any questions you might have.
Please note that 8:00 is a default time given to all reservations. The final confirmation always depends on the availability of the private guides in Auschwitz Museum. The starting time in the Museum may vary between 7:30 and 14:30. The time will be confirmed as soon as possible. Please note, that in case the private guide is not possible, we will change the booking to private transportation and shared guide with the price adjustment and refund the difference.
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