Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau — Attraction in gmina Oświęcim

Let me begin by stating that my review is not about Auschwitz itself, but rather about the tourist experience and management.

Auschwitz is an incredibly significant historical site that I believe everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. My visit took place in July 2023, during the high season, and unfortunately, the parking situation was quite chaotic. The parking lot was completely full, and I encountered a few individuals (Karen's) who were standing in parking spaces claiming it was theirs without a car in it. So if you plan on visiting by car, I recommend coming during less crowded times to avoid any inconvenience.

While purchasing a tour, I found the guides to be polite and helpful. However, some of them struggled with English, which made it challenging to fully grasp the information they were conveying. As a tip, I suggest considering the free pass option after 16:00, as it allows for a longer visit than the advertised 15 minutes.

One important aspect to keep in mind when visiting Auschwitz is to show respect. Unfortunately, I noticed several people taking pictures and selfies, which felt inappropriate given the somber nature of the place. It's crucial to put your phone away and truly pay your respects. Additionally, I was disheartened to witness some tourists writing their names on the camp walls. This behavior is utterly disrespectful and should never be done.

Overall, while there were some issues with the parking and language barriers, visiting Auschwitz remains a profoundly impactful experience. I urge everyone to approach the site with reverence and honor the memory of those who...

This is a very sad experience. But I do recommend everyone to visit once in a lifetime. I learnt about it in a history lesson, but seeing it for real was just something else. The scale of it is just mad. There was 2 camps, second camp had more than 300 buildings. They were killing almost 5k people a day, in a gas chamber they fit 700 people at a time 😮 Its just crazy to see all the shoes of people who died there. And crazy to see the gas chamber. We all need to see the scale of it and learn from it so the history wont repeat itself... In the second camp, last building we entered was the barrack of ill women, it was called the death barrack, all of them were ill or unable to work, they were getting no food or water and if the barrack was full they were made to stay outside in a yard and wait to be taken to the gas chamber. Most of them died there in a barrack. It's so cruel.

The free car park not in use. All car parks around is approx 30zloty. There is massive queue to get it, takes forever due to amount of people visiting. To get in need to go thru security like in the airport. Then there is audio tour. Our guide was not great, was hard to hear her as she didnt hold microphone properly. Was way too many people and very long backlog so we skipped quite few barracks. Once we got to second camp by bus our tour guide didnt wait for everyone so we got lost. Not very well organised tbh. After 1pm most days can visit camps without tour guides and it is free.

This place would give chills...

The star rating is not right for this museum, but it’s all we have to use.

Travel to and from the museum was very easy. We bought the organised museum trip on line, which includes both Auschwitz and Birkenau. Leaving from the krakow bus terminal, the express bus takes about 1.5 hours. You can buy a ticket in advance at the bus depot or pay the driver as you get on the bus.

The drop off and return stop (both use the same stop) are inside the museum so now need to figure out where to go or any additional travel needs. Directly opposite the bus stop are the toilet facilities.

Head into the museum and pass through security and the wait your allotted start time. The guide will take you into the exhibit and answer any questions you may have.

Then once done, a short comfort break and then onto the free shuttle bus for the short trip to Birkenau. At the end of the trip, take the available shuttle bus back to Auschwitz and when you are ready, climb aboard the next express bus back into Krakow bus terminal.

The scale of suffering, is unimaginable, while walking the streets and paths it’s so hard to understand what was done to the detained, let alone those deemed unsuitable.

The march to life’s end, was so short for most who walked through the gates. Those who survived have up held the truth of...