Auschwitz tours take place at the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp complex located near the town of Oświęcim in southern Poland, about 70 km west of Krakow. The site comprises two main parts: Auschwitz I (the original camp) located in the south of Oświęcim, and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, located about 3 km to the east near the village of Brzezinka. Both sites are open to visitors and are accessible by guided tours, which usually include visits to the memorials, former prisoners' barracks, gas chambers, crematoria ruins, and other historical exhibitions. Tours often start from Krakow, with many operators offering transportation and guided visits to Auschwitz and Birkenau. The tour duration is typically around 4 hours at the site, with an additional 1-2 hours for travel (around 1 hour by car or 2.5 hours by bus from Krakow). The complex is open daily, except for certain holidays. It is recommended to book tickets and tours in advance for a smooth visit. Addresses for the camps are:
- Auschwitz I: Więźniów Oświęcimia 20, 32-603 Oświęcim, Poland
- Auschwitz II-Birkenau: Ofiar Faszyzmu 12, 32-600 Brzezinka, Poland
Several tour operators based in Krakow and Oświęcim offer private and shared tours, often with hotel pickup and expert local guides to provide a comprehensive historical experience of the site. This visit is a solemn and educational experience focused on understanding the atrocities that happened during the Holocaust at this location.
