What to See

What to See at Auschwitz-Birkenau

A walkthrough of both sites — the original camp at Auschwitz I, the vast extermination grounds at Birkenau, and the key locations every visitor should understand.

Top Highlights → Read FAQs

Two Sites

Auschwitz I (main camp) and Auschwitz II-Birkenau (extermination camp), 3.5 km apart.

Must See

The gate, Block 11, Gas Chamber I, the railway ramp, and the International Monument.

Duration

Allow 3.5 hours minimum. Study tours run 6–8 hours for deeper coverage.

Shuttle

Free shuttle bus connects both sites for visitors on guided tours.

Top Highlights at Auschwitz

The most significant sites every visitor should see.

Auschwitz I Main Camp & Block Exhibitions

The original concentration camp featuring preserved prisoner barracks, the infamous ‘Arbeit Macht Frei’ gate, and powerful national memorial exhibitions documenting the lives and suffering of deportees.

Birkenau (Auschwitz II) Memorial Grounds

The vast extermination camp where the ruins of gas chambers, the iconic railway gatehouse, and the International Monument to the Victims stand as stark reminders of the scale of the Holocaust.

Auschwitz I

The original camp — the gate, exhibition blocks, Death Block, and the first gas chamber.

Auschwitz IGuide

Auschwitz I: Complete Visitor Guide

Explore the original Nazi concentration camp, including the infamous Arbeit Macht Frei gate, Block 11 prison, gas chamber, crematorium, and museum exhibitions across 28 historic barracks.

LandmarkGate

The 'Arbeit Macht Frei' Gate

The notorious entrance gate bearing its deceptive "Work Sets You Free" inscription stands as Auschwitz I's most recognized and emotionally powerful symbol of the Holocaust.

Block 11History

Block 11: The Death Block

Auschwitz I's most feared building served as an internal prison, housing standing cells, starvation bunkers, and the Death Wall where thousands were executed.

Gas ChamberMemorial

The Gas Chamber & Crematorium I

The first site where Zyklon B gas was tested for mass killing, this partially reconstructed crematorium at Auschwitz I prohibits interior photography.

ExhibitionsMuseum

The Prisoner Exhibitions

Three permanent exhibition blocks display victims' personal belongings, identity photographs, and deportation records that document the systematic scale of murder at Auschwitz.

Auschwitz II

The extermination camp at Birkenau — railway ramp, gas chambers, barracks, and memorial.

BirkenauGuide

Auschwitz II-Birkenau: Complete Visitor Guide

A comprehensive guide to navigating Auschwitz II-Birkenau's vast site, from the iconic gatehouse and original railway ramp to the crematoria ruins and International Monument.

RailwayBirkenau

The Railway Ramp at Birkenau

The railway ramp at Birkenau is where over one million deportees arrived and faced the infamous selection process that determined their fate upon entry.

Gas ChambersBirkenau

The Gas Chambers & Crematoria at Birkenau

Preserved ruins of Crematoria II–V stand alongside interpretive panels detailing their wartime operation and the SS's frantic last-minute attempt to destroy the evidence.

BarracksBirkenau

The Prisoner Barracks at Birkenau

Explore the preserved wooden horse-stable barracks where prisoners endured extreme overcrowding and brutal living conditions at the Auschwitz II-Birkenau camp.

MonumentMemorial

The International Monument to the Victims

Memorial at the back of Birkenau. Place of reflection. Inscriptions in 20 languages.

WarehousesHistory

The Kanada Warehouses

The Kanada Warehouses were massive storage facilities where Nazi guards sorted and stored personal belongings confiscated from arriving prisoners, accessible only via guided study tours.

How to Choose What to See

A few simple ways to decide based on your timing, travel style, and budget.

If You Have Limited Time (2–3 Hours)

A focused visit can still be deeply meaningful if you know where to concentrate your attention.

Prioritise Auschwitz I — the main camp, Arbeit Macht Frei gate, and Block 11 (the Death Block)
Walk through at least one exhibition block to understand the scale of the crime
See the gas chamber and crematorium at Auschwitz I, the only partially intact one on site
Skip the full Birkenau walk if pressed for time — the perimeter and main gate still convey its vast scale

Recommended: Auschwitz I with a guided tour — the narrative context transforms what you’re seeing from ruins into testimony.

If You Want the Full Historical Picture

Auschwitz-Birkenau was two distinct sites with different functions — seeing both is essential for understanding how the system operated.

Spend at least 4–5 hours across both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau
Walk the full length of Birkenau to the destroyed crematoria at the far end of the site
Visit the international pavilions in Auschwitz I to understand the breadth of nationalities targeted
Read Block 4 (Extermination) and Block 5 (Material Evidence of Crime) before entering Birkenau — it prepares you for what you’ll see

Recommended: Book a 3.5-hour guided study tour that covers both camps — self-guided visits often miss critical context.

If You’re Visiting with Young People or a School Group

The site is appropriate for teenagers but benefits from structured preparation and pacing to avoid overwhelm.

Confirm age appropriateness — the museum recommends visitors be at least 14 years old
Use the dedicated educational tours designed for school groups, which frame content developmentally
Start with Auschwitz I before Birkenau — the enclosed blocks are easier to process than the open field scale of Birkenau
Build in time after the visit for quiet reflection; do not schedule intensive activities immediately afterward

Recommended: Pre-book an official educational group tour — guides trained for school visits adjust pacing and framing to support younger visitors.

If You’re Returning or Have a Specific Research Focus

Repeat visitors and researchers can go beyond the main circuits to access less-visited areas and archival resources.

Request access to specific national pavilions not always open on standard tours (e.g., the Jewish, Roma, or Soviet pavilions)
Visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum archive or contact the research centre in advance
Walk the Birkenau women’s camp sector (BIa/BIb) separately from the main route — it is rarely crowd-free on standard tours
Attend a commemoration event if your visit coincides with January 27 (International Holocaust Remembrance Day) or another memorial date

Recommended: A self-guided visit with the museum’s detailed audio guide app — it allows you to linger at specific sites without group pacing constraints.

Practical Information

Quick-read guidance for scheduling, pacing, and general comfort during your visit.

Planning Your Route

Auschwitz-Birkenau covers two main sites 3 km apart, so plan your walking sequence carefully.

Start at Auschwitz I (the main camp) where the gate, Block 11, and standing cells are located
Birkenau (Auschwitz II) is larger and more exposed — visit second and budget at least 90 minutes there
The shuttle bus between sites runs every 10–20 minutes and is free of charge
Most visitors spend 3–4 hours total; rushing either site diminishes the experience
Wear comfortable, flat shoes — the ground at Birkenau is uneven gravel and grass

Timing Your Visit

When you arrive affects crowd density and emotional atmosphere significantly.

Opening hours vary by month — the site opens as early as 7:30 am in summer; arrive at opening to avoid tour groups
Midday (11 am–2 pm) is the most crowded period, especially July–August
Late afternoon visits (from 3 pm onward) are noticeably quieter in peak season
The site is open every day except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
Guided tours are mandatory for the morning session (before noon) June through October

What to Bring

The site has limited facilities and strict rules about what you can carry inside.

Large bags and backpacks must be left in the paid cloakroom at the entrance — bring only essentials
Bring water; the site has few vending points and summer visits can be physically tiring
Dress respectfully — no shorts, sleeveless tops, or uncovered heads are recommended inside memorial buildings
Photography is permitted throughout except inside some barrack interiors — check posted signs
Food and drink are not permitted inside the exhibition buildings or gas chamber ruins

Emotional and Practical Preparation

Auschwitz-Birkenau is one of the most emotionally intense sites in the world — prepare accordingly.

Children under 14 are generally not recommended to enter without careful parental consideration
Allow time after the visit to decompress — many visitors find the on-site café or quiet areas outside helpful
Audio guides in multiple languages are available for self-guided visits and are worth using
The memorial grounds are not suitable for those with severe mobility impairments — Birkenau in particular has no paved paths
Memorial books and survivor testimonies are available in the bookshop near the exit for deeper context

Things to Know Before You Visit

Key reminders for a smooth visit.

🎫Book in advance — Free entry requires a timed-entry reservation made weeks ahead, especially in summer.

🏛️Two sites to visit — Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau are 3 km apart; a free shuttle runs between them.

⏱️Allow 3–4 hours minimum — A self-guided visit of both camps takes at least three to four hours to do justice to the exhibits.

👕Dress respectfully — Shoulders and knees should be covered; this is a place of mourning, not a tourist attraction.

📵Silence is expected — Photography is permitted in most areas, but selfies and loud behaviour are considered disrespectful.

🌧️Come prepared for the weather — The site is largely outdoors with long distances on foot; bring water, sunscreen, and rain gear.

Continue Exploring

Discover more about Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Plan Your Visit

Opening hours, what to wear, how to get there, and everything you need before you go.

Plan your visit →

Tickets & Tours

Compare guided tours, transport options, and combo tickets from Kraków and beyond.

Explore ticket options →

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about what to see.

At Auschwitz I: the Arbeit Macht Frei gate, Block 11 (the Death Block), and Gas Chamber I. At Birkenau: the railway ramp, the ruins of the gas chambers, the barracks, and the International Monument.

The two sites are 3.5 km apart. A free shuttle bus connects them for visitors on guided tours. You can also walk between the sites in approximately 30–40 minutes.

Yes, a standard guided tour covers both sites in approximately 3.5 hours. Most visitors see Auschwitz I first, then travel to Birkenau by shuttle bus.

Yes. Auschwitz-Birkenau is a place of immense historical significance and the experience is deeply moving. Visitors should prepare themselves emotionally and approach the site with respect and sensitivity.

Most areas within both camps are accessible to visitors. Some buildings are closed for preservation. The gas chamber ruins at Birkenau can be viewed from outside. Photography restrictions apply in certain exhibition rooms.

The exhibition halls at Auschwitz I display thousands of personal items — shoes, suitcases, eyeglasses, and human hair — confiscated from victims upon arrival. These artifacts serve as direct physical evidence of the scale of the Holocaust and are among the most impactful exhibits at the memorial.

The gas chamber and crematorium at Auschwitz I (Crematorium I) have been partially reconstructed and are open to visitors. At Birkenau, the ruins of Crematoria II–V remain visible, destroyed by the SS in January 1945 to conceal evidence.

The railway siding inside Birkenau where deportees underwent selection is preserved with original rail tracks leading through the gatehouse. A line of cattle cars and the selection platform remain as they were, marking the spot where SS doctors decided who would live or die.

Several original wooden and brick barracks at Birkenau are open to walk through, showing the cramped three-tier bunks where prisoners slept. The brick barracks in sector BIa and wooden horse-stable barracks in BII give a stark sense of the living conditions inmates endured.

Blocks 4 through 7 at Auschwitz I house the main historical exhibition covering deportation, extermination, and daily camp life with photographs, documents, and artifacts. Blocks 11–27 contain national exhibitions created by individual countries whose citizens were imprisoned and killed at the camp.

View All Frequently Asked Questions →