10 Things to Know Before Visiting Auschwitz and The Salt Mines

Are you looking to visit Auschwitz Memorial grounds on a day trip from Krakow? 

Or perhaps like us, you are short on time and looking to visit both the Auschwitz Memorial and the Wieliczka Salt Mines in one trip?

When we were planning our trip, we had no idea what to expect when we arrived.

And given it’s such an important memorial ground, we wanted to feel prepared before visiting.

In this guide, you will find the things to know before visiting Auschwitz and the salt mines.

As well as some important information covering what to expect during your visit.

Why is it important to visit Auschwitz?

Visiting Auschwitz is a very personal choice and whilst we find it important to try and learn the history of each country or region we visit, we realise that visiting places like Auschwitz can also be a very difficult experience for many. 

However, World War II is one of the most important yet harrowing events in recent history.

It affected the lives of so many people from different countries around the world and many of people today can still recall experiencing the war first-hand or having been told stories from their parents. 

Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau and the concentration camps taught us so much about one of the most horrific acts humans have ever committed. The Holocaust.

Over 1 million people that were sent to these camps in Poland, died. 

Preserving these concentration camps is a way of remembering those lives that were lost during this time. 

And for us, visiting Auschwitz was a way of paying our respects to the history that unravelled here and ensuring it is not forgotten. 

As travel photographers, we always like to try to connect with a country, its people and its past whether that’s good or bad.

And whilst I can say that this was not an easy day out, we felt it entirely necessary to visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial and learn more about it.

What to expect when visiting Auschwitz

One of the most important things to know before visiting Auschwitz first, and foremost, is that it is a memorial ground and a place of historical significance. 

This is not a usual day out whilst travelling or being on holiday and it can have a very big emotional impact.

We both left feeling deeply moved and upset by what people had experienced and had been through. And the fact that it was not that long ago made it feel even more harrowing. 

That said, it also felt very important that we did go. So that we could learn more, honour the past and pay our respects. 

Whilst visiting you will likely see many Jews visiting Auschwitz and according to our guide, this is a daily occurrence.  

Many Jewish families have ancestors that were taken to Auschwitz and so for many, this is an extremely emotional time.

It’s important to remember that not everyone visiting Auschwitz is visiting to learn more about its history.

For some, it’s a much more personal experience and it’s important to be aware of this when making your way around the camps.

We also found it helpful to use some of the resources on the official Auschwitz website where they have information and videos to help you prepare for your visit.

How far is Auschwitz from Krakow?

It is roughly an hour’s drive from Krakow to Auschwitz and we visited the Salt Mines on the way back which are just 20 minute’s drive from Krakow centre.

How to visit Auschwitz and the Salt Mines from Krakow?

Visiting Auschwitz is one of the most common day trips and things to do from Krakow.

Given how close the Auschwitz museum and memorial is to Krakow, if you have your own vehicle or plan to hire a car then this is an easy drive to do. 

There are also public transport options including shuttle buses, trains and of course taxis. 

However, if you are short on time, we highly recommend considering an Auschwitz tour.

This way you are picked up and dropped off at your door, have a knowledgeable guide with you and it takes a lot of the stress out of doing it yourself.

There are so many good guided tours available that are reasonably priced and make the trip so much simpler.

Recommended Tours to Visit Auschwitz and The Salt Mines

Our recommended tour (the one we did!)

The below is the tour that we booked and we thought it was very good value for money.

Our guides were friendly and taught us so much that we would not have otherwise known and transport to and from our accomodation made the whole day seamless.

Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau and Salt Mine Guided Tour

• Free cancellation
• Reserve now and pay later
• 11 hours (full day)
• Skip the line
• Live tour guide
• Entry tickets to both Auschwitz and the Salt Mines included
• Pick up and drop off included

“Join a full-day tour from Krakow that takes you to the Auschwitz and Birkenau memorial sites, followed by a visit to the stunning Wieliczka Salt Mine. This 11-hour tour starts in the morning, with the option of meeting at a central location or being conveniently picked up in Krakow. You’ll travel in comfort on a bus.

An experienced tour leader will accompany you throughout the day. At the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, a professional guide will share the history of these significant sites. Afterward, you’ll head to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, where a local guide will show you incredible chambers, original sculptures, and miners’ workspaces.

There will be a lunch break during the tour, but it’s a good idea to bring snacks. The tour wraps up around 8:00 PM in the evening.”

Alternate tour options from Krakow

If you feel that 11 hours is too long, or you would prefer to just visit Auschwitz and save the Salt Mines for another trip then dont panic.

There are plenty of tour options lasting just 3–5 hours.

You can also choose a tour that focuses solely on the Auschwitz Memorial Grounds, without including the Salt Mines. And vice versa.

🚌From Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour & Hotel Pickup 7-8 hours

• Free cancellation
• Reserve now and pay later
• 7-8 hours
• Skip the line
• Live tour guide
• Entry tickets to Auschwitz-Birkenau (The salt Mines are not included)
• Pick up and drop off included

🚌From Krakow: Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour 3-4 hours

• Free cancellation
• Reserve now and pay later
• 3-4 hours
• Skip the line
• Live tour guide
• Entry tickets to The Salt Mines (Auschwitz-Birkenau is not included)
• Pick up and drop off included

Important things to know before visiting the Auschwitz Memorial

1) Can you take a backpack into Auschwitz?

When visiting Auschwitz, you cannot take in a bag any larger than 35x25x15 cm.

There are security checks, so unless you are happy using the paid storage lockers leave larger bags back at your apartment or in your tour bus.

The storage lockers are payable and the maximum size is 90x65x50cm for bags.

2) Can you visit Auschwitz without a tour?

You can visit Auschwitz without joining an organised tour group BUT you may need a guide to enter (see below points).

There are lots of public transport options and plenty of parking if you have a car.

3) Can you enter Auschwitz without a guide?

Yes, you can visit Auschwitz without a guide if you are visiting alone.

If you visiting alone, you can select “individual visit without an educator” when booking your entry passes on the Auschwitz website.

In our opinion, if you travel there on your own we think a tour guide or educator is essential even though its not mandatory. Unless you already have a lot of knowledge about the history and the concentration camps. 

We learnt so much and having a guide educate us, helped us connect with the history and gain an understanding of these harrowing events.

However, if like most people you are visiting in a group or with someone else then an Auschwitz Memorial Guide/Educator is mandatory.

Due to overwhelming demand, this has to be booked at least a month in advance according to the official Auschwitz website.

In our opinion the booking instructions and process on the official website are pretty confusing and so we recommend booking a tour with Get Your Guide or Viator instead for ease.

If you do it this way, you will have a guide as part of the tour cost and your entry passes will also be secured in advance by the tour company. 

4) How much is it go to Auschwitz?

A really important thing to know before visiting Auschwitz is that entrance to the Auschwitz memorial is free of charge but you do need to prebook entrance passes / tickets online before visiting to reserve your spot.

If you are visiting in a group then it is essential to book with a guide/educator and the cost for a group up to a maximum of 10 people is 720 zloty as of January 2025, which is around £143 or 175 USD. Full costs can be found here.

However, If you choose to book an organised tour with Get Your Guide then your entrance cost, transport, official guide and often lunch are all included. Tours are often no more than £40 per person making this a much more affordable option.

5) How much time do you need in Auschwitz?

Another important thing to know before visiting Auschwitz is that the museum and memorial ground are split into two sites.

Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau are situated 3.5 km from each other and it is essential to visit both.

According to the official website, allowing at least 90 minutes for each section of the grounds is important.

In our opinion, you may need even longer to take it all in and listen to your guide and read the plaques and information boards. 

If you have your own transport or booked a tour, you can drive / be driven from one to the other.

But, if you make your way there via public transport, then you will use the museum bus shuttles which take visitors from one part of the Memorial to another. 

Departures run every 10 minutes from April to October and from November to March every 20 minutes. No bus fare is required.

6) Can you take food into Auschwitz?

While you can take bottled water into Auschwitz you cannot take cans of any description.

Taking in food or eating food is prohibited on the memorial grounds.

You also cannot smoke or use e-cigarettes.

7) Is there a cafe at Auschwitz?

There are no cafes or restaurants on the grounds of the Auschwitz Memorial site and you are not able to take in or eat any food or drink on the grounds either. 

However, there is a cafe in the car park and vending machines for you to grab a bite to eat either at the start or end of your visit.

Although you can buy food at Auschwitz we have not read many good reviews about the menu.

So it may be worth taking a packed lunch and eating it on the benches outside unless you have booked an organised tour from Krakow – in which case your lunch may already be arranged for you.

8) What is the dress code for Auschwitz?

If you are wondering what to wear at Auschwitz then I can confirm that there is not a set dress code.

However, it is important to remember that you are visiting a memorial site where many people lost their lives so dress respectfully. 

Be conscious of any logos or slogans on your clothing, and we suggest dressing conservatively.

Our best advice would be to just remember you are entering a historic site where many people lost their lives and as visitors, we want to ensure we are being as respectful as possible in both the way that we dress and the way that we behave. 

Ensure you wear comfortable footwear for both the Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz.

We cannot emphasise this enough. You are on your feet all day, and there is a lot of ground to cover, including lots of steps, so be sure to stick on a comfy pair of trainers or boots.

9) Are there toilets at Auschwitz?

There are paid toilets available in both Auschwitz I and Birkenau concentration camps so carry some small change.

10) Can you take photographs at Auschwitz?

For us, this was a really important thing to know before visiting the Auschwitz Memorial.  

Taking photographs at Auschwitz is permitted but without the use of a flash and stands. 

Photography in the Room of the Hair of the Victims, Block 4, room 5 and the basements of Block 11 is not allowed. 

It is also important to keep in mind that this is a historic memorial ground so photography should be kept respectful.

Please pay attention so signage around the grounds notifying you about the use of mobile phones.

We took photographs as we wanted to write about this experience and also share the photographs with our families, along with what we had learnt through our guide.

But we remained very mindful of where we were at all times.

5 Top Tips for Visiting the Salt Mines

1. Can you explore the Salt Mines independently?

No, you cannot explore The Salt Mines alone.

It is mandatory to have a tour guide when visiting the Salt Mines. According to the official website, it’s very easy to get lost! 

If you book an Auschwitz and Salt Mines day tour like us, then your guide will be included.

If you want to travel there independently, you can book your entrance tickets and tour here.

2. Can I take photos at the Salt Mines?

In the Salt Mines, you can take photographs and videos for personal use.

But you do need a permit to photograph the Chapel.

You can purchase this right outside this majestic room, so no pre-planning is required. Permits cost us just 10PLN in 2019, which is just £2. However, we are sure that the cost will have increased since then and there is no official mention of it on their website.

3. Using the toilets in the Salt Mines

Ensure you use the toilet at the start of your Salt Mine tour. The stairs go on forever, and the walk even longer. And it is a long while before you hit any toilets down there.

4. How much is it to enter the Salt Mines?

Entrance is around 128 zloty which is £25 or 31 USD and can be purchased on their official website.

Or you can book a tour as we did which includes transport there and back and a certified guide for around £30 per person.

5. Accessibility in Wieliczka Salt Mines

The salt mines are made up of 800 spiralled steps down into the mine and over 2km of meandering corridors, making for a fairly strenuous walking tour.

However, parts of the Tourist Route underground are accessible for people with limited mobility.

Tours run from Monday to Sunday during the first and last opening hours and are led by guides who speak either Polish or English.

Advance booking is required to join these tours. To make a reservation, email: rezerwacja@kopalnia.pl.

Auschwitz & The Salt Mines’s final thoughts

We appreciated our day in Krakow visiting both Auschwitz-Brikenau and The Salt Mines and felt that we learnt a lot from both experiences.

For us, taking a tour made a very busy day a seamless process.

So if you are short on time we recommend this as the best option.

But whichever approach you choose, we hope that you feel more prepared to visit and get as much out of your day as we did.