Auschwitz Birkenau: Small Group Guided Tour & Hotel Pickup

Summary

Walk the grounds of Auschwitz Birkenau with a guide from Krakow

You’ll travel from Krakow with hotel pickup and join a small group guided tour of Auschwitz and Birkenau. Walk with a licensed museum guide, hear real stories through your headphones, and see both camps up close before returning quietly to the city.

What’s the experience like?

We got picked up right outside our apartment in Krakow — early, but not painfully so. The van was quiet at first; maybe everyone felt that same knot in their stomach. I watched the city slip past the window, all those morning routines happening as we headed toward something heavier. Our driver was friendly but didn’t force small talk, which I appreciated. About an hour in, the landscape changed — flat fields, mist clinging low. You could almost smell the damp earth through the glass.

At Auschwitz, our guide met us with this calm seriousness I can’t quite describe. She handed out headphones (I kept fiddling with mine) and led us through the gates. There’s a certain coldness to the air there — not just weather, but something else. She explained things simply: what happened here, who walked these paths before us. Sometimes she’d pause and let silence hang for a second longer than felt comfortable. I remember one moment when she pointed out some faded graffiti on a barrack wall; someone behind me quietly wiped their eyes.

Birkenau was even more vast than I’d pictured — endless gravel and wire under a sky that felt too big. We moved slowly between buildings, sometimes just listening to footsteps crunching or birds somewhere far off. Lunch isn’t included (just so you know), but honestly no one seemed to mind skipping it for once. The drive back to Krakow was quieter still; people stared out at fields or scrolled through photos in silence. I still think about that view from the watchtower — it stays with you in ways you don’t expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Auschwitz Birkenau Guided Tour

• Pick up from accommodation
• Travel to Auschwitz (1h 15m)
• English guided tour of Auschwitz and Birkenau
• Return to Krakow accommodation

Top questions

How long does the Auschwitz Birkenau guided tour take?

The whole event takes around 7 hours including transport from Krakow and back.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off within Krakow are included in your booking.

Who leads the guided tour at Auschwitz?

The English-language tour is led by a licensed museum guide provided by Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum.

Are headphones provided during the tour?

Yes, rental cost of headphones is included so you can hear your guide clearly throughout both camps.

Do I need to bring my passport or ID?

Yes, you must bring your passport or ID matching your booking name for entry into Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum.

Is lunch provided during this day trip?

No meals are included on this tour; plan to bring snacks if needed.

What should I wear or bring for comfort?

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to uneven ground; bags must be smaller than 30x20x10cm inside the museum.

How many people are in each group?

This is a small group tour; exact numbers may vary but it won’t be crowded like larger coach tours.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup directly from your accommodation in Krakow, round-trip transport by air-conditioned minivan or coach, all entry fees for both Auschwitz and Birkenau camps, services of an official English-speaking museum guide with headphones for clear commentary throughout, plus transfer between both sites before being dropped off back in Krakow at your chosen location.