Krakow: Auschwitz Birkenau & Salt Mine Day Trip with Pickup

Summary

Walk Auschwitz’s grounds then descend into centuries-old salt chambers on this full day trip from Krakow

You’ll step through Auschwitz’s gates with a local guide sharing real stories, walk Birkenau’s quiet tracks, then descend 140 meters into Wieliczka Salt Mine’s cool tunnels—salt carvings and all—with hotel pickup and skip-the-line entry smoothing out your day. It’s not an easy trip emotionally, but it stays with you.

What’s the experience like?

We started early in Krakow—still half asleep when the van pulled up, but grateful for the hotel pickup. Our group leader, Marta, had this calm way of explaining things as we drove out of the city. The road to Oswiecim was quiet, mist hanging low over the fields. I didn’t expect to feel so tense stepping through the “Arbeit macht frei” gate at Auschwitz—I’d seen photos before, but it’s different when you’re there. Our guide (Tomasz) spoke softly through our headsets, pointing out the barracks and those endless rows of barbed wire. I caught myself rubbing my thumb along the edge of my ID card in my pocket, just needing something to hold onto.

The walk through Birkenau was even more silent. It’s only a few minutes’ drive between camps, but it felt like crossing some invisible line. Tomasz told us about families arriving on those train tracks—I remember one story about a girl who hid a tiny comb in her sleeve; he paused and let us stand there for a moment. There was this cold wind that morning, and I kept thinking how people survived these winters with nothing but thin uniforms. Afterward we all just sat quietly in the van back toward Krakow, nobody really talking for a while.

Lunch was just sandwiches from a grocery store near Wieliczka—nothing fancy, but after that heaviness it was good to eat something simple. The salt mine is another world entirely: warm yellow lights bouncing off rough walls, air tasting faintly mineral and cool even in summer. Our salt mine guide (Anna) had this dry sense of humor—she joked about how many steps there were (400 down at first!) and showed us carvings made by miners centuries ago. St Kinga’s Chapel is huge underground—salt chandeliers overhead—and you can run your hand along the wall and taste real salt if you want (I did; it’s weirdly satisfying). My legs were tired by the end but I still think about that first echoing silence in the mine tunnels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Auschwitz and Salt Mine tour from Krakow

• Transport from Krakow to Oswiecim
• Brief break and explore exhibitions
• Meet licensed Auschwitz guide
• Tour Auschwitz I camp
• Short break
• Tour Birkenau camp
• Transfer to Wieliczka Salt Mine
• One hour break before Salt Mine
• Guided tour of Wieliczka Salt Mine
• Return to Krakow

Top questions

How long does the day trip from Krakow to Auschwitz and Wieliczka Salt Mine take?

The full tour takes most of the day—expect around 10-11 hours including transfers and breaks.

Is hotel pickup included for this Auschwitz & Salt Mine tour?

Yes, hotel pickup or meeting point transfer from Krakow is included in your booking.

How much walking is involved at Auschwitz Birkenau?

You’ll walk several kilometers across both camps; comfortable shoes are recommended.

Are guided tours provided at both Auschwitz and Wieliczka Salt Mine?

Yes, licensed English-speaking guides lead both tours with headsets provided for clear audio.

What should I bring or wear for the salt mine?

The temperature underground is around 15°C (59°F), so bring a jacket; wear sturdy shoes for stairs.

Can children join this tour?

Children are allowed if they can walk unassisted or be carried; strollers aren’t permitted underground.

Are meals included on this day trip?

No set meal is included; you’ll have time for lunch during a break between sites (bring snacks or buy locally).

Is skip-the-line entry included at both attractions?

Yes, guaranteed skip-the-line entrance tickets are included for both Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup or meeting point transfer from Krakow by certified driver, skip-the-line entry tickets to both Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum and Wieliczka Salt Mine, guided tours at each site with licensed English-speaking guides (plus headsets), all transfers between sites, insurance coverage throughout the journey—and time for lunch before descending into the salt mines.