Krakow: Auschwitz Birkenau & Wieliczka Salt Mine Day Trip

Summary

From Krakow to Auschwitz and deep underground at Wieliczka

You’ll travel from Krakow with hotel pickup and visit both Auschwitz Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine in one day. Guided tours bring history close: you’ll walk through camp barracks and deep salt tunnels, hearing stories from local guides along the way. Expect moments of silence and unexpected laughter — this isn’t just sightseeing; it’s something that stays with you.

What’s the experience like?

The van picked us up right outside our apartment in Krakow — I was still half-awake, clutching a coffee. Our driver, Marek, greeted us with this quiet nod that somehow felt reassuring. The drive out to Auschwitz took about an hour and a half, mostly silent except for the hum of the road and a few nervous jokes from the back seat. When we arrived, our guide Anna handed out headphones so we could hear her clearly (which turned out to be necessary — there were more visitors than I expected). She spoke softly but directly as we walked through the old brick buildings of Auschwitz. The air felt heavy; I remember the faint smell of damp stone and grass. Anna pointed to names scratched into the walls — she paused sometimes, letting us just stand there. I didn’t expect how quiet everyone would get.

After two hours at Auschwitz, we drove over to Birkenau. It’s only a few minutes away but feels like another world — wide open fields, those endless rows of barracks. Anna showed us the ramp where people arrived; it’s strange how ordinary it looks now. There was a moment when a breeze rattled the wooden slats on one of the barracks — just for a second, everything felt very close. We spent about an hour here before heading back to the van. Honestly, I needed that break after.

Then came something completely different: Wieliczka Salt Mine. Our new guide, Piotr, had this dry sense of humor (he called himself “your salty companion” — groan). We descended what felt like endless stairs (800? I lost count after 200), passing carvings and tunnels that glimmered under low lights. The air tasted faintly mineral, almost sweet on my tongue. Piotr told stories about miners who used to sing down here; he even hummed a tune at one point — not sure if he was joking or not. By the time we surfaced in the elevator, my legs were jelly but I couldn’t stop thinking about those underground chapels carved entirely from salt.

Back in Krakow that evening, I kept replaying little moments: Anna’s pause by the wall at Auschwitz, Piotr’s off-key singing echoing through salt corridors. It’s hard to put into words what you carry home after a day trip like this from Krakow — it sits with you for a while.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Auschwitz, Birkenau and Salt Mine

• Pickup from Krakow hotel
• Travel to Auschwitz (1.5 hours)
• Guided tour of Auschwitz camp (2 hours)
• Transfer to Birkenau camp
• Guided tour of Birkenau camp (1 hour)
• Visit Wieliczka Salt Mine (3 hours)
• Return to Krakow hotel

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Krakow to Auschwitz Birkenau & Salt Mine?

The full tour lasts most of the day, including transfers: about 1.5 hours each way between Krakow and Auschwitz, plus guided visits at each site.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, pickup from your hotel or apartment in Krakow is included when allowed by law; otherwise you'll meet at a designated point.

How much walking is involved at Wieliczka Salt Mine?

The route covers less than 3 km with over 800 stairs (in batches), but you return to ground level by elevator.

Are entry tickets included for both sites?

Yes, entrance fees for Auschwitz Birkenau Museum and Wieliczka Salt Mine are included in your booking.

Will there be a guide during both parts of the tour?

You’ll have licensed guides at both Auschwitz Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine who lead each visit.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No lunch is provided; consider bringing snacks or eating during breaks between sites.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers using crutches or those who have trouble walking due to stairs and uneven ground.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Krakow (or meeting point), comfortable air-conditioned transport between sites, all entry tickets for Auschwitz Birkenau Museum and Wieliczka Salt Mine, licensed local guides throughout both visits with headphones provided so you can hear clearly during tours, plus return drop-off back in Krakow when it’s all done.