Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau & Wieliczka Salt Mine Day Trip

Summary

History and salt mines in one long, moving day from Krakow

You’ll travel from Krakow with hotel pickup and a local driver, joining guided tours at both Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Wieliczka Salt Mine. Expect powerful moments—from walking through silent barracks to descending into cool tunnels lined with salt carvings. This day trip leaves you changed in ways you can’t quite explain.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so quiet on the drive out of Krakow. Our guide Marek kept the mood gentle—he told us about Oświęcim, but mostly let us look out at the flat fields and old houses sliding by. At Auschwitz-Birkenau, there’s a kind of hush that settles over you. You hear gravel underfoot, distant voices, sometimes just wind. The museum guide spoke softly but clearly as we moved through the barracks and gates. I kept thinking about the small things—like how cold the metal felt when I touched it, or the way people stood together in silence. It’s hard to describe what it’s like to walk there; it’s heavy and necessary at once.

Afterwards, our group was quieter than before. Even Marek seemed to pause more often as we drove toward Wieliczka for the salt mine tour. I didn’t realize we’d be descending so many stairs (378—my legs still remember), but honestly, going underground felt strangely comforting after everything above. The air was cool and tasted faintly salty; you could hear water dripping somewhere in the dark. Our salt mine guide, Ania, had this dry humor—she joked about licking the walls (I tried a tiny bit; not recommended). Everything down there is carved from salt: statues, chapels, even chandeliers that glint in a weird blue light.

I remember Ania telling us about miners who worked here for centuries—how they’d leave little carvings behind for luck. It made me think about all these layers of history stacked on top of each other: suffering above ground at Auschwitz-Birkenau, then this strange beauty hidden deep below in Wieliczka Salt Mine. By the time we rode up in that rattly lift back to daylight, I was tired but grateful for both parts of this day trip from Krakow. Still not sure I’ve processed it all—but maybe that’s okay.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine

• Travel to Auschwitz I
• Join English guided tour at Auschwitz I
• Transfer to Auschwitz II Birkenau
• Tour Auschwitz II Birkenau with guide
• Transfer to Wieliczka Salt Mine
• Join English guided tour in salt mine
• Descend wooden stairway to mine level
• Explore salt chambers and carvings
• Ascend to surface by lift

Top questions

How long does the Auschwitz-Birkenau & Salt Mine day trip take?

The full day trip lasts around 10-11 hours including transfers and guided tours at both sites.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour from Krakow?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included with your booking.

How many stairs are there in Wieliczka Salt Mine?

You’ll need to descend 378 wooden stairs to reach the first level underground.

Are large bags allowed inside Auschwitz Museum?

No, only small bags up to 30x20x10 cm are permitted inside Auschwitz Museum due to security rules.

Is lunch included during this day trip?

No lunch is provided; you may want to bring snacks or buy food during breaks between tours.

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

Yes, you join English-language guided tours at both locations led by official guides.

Do I need my passport or ID for this tour?

Yes, you must bring your ID or passport on the day of your tour for entry checks.

How far is Auschwitz from Krakow?

Auschwitz (Oświęcim) is about 50 km (31 miles) west of Krakow by road.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Krakow, transport by air-conditioned minivan with a local driver-guide looking after logistics all day, entry tickets for both Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum plus Wieliczka Salt Mine guided tours (with headphones so you don’t miss anything), and a lift back up after exploring deep underground—just bring your ID and a small bag.