Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tours

Understand the history and significance of the Memorial with a licensed Museum educator.

Book a Guided Tour

Due to the complexity and emotional weight of the site, a guided tour is the most recommended way to visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial. An educator provides essential context, shares survivor testimonies, and guides you through the key areas of both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. For a more convenient and comfortable option, consider tours that include transportation from Krakow, Wroclaw, and Warsaw, saving you the hassle of arranging travel from your hotel. For more on planning, see our visitors guide.

Available Tickets

From Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour with Transfers
Krakow
From Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour with Transfers
  • Fast-track entry to Auschwitz I & Auschwitz II–Birkenau
  • Pick-up from a meeting point in Krakow or the hotel (as per option selected)
★★★★½ 4.5 (12.9k+ reviews) · Headout
from€29
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From Wroclaw: Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour with Transfers
Wroclaw
From Wroclaw: Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour with Transfers
  • Fast-track entry to Auschwitz I & Auschwitz II–Birkenau
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
★★★★½ 4.9 (10+ reviews) · Musement
from€120
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From Warsaw: Auschwitz-Birkenau Private Tour with Transfers
Warsaw
From Warsaw: Auschwitz-Birkenau Private Tour with Transfers
  • Fast-track entry to Auschwitz I & Auschwitz II–Birkenau
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Bottled water
★★★★½ 4.9 (88+ reviews) · Viator
from€235
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Tour Options

Choose the format that best suits your visit

General Tour (3.5 hours)

The most common choice for visitors. This tour covers the permanent exhibitions at Auschwitz I and the most important sites at Auschwitz II-Birkenau, including the prisoner barracks, unloading ramp, and ruins of the gas chambers.

Study Tours (6 or 8 hours)

For those seeking a more in-depth experience, these tours cover additional areas of the camps, including selected national exhibitions and the ruins of crematoria IV and V.

Online Guided Tour (2 hours)

A live, educator-led virtual tour of the Memorial. The guide uses multimedia materials, archival photos, and survivor testimonies to explain the history of the site.

Multiple Languages

Tours for individual visitors are available in many languages, including English, Polish, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Czech, and Slovak, depending on the season.

What to Expect on a Tour

All guided tours are led by official, licensed educators of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum. You will be provided with a headset to clearly hear your guide throughout the visit. The tour involves extensive walking, much of it outdoors and on uneven ground, so comfortable footwear is essential.

The 3.5-hour General Tour begins at Auschwitz I, where you will spend approximately 1.5-2 hours. After a short break, a free shuttle bus will take you to Auschwitz II-Birkenau, where the tour continues for another 1-1.5 hours. The experience is emotionally powerful and fact-based, focusing on the authentic site and the stories of the people imprisoned and murdered there.

Guided Tours FAQ

Booking, languages, and logistics

How do I book a guided tour?
All tours must be booked online in advance through the official reservation system at visit.auschwitz.org. It is recommended to book several months ahead for peak season.
Is the tour guide an official guide?
Yes, all tours are conducted by licensed educators who are experts on the history of the camp and are employed by the State Museum.
Do I need to bring headphones?
No, a receiver and headset are provided so you can hear the guide clearly. You may wish to bring your own wired earphones for comfort.
Can I leave the tour early?
While it is possible, it is strongly discouraged. The tour is designed as a complete experience, and leaving early means missing crucial parts of the Memorial, particularly the Birkenau site.
Reserve Your Tour