The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial opens daily at 7:30 AM, with closing times depending on the month:

• December: 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM
• January and November: 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM
• February: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
• March and October: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
• April, May, September: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• June, July, August: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM

You can stay on the museum grounds up to 90 minutes after the last entry (e.g., until 5:30 PM in February or 8:30 PM in July).

Yes, the site is open year-round except for January 1, December 25, and Easter Sunday.

Auschwitz is located in Oświęcim, around 70 km from Krakow. You can get there by bus, train, or private transfer. For convenience, many visitors choose an organised guided tour with transport included. The journey takes about 1.5 hours.

There are two main options: a free entry pass (without a guide) or a paid guided tour. Guided tours provide deeper historical context and access to all key areas. Tickets sell out fast, especially in peak season, so book in advance.

There is no official age limit, but the museum recommends that children under 14 do not visit due to the emotional and graphic nature of the exhibits. Parents should carefully consider whether their children are prepared for such an experience.

Wear respectful clothing – avoid short shorts, strap tops, or T-shirts with offensive slogans or images. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Bags larger than 30x20x10 cm are not allowed inside, but you can leave them in the cloakroom. Food and drinks are not permitted in the exhibition areas.

No. Eating or drinking is not allowed inside the exhibition areas. You can find cafés and rest zones near the entrance.

Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited throughout the grounds.

Photography is allowed in most areas but without flash or tripods. Some exhibitions and blocks prohibit photography. Be mindful – avoid selfies, posing on the railway tracks, or any behaviour that could be seen as disrespectful. Drone and aerial photography are strictly forbidden without prior permission from the museum.

No. Pets are not allowed on the grounds, except for certified service dogs with proper documentation and under control at all times.

Some areas have limited accessibility due to gravel paths and stairs. Many exhibitions are located on upper floors of buildings without lifts. It’s recommended to contact the museum in advance for assistance or to arrange an adjusted route.

Yes. There are several bookshops on site, offering books, guides, and educational materials related to the history of Auschwitz and the Holocaust.

Regular guided tours are available in: Polish, English, Russian, French, German, Spanish, Italian (with additional Czech and Slovak tours during the high season).
For organised groups, guides are available (upon reservation) in: English, Croatian, Czech, French, Hebrew, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Dutch, German, Norwegian, Polish, Russian, Serbian, Slovak, Swedish, Hungarian, Italian, Portuguese, and Ukrainian.

Yes, you can choose to visit only one of the sites, but you still need a valid entry pass. The number of passes is limited, so book in advance.