Auschwitz-Birkenau

Oświęcim-Brzezinka

A sobering and historically essential memorial and museum at the site of the Nazi concentration and extermination camp, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visiting is profoundly moving and important for understanding the Holocaust.

Things to do

• Main Auschwitz I Camp Tour — Walk through the preserved barracks, gas chambers, and crematoria of the main camp with an official guide to understand the systematic murder of over one million people.
• Birkenau Extermination Camp — Visit the vast ruins of Auschwitz II-Birkenau, including the remains of gas chambers, selections platform (Judenrampe), and rows of barracks foundations across the sprawling complex.
• Block 11 and the Wall of Death — See the execution wall where thousands were shot and the basement cells where prisoners were tortured and starved as punishment.
• Museum Exhibitions — Explore exhibits displaying personal belongings, photographs, and documentation of prisoners and victims throughout the blocks of the main camp.
• Memorial and Prayer Spaces — Visit the International Monument and various national memorials within the camp dedicated to victims of different nationalities and religions.

Food to try

• Żurek (sour rye soup) — A traditional Silesian soup made from fermented rye flour and served with potatoes and meat, reflecting the region's hearty cuisine and available in Oświęcim's restaurants.
• Pierogi with potato and cheese — These boiled dumplings filled with mashed potatoes and local cheese are a Polish staple that visitors can find in local cafés near the memorial.
• Silesian dumplings (kluski śląskie) — Potato and flour dumplings typically served with meat sauce, representing authentic regional fare in the Lesser Poland area.
• Obwarzanek (ring-shaped bread) — A traditional boiled and baked bread roll from the region, often sold by street vendors and a quick, respectful snack for visitors.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress respectfully and arrive early — Visitors should wear modest clothing, comfortable shoes for extensive walking, and arrive early to secure entry during peak seasons; this is a place of deep mourning and remembrance.
• Hire an official guide — Using authorized guides (available in multiple languages) ensures historically accurate information and appropriate context for the deeply traumatic events witnessed at the site.
• Allow several hours for your visit — Most visits require 3–5 hours to meaningfully experience both camps; rushing diminishes the gravity and educational impact of the memorial.
• Photography restrictions — While photography is permitted in most areas, it is prohibited in the gas chambers and crematorium buildings as a mark of respect for the dead.