Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
奥斯维辛-比克瑙纪念馆 · Oświęcim, Poland
The site of a Nazi German concentration and extermination camp where at least 1.1 million people were killed; preserved as a memorial and museum since 1947 and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979.
Know before you go
- Photography is prohibited in some exhibition rooms, so follow the signs on site
- do not move or damage any remains
- do not make noise, eat or smoke
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
The founding of the camp and the first mass transport
In April 1940 Himmler approved the establishment of a camp at Auschwitz. On 14 June that year, 728 Polish male political prisoners were deported here from Tarnów, the first mass transport.
History
The gas chambers of Birkenau
By March 1942 the first gas chamber at Birkenau (Auschwitz II) was in operation. From 1942 to late 1944, large numbers of Jews were deported here from across Europe, and many were murdered in the gas chambers on arrival.
History
27 January 1945
On 27 January 1945 Soviet troops liberated Auschwitz. Since 2005 this date has been commemorated around the world as International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
History
The museum and World Heritage
In 1947 Poland founded the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum to preserve the site and commemorate the victims. In 1979 the site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
The memorial is at 20 Więźniów Oświęcimia Street, Oświęcim, Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Poland, and has two parts: Auschwitz I in the town, and Birkenau (Auschwitz II) about 3 km to its northwest. In 1979 the site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as "Auschwitz Birkenau, German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp (1940–1945)" (criterion vi). The brick barracks of Auschwitz I house exhibitions; the Auschwitz II site retains the railway siding, barrack remains and the International Monument to the Victims, showing the vast scale of the camp. The camp was established in 1940, became an extermination centre from 1942 and was liberated by Soviet troops on 27 January 1945; it has been preserved as a memorial since 1947. Of the roughly 1.3 million people sent here, at least 1.1 million were killed; the overwhelming majority were Jews (about 960,000), along with Poles, Roma, Soviet prisoners of war and people of other nationalities. A visit here is an act of remembrance and education, not sightseeing for entertainment.
Local customs
- Book an individual entry pass online in advance and enter at the time shown on the pass
- start at Auschwitz I and visit both camps — the museum states that a guided visit takes about 3.5 hours, including the museum transfer between the two sites
- during certain hours only visits with a guide are permitted, and at other times you may visit independently
- the applicable hours follow the official website.
Etiquette & taboos
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
- Photography is prohibited in some exhibition rooms, so follow the signs on site
- do not move or damage any remains
- do not make noise, eat or smoke
Locals appreciate DO
- Maintain a solemn and respectful demeanour throughout and dress appropriately
- enter with an individual entry pass and identification, arrive early and pass through security screening
- leave large luggage in your vehicle or in storage
- follow the current visiting rules on the official website
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- Much of the visit is outdoors and on foot, so wear comfortable shoes and dress for the season
- the two camps are about 3 km apart, so allow ample time
- the subject matter is harrowing, so allow time afterwards to recover. You can travel from Kraków to Oświęcim by train or long-distance bus, or drive
- for transport from Oświęcim railway station to the memorial, follow local information, and for specific services and fares, check official announcements.
- The memorial is open all year round, with closing days as listed on the official website
- summer is crowded, so advance booking is essential
- winters are cold outdoors, so dress warmly.
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