Auschwitz-Birkenau in Oświęcim — remembrance and understanding history

A visit to the former German Nazi concentration and extermination camp requires preparation and space for reflection. Find practical guidance for visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial.

Oświęcim i BrzezinkaAuthor: VISLA ApartmentsPublished 25 October 2026Article updated 27 October 2026

AI illustration: Auschwitz II-Birkenau gatehouse and railway tracks — Photography: Ilustracja wygenerowana przez AI

Remembering the victims

Auschwitz-Birkenau commemorates the victims of the German Nazi camp system and the Holocaust. Surviving grounds, buildings, documents and personal belongings bear witness to persecution and murder, principally of European Jews, and also Poles, Roma and other groups.

Approach the visit as an encounter with history and individual lives. It requires attention, respect and readiness for difficult material.

Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau

The Memorial comprises Auschwitz I in Oświęcim and Auschwitz II-Birkenau in Brzezinka. Exhibitions and the authentic historical landscape complement each other.

Do not plan only a stop at a familiar gate. Select a programme covering both sites and check how to travel between them.

Preparation supports understanding

Read the Museum’s educational materials before arriving. A guide-educator helps connect places with the histories of prisoners and victims.

Check admission and visitor rules through official channels. Advance booking is part of preparation, not something to leave until arrival.

When viewing documents and personal belongings, remember that they relate to individual lives, families and futures destroyed. Not everything needs to be photographed or immediately discussed. Listening to testimony and allowing moments of silence can be more appropriate than trying to record every detail. After leaving, return to the Museum’s educational resources to place questions in context. Reflection need not end at the exit, and a conversation afterwards should leave room for different responses to difficult history.

Space for reflection

Avoid a tightly packed schedule of other destinations. Leave room for rest and conversation afterwards. Maintain respectful conduct, follow staff instructions and observe photography restrictions.

Historical resources, accessibility information and booking are available on the Museum website and official visit system.

Sources

Auschwitz-Birkenau
Oświęcim
memorial
history
Holocaust
education

Back to the guide

Plan your visit.

Check current opening times, tickets and visitor arrangements with the operator. This article is not a live notice of attraction availability.

Getting there

Visitor entrance: Więźniów Oświęcimia 55, Oświęcim. Navigate to this entrance rather than the Museum’s postal address. Auschwitz II-Birkenau is in Brzezinka; check transport between sites.

Parking

Use the main parking indicated by the Museum at Więźniów Oświęcimia 55. Check current access and parking arrangements beforehand.

Who it suits

For visitors prepared for difficult historical content. The Museum does not recommend visits for children under 14. Uneven ground and historic buildings can restrict mobility; discuss access requirements in advance.

Weather and season

Much of the visit is outdoors. Choose clothing and footwear for rain, sun, wind or cold and check temporary site closures.

Practical tips

• Reserve a named entry card at visit.auschwitz.org; cards are not issued at the entrance.
• Check document requirements and bag limits.
• Allow time for security checks.
• Respect conduct and photography rules.
• Guide-educator services are separate from free admission.

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