Państwowe Muzeum Auschwitz-Birkenau (Oświęcim) — Memorial & Museum Visit: Auschwitz I + Auschwitz II-Birkenau (Free Entry Pass Required)

Państwowe Muzeum Auschwitz-Birkenau (Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum) is the preserved site of the former German Nazi concentration and extermination camp — visited as two main areas: Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. Admission to the Memorial grounds is free, but you must secure an official Entry Pass (reservation) through the Museum’s authorized booking system. The Museum strongly recommends visiting with a guide-educator for historical understanding (guided visits are paid).

• Free entry to the Memorial grounds (Auschwitz I + Auschwitz II-Birkenau) with a reserved Entry Pass.

• Perfect for: history learners, respectful cultural travellers, students, anyone visiting Kraków who wants a meaningful day trip.
• Not ideal if you’re looking for “light sightseeing” — this is emotionally heavy and requires respectful behavior.

• Arrive at your reserved time, pass security, then visit Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau (guided tour option available; self-guided visits are allowed only at certain times with reserved free passes).

• Tickets / price: Entry is free, but Entry Pass reservation is required via visit.auschwitz.org (free passes for unguided visits are available exclusively online; not on-site).
• Guided tours: fees apply for visits with a Museum educator (you can join as an individual or as a group).
• Opening/closures: the Museum is open all year except January 1, December 25, and Easter Sunday (start times vary by month).

• Start time window (official): you can start visits from 7:30 AM, with the last start time depending on the month (e.g., January: 7:30 AM—3:00 PM).
• Unguided visit time slots (official): in January/November, unguided entry (with free pass) is typically available from 2:00 PM onward.
• Time needed: 3—6 hours (more with travel + a guided visit).

Auschwitz-Birkenau = free-entry Memorial site (two camps), but you MUST reserve an official Entry Pass online. Guided tours cost extra and are recommended for context.