Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine in 2 days

General information

Destination
Krakow, Poland

Program details

Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine represent two opposing aspects of Poland’s past. This combined tour over two days takes you to both so that you can pay homage to the victims and explore the dark chapter that the Nazi death camp represents and also to see the stunning salt mine, which is a testament to the Polish people’s faith and enterprise. Both monuments are Unesco World Heritage Sites.


Day one features Auschwitz-Birkenau, the notorious concentration camp to the west of Krakow. A documentary about the camp will be broadcast during the 90-minute drive. Walk through the gate bearing the fallacious inscription: ‘Arbeit macht frei’ (work sets one free) and visit the memorial and museum, which were founded in 1947. The complex comprises the camps of Auschwitz (Auschwitz I) in Oświęcim and Birkenau (Auschwitz II) in Brzezinka. There are approximately 150 buildings and 300 ruins. The original roads, fences, watchtowers and railway ramps have all been preserved.


On the second day, visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine, which is just a short drive southeast of Krakow. This 700-year-old mine features more than 300km of eerie tunnels, all carved by hand from salt blocks, though just a few kilometres are open to the public. Visit the three upper levels at depths of up to 135 metres and descend to the first level, where you’ll see underground lakes, shrines and salt monuments. Admire the showstopping Chapel of St King and marvel at how every one of its features, from chandeliers to the altar, is made of salt.



Meeting/pick-up point: Bus stop at Powiśle 11 opposite the Sheraton Hotel.

Duration: Six hours for Auschwitz and four hours for Wieliczka.

Others: There is an extra charge for camera usage in Wieliczka. The mines’ temperature is about 14°C so wear suitable clothing.