Last updated on January 7th, 2025 at 06:10 pm
Auschwitz-Birkenau is one of the most moving and significant historical sites in the world.
As the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp, it continues to be a powerful reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust and Second World War. It’s somewhere that should definitely be on your list of places to visit as a conscious traveller.
We visited recently with a 15-year-old and a 12-year-old during our 2 day trip to Krakow.
Visiting Auschwitz with children or teens can be an extremely meaningful educational experience, but it may require preparation and sensitivity.
This guide covers everything you need to know to help you make the decision as to whether you should plan an Auschwitz visit with your family or not.
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Why Visit Auschwitz with Children and Teens?
We thought that visiting Auschwitz would offer our teen and tween a unique opportunity to be educated about the Holocaust, the potential impact and dangers of hatred, and the importance of tolerance.
We hoped that they would gain a deeper understanding of the consequences of prejudice, as well as the resilience of the human spirit.
However, we did consider the potential emotional weight of the visit. See more on this below (What Age is Auschwitz suitable for?)
How Far Is Auschwitz from Krakow?
Auschwitz is located in Oświęcim, about 70 kilometres (43 miles) west of Krakow. The journey takes around one and a half hours by car/ bus. Public transportation and organised tours make it pretty straightforward to reach if you’re staying in Krakow.
By Car: Drive via the A4 motorway to get there. There’s a large car park at the museum.
By Bus: There are regular shuttle buses from Krakow’s main station (MDA bus station Krakow, Gate D10) to Oświęcim.
By Train: Getting to Auschwitz by train is quite easy. Trains run from Krakow’s main station (Krakow Glowny) to Oświęcim. You can walk to the museum from here (it’ll take around 20 minutes) or get a taxi from outside the station.
Organised Tours: Many tour companies offer convenient packages that include pick up and drop off at your hotel and guided tours. These are ideal for families.
We went on an organised tour and I would absolutely recommend this option as you won’t have to worry about getting there, timing or entry – plus the tour is much more meaningful with a guide who can give you relevant information.
✅ BOOK HERE for organised tours of Auschwitz-Birkenau
We combined our visit to Auschwitz with a visit to Wieliczka Salt Mine. This was the exact tour we booked (Choose Cracow via Viator) and I’d highly recommend it. Our driver and tour guide were fantastic.
✅ Book HERE for the combined tour of Auschwitz and Wieliczka Salt Mine we went on
Where to Stay when Visiting Auschwitz
Most families choose to stay in Krakow, which offers a variety of accommodations and other attractions. Here are some options:
- In Krakow: We stayed at the Queen Boutique Hotel which has the most amazing breakfast and a great central location.
✅ Book HERE for Queen Boutique Hotel in Krakow
- Near Auschwitz: There are a few hotels and guesthouses in Oświęcim, for those who want to stay closer to the site.
✅ Book HERE for hotels and guesthouses in Oświęcim
What’s at Auschwitz?
The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is divided into two main sites which are around 3 kilometres apart. There is a shuttle bus between the two, if you’re not going on an organised tour which will take you there:
Auschwitz I:
- This is the original concentration camp with barracks, exhibitions, and the infamous “Arbeit macht frei” (‘work will set you free’) gate.
- You’ll find educational exhibits and photographs detailing the camp’s history and the experiences of its victims.
- This is where you’ll find the rooms with the victims of the camp’s belongings (Block 4). This is probably the most shocking part of the tour, and one you can avoid if you feel you your children aren’t ready to see it. Adults can take it in turns to go into the building while children wait outside.
Auschwitz II-Birkenau:
- This is the larger extermination camp. Some buildings (built by the prisoners) still stand, while others are in ruins. Birkenau is famous for its railway tracks (bringing victims from Auschwitz and all over Nazi-controlled Europe) and ending here).
- You’ll see the ruins of the gas chambers, and the International Monument to the Victims of Fascism.
What Age Is Auschwitz Suitable For?
The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum recommends a minimum age of 14 due to the graphic and emotional content. However, parents know their children best and should assess their maturity level.
Some children may be able to manage it (or, some of the information may ‘go over their heads’). Others may find some elements particularly upsetting. We thought our 15 year old would be able to manage the visit well, but we did give more thought to whether it was appropriate to take our 12 year old, who is more sensitive.
In the end, we decided that, if we were going to Krakow, we should visit. While some might recommend ‘waiting till the kids are older’, you never know whether you’ll go back to that part of the world again. So, I’m very much of the view that, if you’re there, you should visit.
We also spoke to our kids about what to expect and agreed to be vigilant about checking in on them, and potentially avoiding certain aspects of the museum and exhibitions if needed.
The other thing to bear in mind, when visiting with children, is whether they have the capacity to be respectful when there. Are they old enough not to get bored? Might they get distracted, argue, or shout during a visit? Or are they old enough to understand the expectations of how to behave when there?
For children and teens, this experience can foster empathy, critical thinking, and a commitment to ensuring such atrocities are never repeated. Tailor the visit to your child’s age and maturity, and be prepared to discuss their thoughts and feelings afterwards.
- For younger children, consider exploring Krakow’s historical sites or other family-friendly attractions instead.
- Prepare older children and teens by discussing what they will see and its significance.
What to Expect During the Visit
Content:
The exhibitions include photographs, personal belongings of victims, and detailed accounts of the atrocities.
While upsetting, particularly when you see the volume of personal belongings (shoes, luggage, glasses), I expected there to be more graphic photographs than there were. I was most concerned about this with regard to visiting with children.
If you do decide to visit with children and are concerned about some of the content, Block 4 is the part of the tour to avoid. Our kids did visit Block 4, and managed ok. In some ways, our 15 year old was more affected than the 12 year old (older teens are more likely to be able to reflect and understand the full extent of the depravity here).
Length of Visit:
A typical visit across both sites will last 3–4 hours, though this might vary based on your tour or the pace you want to go at.
Rules for visiting Auschwitz:
There are a few rules it’s advised you follow when you’re visiting Auschwitz. These include:
- Behaving with respect and the solemnity this site deserves.
- While there is no official dress code, it is advised that you dress in an appropriate manner.
- Only taking photographs in certain areas. You can photograph most areas but not one of the rooms in Block 4 (which contains human hair), or the basement of Block 11.
- No eating on site (other than at the cafe) unless medically necessary.
Facilities:
Auschwitz has a number of restrooms (both on site and at the entrance), a café, and a bookshop. Birkenau also has food available (there were several outdoor food stalls when we visited), restrooms and a bookshop at the visitor centre.
Quite a lot of your Auschwitz tour and all of your visit to Birkenau will be outside so wear comfortable shoes and wrap up warm if you’re visiting in the winter, like we did.
Accessibility:
Some areas may be challenging for strollers or wheelchairs as the paths are made up of cobbled stones.
If you’re taking a young baby, I’d recommend using a baby carrier rather than a stroller.
Contact the museum in advance if you think you may need assistance.
Auschwitz Opening Times and Tickets
Opening Hours: The museum is open year-round, except for January 1, December 25, and Easter Sunday. Hours vary by season (it closes earlier in the day during winter months), so check the official website for up-to-date information.
Auschwitz Tickets and Admission Prices: Admission is free to the grounds (but slots need to be booked online before your visit). Guided tours will have a fee attached but are highly recommended due to the information and context which will be shared with you. Advance booking for tours is also highly recommended due to limited availability.
Tips: Arrive 30 minutes before your allocated slot and bring valid ID (such as a passport or driving license) for ticket collection.
✅ BOOK HERE for organised tours of Auschwitz-Birkenau
Preparing for the Visit
Discuss the Holocaust and its historical context before your visit. Books, documentaries, or age-appropriate resources can help. Let your kids know that there may be some upsetting photographs and information and that if they don’t want to see these, that’s fine – there are always options to wait outside or for parents to go inside a room first to check what’s inside and let the child know before they enter.
Make sure you emphasise the importance of being respectful and quiet during the visit. Let them know that there will be other people visiting who will likely feel upset and emotional.
After the Visit: Time to Reflect
Encourage your children or teens to talk about their thoughts and feelings after the visit. Open conversations can help them process what they’ve seen and deepen their understanding.
Here are some suggestions for follow-up activities:
- Visit other Holocaust memorials or museums.
- Read survivor accounts, such as Anne Frank’s diary. My Amsterdam with Kids post includes a visit to the Anne Frank house.
- Discuss ways you can promote tolerance and prevent hatred in today’s world.
Visiting Auschwitz: The Overview
My view is that visiting Auschwitz with children and teens is a challenging but deeply impactful experience. It offers an opportunity to learn about history, empathy, and the importance of standing against hatred.
With some preparation and discussion beforehand, your family should gain invaluable insights from this visit that will resonate for years to come.
Obviously, you know your child or children best and while our 12 and 15 year old managed the visit well, some children may be significantly upset by what they see, and younger children may simply not be able to behave in a way befitting of a place such as this for the length of the visit. Other visitors and their experiences need to be kept in mind.
