Things to Do in Oswiecim

Choose from 2 Fun Things to Do in Oswiecim

Town Hall Tower

Pisa’s leaning tower may have all the fame, but Krakow’s Town Hall Tower is a must-see nonetheless. Quite literally – as one of the focal points of Krakow’s main market square, it’s pretty hard to miss. Built towards the end of the 13th century, the 70-meter tall tower started leaning (it currently tilts by as much as 55 centimeters) after massively strong winds in 1703. It should be said, however, that the tower survived many fires and was therefore weakened considerably throughout the years.

To this day, the tower is the only remaining part of Krakow’s old town all. Visitors interested in visiting the tower should not worry; the tower is perfectly safe for visitors and even has an observation deck on its upper floor, reachable by a narrow staircase. The tower, as part of the Historical Museum of Kraków and because of its location in the old Cloth Hall, often has artworks and medieval costumes on display. There’s also an underground café, which is housed in the former city dungeons and torture rooms.

Practical Info

The Town Hall Tower is located on the northwestern corner of Krakow’s main market square, Rynek Glowny. It is therefore easily reachable by foot and instantly recognizable. It is not advised to drive into Krakow’s old town center. Admission costs 8 złoty per adult and 6 złoty per children. Family tickets (2 adults and 2 children up to 16) are available at 16 złoty. The town hall tower is open seven days a week from 10:30 AM to 6 PM between April and October, and from 12 to 6 PM between November and March. Last entrance is 30 minutes before closing.

Stare Miasto, Krakow, Poland

Daily from 10:30 AM to 6 PM between April and October, and from 12 to 6 PM between November and March. Last entrance is 30 minutes before closing.

8 złoty per adult and 6 złoty per children.

From $ 12

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is the resting place for some 1.5 million people, as the site once served as a concentration camp and extermination site of the European Jewish community during World War II. Today, Auschwitz-Birkenau is an important historical area, allowing visitors to reflect on the monumental horrors that occurred during the genocide.

The Basics

Auschwitz-Birkenau tours take visitors through some of the 13 surviving prison blocks that now feature museum exhibitions, many dedicated to victims and displaying documentary photographs and historical artifacts. In addition the main camp, a much larger camp called Birkenau (or Auschwitz II) sits about 1.25 miles (2 kilometers) to the west. This site has been left almost exactly as it was when the Nazis abandoned it at the end of the war, complete with gas chamber ruins, and is also considered a part of the UNESCO-listed Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum. An official visitor’s center can be found at the entrance to Auschwitz I.

The two sites are often visited together on group or private tours from Krakow Old Town, available in a number of languages and generally including transport between the memorial areas, plus hotel pickup and drop-off or airport transfers. It's recommended that travelers allot about 90 minutes for each of the sites. A visit is also sometimes combined with a trip to the nearby Wieliczka Salt Mine.

Things to Know Before You Go

Cell phones are not allowed in the permanent exhibition buildings.
The ability to take photos varies by area, although it is not allowed in Room 5 of Block 4 or in the cellars of Block 11. Flash units and tripods are not allowed.
The maximum size of any baggage carried in is 11.8x8x4 inches (30x20x10 cm).
The museum discourages visits from children under the age of 14.
While wheelchairs are available for use at the visitor's center, strollers may only be used outside of the blocks and other structures in Auschwitz I.
The memorial is closed on January 1, Easter Sunday, and Christmas.

How to Get There

Auschwitz-Birkenau is in Oswiecim, about 40 miles (65 kilometers) west of Krakow, from where most tours depart. A few tours are offered from Warsaw 196 miles (315 kilometers) away, although transport takes four hours. Both memorial sites have paid parking lots, and shuttles run between the two. Zakopane is located 80 miles (130 kilometers) south.

Insider Tip

This is a somber place to visit (to say the least), and appropriate solemnity and respect are required on museum grounds. Although you can arrive independently, guided Auschwitz tours can allow for better education and understanding, plus insight from a tour guide.

ul Wiezniow Oswiecimia, Oswiecim 32-603, Poland

Daily from 8am; closing hours vary seasonally

Varies

From $ 4