Is Auschwitz open in winter? Can you visit in winter?

Visiting the Auschwitz Museum in Oświęcim, near Krakow, is one of the most significant attractions for those visiting the capital of Małopolska. Many people planning a trip to Krakow in winter wonder if Auschwitz is open during the winter. Can you visit Auschwitz in winter? Is the Auschwitz Museum in Oświęcim open in winter?

Auschwitz in the winter season

For those wondering if Auschwitz is open in winter, we have an answer. Yes, the popular museum at the former Nazi concentration camp is open year-round, including during the winter season.

When planning a visit to Auschwitz in winter, it’s important to remember that a significant part of the tour takes place outdoors. This means that during a winter visit, you are largely exposed to the prevailing weather conditions, such as low temperatures, and sometimes rain or snow.

It’s also worth noting that daylight hours in winter in Poland are short.

Winter Auschwitz opening hours

During the winter season, the museum is open for shorter hours compared to the tourist season. In December, the opening hours are from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM, in January from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM, and in February from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. This is particularly important for those planning free entry to Auschwitz.

Free admission to Auschwitz is only possible in the afternoon hours when paid guided tours with museum guides end. When booking tickets on the official website at official website, you need to scroll down to the afternoon hours. If no free tickets are available, it means they have all been reserved. See the Auschwitz price list here.

During the winter season, it’s also worth remembering that there are a few days when the museum is closed. These days include December 25th (Christmas Day) and January 1st (New Year’s Day), which are public holidays in Poland.

In January, the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz is always observed, with ceremonies attended by foreign delegations. On the day of the commemoration, the museum is closed to visitors, and in the days leading up to it, the museum is also closed, with no possibility of booking tours, either paid or free.

Summary

Can you visit Auschwitz in the winter? Yes, Auschwitz is open year-round, practically every day of the year. When planning a visit to Auschwitz in the winter season, it’s worth remembering to dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes, as a large part of the tour involves outdoor exploration, exposing you to Poland’s winter weather conditions.

• Is Auschwitz open in winter? Auschwitz Museum is open year-round, even on Sunday, including during the winter season.
• Winter visiting conditions: A significant part of the tour takes place outdoors, so visitors are exposed to winter weather conditions such as low temperatures, rain, or snow. Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes.
• Winter opening hours:
  • December: 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM
  • January: 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM
  • February: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
• Free admission: Free entry is only available in the afternoon hours after paid guided tours end. Check availability on the official website.
• Closed days in winter:
  • December 25th (Christmas Day)
  • January 1st (New Year’s Day)
  • During the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz (January) and the days leading up to it, the museum is closed to visitors.
• Important tip: Plan your visit carefully and book early, especially if you aim for free admission, as tickets are limited and can run out quickly.

Read detailed guide on easiest and cheapest ways to get to Auschwitz from Krakow city center.

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