Krakow to WWII Sites: Private Day Trip

The Wieliczka Salt Mine operated from the 13th century until the early 2000s. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most visited places in the country, thanks to its incredible underground chambers and long history of salt extraction. There is even a chapel carved entirely from salt, St. Kinga’s Chapel, and a series of salt chandeliers. Beyond the impressive natural features and sculptural work, the site also holds an intense history from WWII, when it was used by the Germans as an underground manufacturing facility. Learn more about the site, verify opening hours, and purchase tickets in advance online: https://www.wieliczka-saltmine.com/individual-tourist/useful-information/ticket-prices-and-visiting-hours

Auschwitz-Birkenau has been preserved as a memorial and museum of the largest concentration and extermination camp during WWII. The complex is split into two camps that are 10 minutes apart on a free shuttle bus. Auschwitz I was the original concentration camp, with the infamous “Arbeit Macht Frei” gate (roughly, “Work makes one free”), the barracks, and block exhibitions showcasing victims from different backgrounds. Auschwitz-II-Birkenau was the extermination camp, where the ruins of gas chambers and heartbreaking memorials to the victims stand. Visitation time slots fill quickly and opening hours vary seasonally, and visitors should book in advance. These are sites of immense tragedy, so please dress and behave respectfully. Bookings are available online: http://www.auschwitz.org/