The History of Auschwitz I
Originally a Polish army barracks, Auschwitz I was the first and main camp established in 1940. It served as the administrative center for the entire complex and was the site of the first gassings.
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The best stories aren’t found in guidebooks. Skip the crowds and unlock the hidden gems of Auschwitz Birkenau with a private, personalized experience led by a local.
Always private. It’s just you and your local host. No strangers, no groups.
Let your local host tailor the experience completely to your wishes.
Our tours are designed with people, places, and the planet in mind.
Reviews from guests about our tours and locals
"We did the Krakow walking tour with Bartek and it was great. He knows so much history and shares it so easily, including sharing all the local myths and fables. Fun day and great hanging out with him. We ended up booking a couple of extra tours with him. Bartek certainly made our stay in Krakow special. "
"This was our first visit to Krakow and our private city walking tour with Tomasz was the perfect introduction to this beautiful city. Over the course of 2 1/2 hours we explored the Old Town and the university and felt like we left with a great appreciation for both Poland’s history and for modern day Krakow. Tomasz speaks perfect English and possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of Polish history. We highly recommend him as a guide. "
"Bartek was both knowledgeable about history and friendly! We recommend booking him for all your tours in Krakow. "
"Bartek was a great guide, he took us to Schindlers Factory & organised our trip to Auschwitz , there is so much to take in, we found him very calm and knowledgeable, Nothing was to much trouble, I would recommend Bartek."
"Bartek is a genuinely lovely guy, very knowledgeable and wonderful company whilst learning about the beautiful city of Krakow. I would absolutely recommend him. "
"Bartek was such a nice and cool guide, we totally enjoyed our tour with him. We definetely reccomend the experience, everything was impeccable, from the pick up, the ride, the tour, the stories about Poland. It was a delightfull experience. Thank you, Bartek. "
"Aleksander provided and excellent introduction for my visit to Aushcwitz-Birkenauer. At the site I joined an official tour group in English (private guides are not permitted). Aleksander had obtained hard to get tickets the moment I made a reservation with him and from pick-up to delivery back to Krakow he provided exemplary service and background information. A private car nd driver is a great way to get to and from Auschwitz. An experienced guide Aleksander is highly recommended and I would use again without hesitation."
"Bartek was fantastic... Very patient waiting for us to meet him. Was happy to work to our changing schedule. Bartek was really informative and we had lots of laughs. I would highly recommend him. "
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A visit to the Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial and Museum is a profound and essential experience. A private tour of Auschwitz Birkenau with a local guide ensures a respectful and deeply personal journey into history.
Originally a Polish army barracks, Auschwitz I was the first and main camp established in 1940. It served as the administrative center for the entire complex and was the site of the first gassings.
Auschwitz II-Birkenau was the largest part of the complex and the primary site of extermination. Its sheer size, ruins of gas chambers, and endless rows of barracks paint a chilling picture of its past.
The words 'Arbeit Macht Frei' (Work Sets You Free) are inscribed on the main gate of Auschwitz I. This cynical slogan stands as a powerful and haunting symbol of the deception used against prisoners.
Today, the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum preserves the site as a memorial to the estimated 1.1 million people who died there. It is a place of solemn reflection and education for all of humanity.
A private tour of Auschwitz Birkenau offers a way to understand the complex history with sensitivity. A local guide provides crucial context, making this profound experience more personal and meaningful.
Witold Pilecki, a Polish army officer, voluntarily became a prisoner in Auschwitz to gather intelligence and organize resistance. His heroic actions provided the world with early accounts of the atrocities.
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Honor the memory of the past with a private Auschwitz Birkenau tour. A dedicated local guide will provide a sensitive, in-depth experience, helping you navigate this solemn site with the respect it deserves. Book your essential tour from Krakow today.