Kraków History Walk: Schindler’s Factory with Best Krakow Walks
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for visitors with basic fitness; mostly urban walking on paved and cobbled surfaces.
Overview
Step into Kraków’s turbulent WWII era with Best Krakow Walks’ detailed visit to Schindler’s Factory and the former Jewish ghetto. This 3-hour guided tour offers an unfiltered glimpse into the lives shaped by occupation and resistance.
Schindler’s Factory & a Guided Walking Tour of the Kraków Ghetto
From 10 years old • 3 hours • World War II history
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About This Adventure
Embark on a poignant 3-hour journey through Kraków's history by visiting Oskar Schindler’s renowned “Emalia” Factory and the former Jewish ghetto. Guided by an expert, explore the impactful exhibition on wartime occupation and witness the authentic sites that shaped the lives of Kraków's residents during World War II.
Visit Oskar Schindler’s famous “Emalia” Factory and the former Jewish ghetto.
Duration
3 hours
Prices
- Prices are shown by group size selection
- Minimum age is 10 years old
About
Highlights: • Visit the famous “Schindler’s Factory” museum • Explore the site of the former Krakow Ghetto • Discover Kraków's Second World War history
The tour starts with a visit to Schindler’s Factory, the most visited museum in Kraków. While visiting the permanent exhibition “Kraków – czas okupacji 1939-1945” (Kraków – The Occupation 1939-1945), complimented by a professional guide narration, we shall become comprehensively acquainted with the history of the war-time German occupation of Kraków. The exhibition brings us up to date with the fate of Poles, Germans, and Jews in occupied Kraków – from the outbreak of war to the questionable “liberation” of the city by the Red Army in January 1945.
Equipped with the knowledge acquired at Schindler’s Factory, we will set out for the former Krakow Ghetto – a residential area created by the occupants for the Jewish population in 1941. The locations and historical events discussed in the museum will be shown by our guide in the authentic surroundings in which they took place. Visiting the “Emalia” Factory and the ghetto in one tour allows you to fully grasp and understand the complicated fate of Kraków and its inhabitants during World War II.
More info
We will start in Lipowa st. 4, in front of the main entrance to the Schindler’s Factory museum and end at Rynek Podgórski (1 km from the Schindler’s Factory).
What to bring
Comfortable shoes
Adventure Tips
Wear Comfortable Footwear
This tour involves walking on cobbled and sometimes uneven city streets; sturdy shoes are crucial.
Bring a Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during the outdoor portions of the tour through the Kraków Ghetto area.
Photography Allowed but Respectful
While photos are permitted, keep in mind the solemn nature of the sites for thoughtful conduct.
Arrive Early
The tour starts promptly at Schindler’s Factory; arriving early allows time for check-in and acclimation.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban pigeons common throughout Kraków
- Occasional sightings of sparrows and city songbirds
History
The Kraków Ghetto was established in 1941 by German occupiers, confining the Jewish population within a restricted quarter amidst harsh conditions until its liquidation in 1943.
Conservation
Efforts to preserve Kraków’s historic fabric balance tourism with protecting wartime memorials and local heritage neighborhoods from overdevelopment.
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Adventure Hotspots in Kraków
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Necessary for the uneven surfaces and extended walking during the tour.
Water Bottle
Helps keep you hydrated especially during warm weather walking portions.
summer specific
Light Rain Jacket
Useful in case of spring showers to keep comfortable outdoors.
spring specific
Warm Layer
A mid-layer helps adjust to cooler temperatures during evening strolls.
fall specific