Krakow: Former Concentration Camp Plaszow Guided Tour

Krakow’s history is deeply intertwined with the atrocities of World War II. The former Plaszow Concentration Camp stands as a sobering reminder of the systematic persecution faced by the city’s Jewish community. This guided tour offers a profoundly moving exploration of the camp’s harrowing past, guiding visitors through key memorials and reflecting on the lives lost. As one steps onto this hallowed ground, the weight of history becomes palpable, inviting deeper contemplation on the enduring lessons of the past.

Key Points

• The 2-hour guided tour of Plaszow concentration camp costs from $21.81 per person and provides insights into the historical site through an English-speaking live guide.
• Plaszow was established in 1942 as a forced labor camp and later expanded to a concentration camp, serving as a major site for the deportation of Jews from the Krakow ghetto.
• The tour includes visits to key sites such as the Ghetto Memorial, Ghetto Pharmacy Museum, preserved section of the Ghetto Wall, and the Plaszow Camp Memorial and execution site.
• Booking for the tour is available now with an option to pay later, and a full refund is offered for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
• The tour is unsuitable for children under 12, individuals with mobility issues, or wheelchair users, and respectful behavior is encouraged during the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Details

The guided tour of Plaszow concentration camp in Krakow lasts for 2 hours and costs from $21.81 per person.

Travelers can book the tour now and pay later. Visitors also have the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

An English-speaking live guide leads the tour, providing insights into this historical site.

Plaszow was established in 1942 as a forced labor camp before expanding into a full concentration camp in 1944.

The tour reflects on the resilience of the Jewish community during WWII, visiting key sites and memorials across the former camp grounds.

Historical Context

Plaszow was established in 1942 as a forced labor camp before expanding into a full concentration camp in 1944. The camp became a major site for the deportation of Jews from the Krakow ghetto. Imprisoned individuals included Jews from surrounding communities as well as Polish citizens.

The historical context of the Plaszow camp reflects the devastating impact of the Nazi occupation on the Jewish community:

• Plaszow was a hub for the systematic persecution and destruction of Jewish life in the Krakow region.

• The camp served as a stark reminder of the Nazis’ cruelty and the resilience of those who endured.

• Visiting Plaszow today provides a somber opportunity to remember the lives lost and honor the victims’ memory.

Key Sites and Highlights

A Ghetto Memorial stands at Bohaterów Getto Square, honoring the resilience of Krakow’s Jewish community during WWII.

The Ghetto Pharmacy Museum showcases their daily lives.

Along Lwowska Street, a preserved section of the Ghetto Wall remains.

The former camp site contains the ruins of a railway station, warehouses, an officer’s club, and administration buildings.

The Grey House and Amon Göth’s villa serve as reminders of Nazi cruelty.

The Plaszow Camp Memorial and execution site at H-hill commemorate the hardship endured.

Memorials at the former Jewish cemetery and Liban Quarry reflect the scale of this dark history.

Ghetto Memorial at Bohaterów Getta Square

At the heart of the Plaszow tour lies the Ghetto Memorial, standing tall at Bohaterów Getta Square. This solemn monument pays tribute to the thousands of Jewish victims who suffered and perished during the Nazi occupation.

The memorial’s design evokes a sense of deep sorrow and resilience:

The towering figures, symbolic gates, and eternal flame evoke sorrow and resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy.

• Towering figures representing the anguish of the Jewish community

• Symbolic gates signifying the confinement and loss of freedom

• Eternally lit flame honoring the memory of those whose lives were tragically cut short

This poignant landmark serves as a powerful reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust and the indomitable spirit of the human soul.

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Preserved Section of the Ghetto Wall

One preserved section of the Ghetto Wall stands as a poignant reminder of the constraints imposed on Krakow’s Jewish community during the Nazi occupation.

Located along Lwowska Street, this section of the wall stretches for several hundred meters, its weathered bricks bearing silent witness to the segregation and oppression experienced by the city’s Jewish population.

The wall, originally erected to confine Jews within the Krakow ghetto, now symbolizes the resilience and fortitude of those who endured its harsh realities.

Visitors can reflect on this history and honor the memory of those who suffered behind its imposing structure.

Plaszow Camp Memorial and Execution Site

As visitors make their way through the former Plaszow concentration camp, they’re led to the Plaszow Camp Memorial and execution site known as H-hill.

This somber location serves as a stark reminder of the atrocities committed by the Nazis. The memorial, a humble structure, stands as a testament to the lives lost.

Nearby, the execution site evokes a profound sense of sorrow, where innocent individuals were ruthlessly gunned down. The atmosphere is solemn, inviting reflection on the resilience and suffering of the Jewish community during this dark chapter of history.

• The Plaszow Camp Memorial, a simple yet powerful structure

• The execution site, a haunting reminder of Nazi cruelty

• An atmosphere of solemnity and remembrance

Practical Information and Guidelines

The meeting point for the Krakow Plaszow Guided Tour is next to the Apteka Pod Orłem museum.

Tram tickets aren’t included and cost around 4 PLN per person.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 12, people with mobility issues, heart problems, or wheelchair users.

Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

Alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed.

Visitors are encouraged to be respectful of the historical significance during the tour.

The entire experience lasts approximately 2 hours and costs from $21.81 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

It’s generally not recommended to bring food and drinks on the tour. The tour guidelines indicate that alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and visitors should respect the historical significance of the site during the tour.

Is There a Mandatory Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no mandatory dress code, but it’s recommended to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. Avoid clothing that could be disrespectful to the historical significance of the site. The tour suggests comfortable shoes for walking.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

There are no dedicated restroom facilities available during the tour. Participants are advised to use the restrooms before the tour begins, as the tour covers a historical site without modern amenities.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The maximum group size for the Plaszow concentration camp guided tour is not specified in the information provided. However, groups are typically small to allow for an intimate and immersive experience during the 2-hour tour.

Is Photography Allowed at All Locations During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour, but visitors should be respectful and avoid disturbing the somber atmosphere. It’s best to check with the tour guide for any specific restrictions at sensitive sites.

The Sum Up

The Krakow: Former Concentration Camp Plaszow Guided Tour offers a poignant and educational experience, allowing visitors to reflect on the tragic history of the Plaszow camp. Through guided exploration of key memorials and preserved sites, the tour provides a profound understanding of the systematic persecution faced by the Jewish community during WWII. This tour is a solemn reminder of the past and a call to remember the lives lost.

You can check availability for your dates here: