Krakow: Jewish Ghetto & Plaszow Concentration Camp Tour

Exploring the dark history of Krakow’s past, the Jewish Ghetto & Plaszow Concentration Camp Tour takes visitors on a profound journey through the city’s wartime legacy. Led by knowledgeable experts, this three-hour experience delves into the impact of Nazi occupation on the Jewish community, visiting significant sites and uncovering the poignant stories that haunt these locations. From the remnants of the ghetto wall to the haunting Monument of Chairs, participants gain a deeper understanding of the area’s historical significance, leaving them with a transformative perspective on this complex and challenging chapter.

Key Points

• This 3-hour guided tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Krakow’s Jewish Ghetto and the former Plaszow Concentration Camp, offering historical insights into the city’s wartime past.
• The tour includes visits to remnants of the ghetto wall, the Monument of Chairs, and the Pod Orła Pharmacy, a hub of underground resistance during the Nazi occupation.
• Guests can expect a knowledgeable guide who shares photos and stories from the past, deepening their understanding of the impact of the Nazi occupation on Krakow’s Jewish population.
• The tour includes a tram ride to the Płaszów concentration camp, which supplied labor to military factories and facilitated deportations, providing a deeper historical context.
• Flexible booking options, including a pay later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, make this tour accessible and convenient for visitors.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Krakow’s Jewish Ghetto and the former Plaszow Concentration Camp.

It’s a 3-hour guided experience that provides insights into the city’s wartime history. Priced from $35.15 per person, the tour is conducted in English and features flexible booking options, including a pay later option.

Participants will visit key sites like the remnants of the ghetto wall, the poignant Monument of Chairs, and the Pod Orła Pharmacy.

They’ll also take a tram ride to the Plaszow camp, learning from an expert guide along the way.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.

Tour Highlights

Exploring the historic sites of the Jewish Ghetto and the former Nazi concentration camp in Krakow, this tour offers a poignant glimpse into the city’s wartime past.

Visitors will see remnants of the ghetto wall and the moving Monument of Chairs, a memorial to the Jews deported from the ghetto. The tour also visits the Pod Orłem Pharmacy, once a hub of underground resistance.

Throughout, the knowledgeable guide shares photos and stories that bring the tumultuous events to life. The tour concludes with a tram ride to Płaszów, site of the notorious Nazi concentration camp, further deepening understanding of this history.

Historical Context

This tour provides a deeper understanding of Krakow’s wartime history, particularly if visitors have previously explored the Schindler’s Factory museum.

The Płaszów concentration camp played a crucial role in supplying labor to nearby military factories and facilitating the deportation of Jews. This connection is highlighted, as the tour includes a tram ride to the camp’s location.

The historical context also explores the impact of the events depicted in the film Schindler’s List, which dramatized the horrors that unfolded in Podgórze and Płaszów during the Nazi occupation.

Tour Logistics

The tour is conducted in a group format, with no visits to museums included – the Apteka Pod Orłem pharmacy isn’t part of the itinerary.

This is a group tour with no museum visits – the Apteka Pod Orłem pharmacy is not included in the itinerary.

Since it’s an outdoor tour, visitors should dress appropriately for the weather conditions. This includes wearing a hat, rain or sun protection, and comfortable shoes.

The tram ride to Płaszów concentration camp site is included, costing around 4 PLN per person. Participants should check availability and select their preferred starting time.

The tour takes place rain or shine, so come prepared for the elements.

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Meeting Information

The tour meeting point is located near Schindler’s Factory in the Podgórze district of Krakow.

This centralized location offers several advantages for tour participants:

1. Easy accessibility, as the area is well-known and easily navigable.

2. Proximity to public transportation, allowing for a seamless tram ride to the Płaszów concentration camp site.

3. Connection to the broader historical context, as Schindler’s Factory is a significant landmark related to the wartime experiences depicted in the tour.

Guests are advised to check availability and select their preferred starting time when booking the tour.

Exploring the Jewish Ghetto

From the meeting point near Schindler’s Factory, the tour begins by exploring the historic sites of the former Jewish ghetto in Krakow.

Guests walk along the remnants of the ghetto wall, learning about the oppressive living conditions and grim realities faced by the Jewish population. The guide shares photos and stories, bringing the past to life.

At the moving Monument of Chairs, they reflect on the tragic deportation of Jews to the nearby Płaszów concentration camp.

The tour then visits the Pod Orłem Pharmacy, a symbol of resistance and resilience during the Nazi occupation.

Visiting Plaszow Concentration Camp

After exploring the remnants of the Jewish ghetto, the tour group boards a tram to visit the site of the former Płaszów concentration camp.

The guide provides historical context, explaining Płaszów’s role in supplying labor to military factories and the deportation of Jews.

The tour highlights three key aspects of the camp:

1. The expansive scale and harsh conditions that prisoners endured.

2. The site’s connection to Schindler’s List, with visitors seeing locations depicted in the film.

3. The somber memorial to those who perished, a poignant reminder of the camp’s tragic history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour, but visitors should be respectful and mindful of the solemn nature of the sites visited. The guide may provide guidance on appropriate times and locations for taking photographs.

Can the Tour Be Customized for a Private Group?

Yes, the tour can be customized for a private group. The tour operator offers private tours that allow for a more personalized experience and flexibility in the itinerary to meet the group’s specific interests and needs.

Are There Any Food or Drink Options During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include any food or drink options. It’s an outdoor walking tour focused on historical sites, so participants should plan to bring their own snacks and beverages as needed to stay hydrated and energized during the 3-hour experience.

How Physically Demanding Is the Walking Portion of the Tour?

The walking portion of the tour involves moderate to extensive walking over uneven terrain. Participants should be prepared for up to 3 hours of walking, with few opportunities to rest. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

What Should I Bring to Make the Most of the Tour Experience?

To make the most of the tour experience, one should bring a hat, sunscreen, water, and comfortable walking shoes. Dressing for the weather conditions and being prepared for the outdoor walking portions of the tour will enhance the overall experience.

The Sum Up

The Krakow: Jewish Ghetto & Plaszow Concentration Camp Tour provides a profound and poignant exploration of the city’s harrowing wartime history. Guided by knowledgeable experts, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the impact of Nazi occupation on Krakow’s Jewish community. Through visits to significant sites, the tour presents a powerful and educational experience that leaves a lasting impression on all who participate.

You can check availability for your dates here: