Krakow: Schindlers Factory & Plaszow Guided Tour

The Krakow: Schindler’s Factory & Plaszow Guided Tour offers a profound exploration of the city’s complex history during the Nazi occupation. Over the course of approximately five hours, this immersive experience provides visitors with skip-the-line access to the Schindler’s Factory Museum and a visit to the somber Plaszow Concentration Camp. Led by knowledgeable professional guides, participants gain insight into Oskar Schindler’s heroic efforts to save lives and the tragic deportations from the Krakow Ghetto, leaving a lasting emotional impact. For those seeking to uncover the profound stories that shaped this pivotal era, this tour provides a compelling and comprehensive introduction.

Key Points

• This guided tour in Krakow focuses on Oskar Schindler and the Nazi occupation, with a duration of approximately 5 hours.
• The tour includes skip-the-line entry to Schindler’s Factory Museum and a visit to the Plaszow Concentration Camp, where Schindler’s story unfolded.
• The Schindler’s Factory Museum features modern exhibitions on WWII history in Poland and showcases Oskar Schindler’s efforts to save Jews during the Nazi occupation.
• The tour explores the remains of the Plaszow Concentration Camp, providing insight into the grim realities faced by prisoners and the significant events of the Nazi occupation.
• The tour highlights the filming locations and camp replica used in the creation of Spielberg’s ‘Schindler’s List,’ offering a unique perspective on the historical events depicted in the film.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Contents

• Key Points
• Tour Overview
• Historical Context
• Schindler’s Factory Museum
• Plaszow Concentration Camp
• Deportation of Krakow Ghetto
• Filming of Schindler’s List
• Inclusions and Pricing
• Meeting and Reviews
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Is the Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?
• Can the Tour Be Customized for Specific Requests or Interests?
• What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
• Are Photography and Video Recording Allowed During the Tour?
• How Much Walking Is Involved, and Are There Any Breaks During the Tour?
• Recap
• Our Top Picks in Krakow
• More Guided Tours in Krakow
• More Tours in Krakow
• More Tour Reviews in Krakow
• Not for you? Here's more things to do in Krakow we have recnetly reviewed

Tour Overview

This guided tour in Krakow focuses on the life of Oskar Schindler and historical sites related to the Nazi occupation during World War II, lasting approximately 5 hours.

Priced from 1,551 CZK per person, the tour includes skip-the-line entry to the Schindler’s Factory Museum and a comprehensive visit to the Plaszow Concentration Camp.

Visitors can learn about the deportation of Jews from the Krakow Ghetto starting in 1942.

The tour is suitable for adults, children, and students, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.

Tram tickets and a professional English-speaking guide are also included, though lunch is at the participant’s own expense.

Historical Context

During World War II, Oskar Schindler, a German entrepreneur, played a pivotal role in saving many Jews from the horrors of the Holocaust. Schindler’s courageous efforts to protect his Jewish workers from the Nazis were later immortalized in Steven Spielberg’s acclaimed film, ‘Schindler’s List,’ which won the Academy Award for Best Picture.

The Plaszow Concentration Camp, established by the Nazis shortly after the invasion of Poland in 1939, was initially a forced labor camp and later a concentration camp. This grim historical site now serves as a nature preserve, with a camp replica built for the filming of ‘Schindler’s List.’

The tour highlights include:

1. Visiting the Plaszow Concentration Camp
2. Learning about the deportation of Jews from the Krakow Ghetto
3. Exploring the remnants of camp facilities and memorials
4. Seeing the camp replica used in the film

Schindler’s Factory Museum

The Schindler’s Factory Museum often captivates visitors with its modern exhibitions on the history of World War II in Poland.

Showcasing Oskar Schindler’s remarkable efforts to save Jews during the Nazi occupation, the museum provides a poignant and immersive experience for tour participants.

Visitors can explore the former enamel factory where Schindler’s story unfolded, learning about the deportation of Jews from the Krakow Ghetto and the role of the nearby Plaszow Concentration Camp.

The museum’s displays and artifacts bring this pivotal historical period to life, offering a deeper understanding of the courageous actions that saved hundreds of lives.

With skip-the-line entry included in the tour, guests can fully enjoy this powerful and thought-provoking experience.

Plaszow Concentration Camp

Visitors explore the remains of the former Plaszow Concentration Camp, a site established by the Nazis shortly after their invasion of Poland in 1939. Initially a forced labor camp, Plaszow later transitioned into a full-fledged concentration camp that was the setting for many tragic events during the Nazi occupation.

The guided tour takes guests through the camp’s remnants, providing insight into the grim realities faced by prisoners. Key highlights include:

1. Viewing the former camp administration buildings and guard towers.

2. Visiting memorials honoring the victims of the Holocaust.

3. Exploring the area now designated as a nature preserve.

4. Learning about the deportation of Jews from the Krakow Ghetto to Plaszow.

The poignant experience leaves a lasting impression on all who witness this solemn piece of history.

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Deportation of Krakow Ghetto

Though the Nazis had established the Krakow Ghetto in 1941, they began deporting its Jewish inhabitants to the nearby Plaszow Concentration Camp in 1942. This horrific process, known as the Krakow Ghetto Liquidation, saw thousands of men, women, and children forcibly removed from their homes and sent to face the horrors of the camp.

Date	Deportees	Fate
March 1942	1,500	Sent to Belzec extermination camp
June 1942	6,000	Murdered at Plaszow
August 1942	8,000	Deported to Auschwitz
September 1943	2,000	Executed at Plaszow

The Krakow Ghetto Liquidation was a devastating chapter in the Nazi’s systematic genocide of Polish Jews during the Holocaust.

Filming of Schindler’s List

Steven Spielberg’s 1993 masterpiece ‘Schindler’s List’ immortalized the harrowing story of Oskar Schindler and the Krakow Ghetto on the silver screen, using the Plaszow Concentration Camp and surrounding areas as the primary filming locations.

The tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the very grounds that were transformed into a haunting recreation of this dark chapter in history.

Some key highlights include:

1. Visiting the site where the camp replica was constructed for the film.

2. Seeing the remnants of the original camp facilities and memorials.

3. Learning about the challenges the filmmakers faced in authentically capturing this period.

4. Gaining a deeper appreciation for the bravery and resilience of those who lived through these events.

Inclusions and Pricing

The tour includes a professional live guide fluent in English, an entrance ticket to Schindler’s Factory Museum, and tram tickets (approximately 4 złoty).

Visitors can also opt for a lunch break at their own expense.

The tour is suitable for various age groups, from adults aged 18-99 to children as young as 7, as well as students aged 18-26 with valid ID.

The duration of the tour is 5 hours, and the price starts from 1,551 Kč per person.

Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

Meeting and Reviews

The meeting point for the tour is the entrance of Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory, where a guide holding a sign that says ‘excursions.city’ will be waiting for participants.

However, it’s important to note the tour operates on a strict schedule, and late arrivals won’t be admitted.

Based on customer reviews, the Krakow Schindler’s Factory & Plaszow Guided Tour has an overall rating of 5/5 from 3 reviews.

Customers highlighted the following:

1. The profound impact of the visit to Plaszow Concentration Camp.

2. The guide’s deep knowledge and engaging presentation of the historical context.

3. The comprehensive nature of the tour, covering key sites related to Oskar Schindler and the Nazi occupation.

4. The seamless organization and efficient use of time throughout the 5-hour experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?

The tour may not be suitable for people with significant mobility issues. The visit to Plaszow Concentration Camp includes walking over uneven terrain, which could be challenging. Those with concerns should consult the tour operator to determine if accommodations can be made.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Specific Requests or Interests?

The tour can be customized to accommodate specific requests or interests. Guests can work with the tour provider to tailor the itinerary to their preferences, ensuring they get the most out of the experience. Flexibility is key.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour does not have a strict dress code, but comfortable, weather-appropriate attire is recommended. Visitors should wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes as the tour involves walking through historical sites. Casual wear is acceptable.

Are Photography and Video Recording Allowed During the Tour?

Photography and video recording are generally allowed during the tour, though visitors should be respectful and avoid disrupting the experience. It’s best to check with the tour provider for any specific guidelines or restrictions.

How Much Walking Is Involved, and Are There Any Breaks During the Tour?

The tour involves a significant amount of walking, approximately 3-4 miles, to visit the key historical sites. However, the guide allows for regular breaks throughout the tour to rest and recharge. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Recap

The Krakow: Schindler’s Factory & Plaszow Guided Tour provides a poignant exploration of Krakow’s dark history under Nazi occupation.

Visitors gain insights into Oskar Schindler’s heroic efforts and the tragic deportations from the Krakow Ghetto, leaving a lasting emotional impact.

This comprehensive tour offers skip-the-line access to the Schindler’s Factory Museum and a visit to the somber Plaszow Concentration Camp, led by a knowledgeable professional guide.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby