Krakow: Schindlers Factory & Ghetto Guided Tour

The Krakow: Schindler’s Factory & Ghetto Guided Tour offers a poignant exploration of the city’s Jewish history during the dark days of World War II. Over three hours, visitors explore the remnants of the ghetto walls, Schindler’s Factory, and the somber Empty Chair Monument, gaining invaluable insights into the resilience and struggles of the Jewish community under Nazi occupation. Led by a professional guide, this tour provides a thought-provoking experience that sheds light on a complex and troubling chapter in Krakow’s history. As participants uncover the moral dilemmas and human stories behind these historic sites, they’re left with a deeper understanding of the profound impact of this period.

Key Points

• This 3-hour guided tour explores Krakow’s Jewish ghetto remnants and the Schindler’s Factory, where over 1,000 Jewish workers were saved during WWII.
• The tour includes admission tickets, a professional guide, and transportation to significant historical sites in the Podgórze district.
• Visitors can learn about the daily lives and struggles of Krakow’s citizens under Nazi occupation, as well as acts of defiance and solidarity.
• The tour provides an in-depth understanding of the Holocaust’s lasting impact on Krakow through visits to memorials, the ‘Krakow Under Nazi Occupation’ exhibition, and the Schindler’s Factory.
• The tour is available in multiple languages and can be booked without upfront payment, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Krakow: Schindler’s Factory & Ghetto Guided Tour provides a comprehensive 3-hour exploration of Krakow’s Podgórze district, immersing visitors in the daily life of Nazi-occupied Krakow.

Priced from SEK 466 per person, the tour is available in Polish, English, German, and French, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Highlights include visiting Schindler’s Factory, encountering historical sites, and learning about the local ghetto.

The tour includes admission tickets, a professional guide, and transportation, though food, drinks, and gratuities aren’t covered.

Visitors can reserve their spot without upfront payment, making it easy to plan their Krakow experience.

Experience Highlights

Through this guided tour, visitors can explore Krakow’s Podgórze district and gain insights into the daily life of the city under Nazi occupation.

They’ll visit Schindler’s Factory and see historical sites like the ghetto wall, Pod Orłem pharmacy, and the Empty Chair Monument at Heroes Square.

The tour highlights include:

• Discovering the remnants of Krakow’s Jewish ghetto and learning about the challenges faced by its residents.

• Exploring Schindler’s Factory, the setting of the acclaimed film ‘Schindler’s List,’ and its exhibition on the Nazi occupation.

• Encountering poignant memorials that commemorate the victims and heroes of World War II.

• Appreciating the resilience and perseverance of the Krakow community during a dark chapter in its history.

• Developing a deeper understanding of the lasting impact of the Holocaust on the city.

Tour Inclusions

This tour includes tickets to the Schindler’s Factory Museum, a guided walking tour, and a professional tour guide.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are also provided, though gratuities and food/drinks aren’t included.

The guided visit to Oskar Schindler’s Factory will allow you to explore the exhibition ‘Krakow Under Nazi Occupation.’

Plus, the tour will take you through the significant remnants from World War II in the Podgórze district.

With this comprehensive package, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the historical significance of these sites and the impact they’d on the city during that tumultuous period.

Itinerary Details

As part of the tour, visitors will be guided through Oskar Schindler’s Factory, where they can explore the exhibition ‘Krakow Under Nazi Occupation.’

Plus, the tour will take participants to significant remnants from World War II in the Podgórze district.

The itinerary includes:

• Visiting the preserved remnants of the former Krakow ghetto walls

• Seeing the Pod Orłem pharmacy, which served as a secret medical point during the Nazi occupation

• Encountering the Empty Chair Monument at Heroes Square, a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust

• Learning about the daily lives of Krakow’s citizens under Nazi rule

• Gaining insights into the city’s resilience and resistance during the dark years of World War II.

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Meeting Information

The tour starts at the main entrance to Schindler’s Factory Museum, where participants should look for the excursions.city sign. This is the designated meeting point for the guided Krakow: Schindler’s Factory & Ghetto Tour.

Guests can check the availability of starting times and select the number of participants and preferred tour date when booking their spot.

The tour explores significant remnants from World War II in Krakow’s Podgórze district, including Oskar Schindler’s Factory and the exhibition ‘Krakow Under Nazi Occupation.’

With a professional guide leading the way, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the city’s history during the Nazi occupation.

Exploring Podgórze District

The Podgórze district of Krakow holds a somber yet important history, as the former location of the city’s Jewish ghetto during the Nazi occupation. On this tour, visitors can explore the remnants of this dark period, including:

• The ghetto wall, a physical symbol of the segregation and oppression faced by the Jewish community.

• The Pod Orłem pharmacy, which served as a secret hub for the resistance movement.

• The Empty Chair Monument, a poignant memorial to those who perished in the ghetto.

• Schindler’s Factory, where the famous industrialist saved the lives of over 1,000 Jewish workers.

• Other historical sites that offer a window into the daily struggles of those living under Nazi rule.

This immersive experience provides a powerful and thought-provoking look into Krakow’s past.

Life in Nazi-Occupied Krakow

Under Nazi occupation, the everyday lives of Krakow’s residents were drastically upended, defined by hardship, fear, and the ever-present threat of violence.

Despite the oppressive conditions, the city’s Jewish community displayed immense resilience, finding creative ways to sustain a sense of community and hope amidst the darkness.

Severe food and supply shortages led to the hotel of a vast black market, while cultural and religious practices were forced underground.

Deportations to concentration camps, mass executions, and the daily humiliation of the city’s Jewish population created an atmosphere of terror.

Yet, through acts of defiance and solidarity, the residents of Krakow refused to be broken, preserving their humanity in the face of unimaginable cruelty.

Visit to Schindler’s Factory

Visitors to Schindler’s Factory can explore the restored enamelware plant that once housed Oskar Schindler’s famous business, gaining insight into the lives of those who worked there during the Nazi occupation.

The guided tour takes guests through several key areas, including:

• The main factory floor, where Schindler employed over a thousand Jewish workers to produce goods for the German war effort.

• Schindler’s office, preserved to showcase the business operations and personal involvement of the factory’s owner.

• The basement air raid shelter, a critical space that provided refuge during bombings and raids.

• Exhibits detailing the daily lives and struggles of the Jewish workers, their families, and the complex moral choices they faced.

• Poignant reminders of the factory’s dark history, such as the camp-style fencing and watchtowers that once stood guard.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Walking Is Involved in the Tour?

The tour involves a significant amount of walking. Participants can expect to cover several kilometers as they explore the historical sites and neighborhoods. The guided walking tour is essential for immersing visitors in the full experience.

Can I Take Photos Inside Schindler’s Factory?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside Schindler’s Factory, but they should avoid using flash, as it can damage the exhibits. It’s best to check with the tour guide for any specific rules or restrictions on photography.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Disabilities?

The tour may accommodate people with disabilities, though specific accessibility details are not provided. It’s best to inquire with the tour operator about any special needs to ensure the tour fits the visitor’s requirements.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Tour’s Recap?

According to the tour details, there is no mention of purchasing souvenirs at the conclusion of the tour. The tour focuses on visiting historical sites and does not appear to include any shopping opportunities.

What Should I Bring With Me on the Tour?

When joining a guided tour, it’s recommended to bring essentials like water, snacks, comfortable walking shoes, and any necessary medication. Bringing a camera can also allow you to capture memorable moments along the way.

Recap

The Krakow: Schindler’s Factory & Ghetto Guided Tour provides an immersive and poignant exploration of Krakow’s Jewish history during World War II.

Visitors can gain valuable insights into the resilience and struggles of the Jewish community under Nazi occupation, as they visit significant sites such as the ghetto remnants, Schindler’s Factory, and the Empty Chair Monument with a professional guide.

You can check if your dates are available here: