Krakow: Plaszow Concentration Camp Walking Tour
Krakow Jewish Ghetto, Krakow
Learn about the history of the Krakow-Plaszow concentration camp on this guided tour from Krakow. Hear about Oskar Schindler and how the camp featured in the Spielberg movie "Schindler's List."
Plaszow Camp Guided Walking Tour in Krakow
This 2-hour guided walking tour explores the former Plaszow Camp and nearby memorials, suitable for visitors interested in World War II history and Jewish heritage.
Highlights
- Take an in-depth guided walk through the former Plaszow Camp
- Visit key memorial sites and honor the victims of the camp
- Learn about Oskar Schindler and the fate of prisoners transferred to his factory
Description
Explore Plaszow Camp with a licensed local guide and learn stories of loss, survival, and the legacy of Oskar Schindler. This tour combines historical context with moments for reflection at one of Krakow’s most solemn sites.
The tour begins with a walk past Ghetto Heroes Square in the Podgórze district, a location tied to the history of the Krakow Ghetto. Redesigned in 2005, the square features large metal chairs symbolizing forced displacement and absence as a tribute to the ghetto’s victims.
Next, visit the former Plaszow Camp, established in 1942 on the site of Jewish cemeteries. Originally a forced-labor camp, it became a concentration camp where more than 35,000 prisoners were held and thousands died. You will see surviving sites including the Grey House, the roll-call area, camp infrastructure remnants, mass graves, and the Monument of Torn-Out Hearts.
The tour emphasizes Oskar Schindler’s role in securing work permits for prisoners and transferring many to his factory, saving over a thousand lives. Although few buildings remain, the camp’s large open spaces and silence create a respectful environment for learning and remembrance.
Unlike sites with extensive preserved buildings, Plaszow stands as a landscape of memory. Its emptiness highlights the scale of loss and offers a space to honor those who suffered there.
Includes
- Licensed local expert guide
- 2-hour guided walking tour
- One-way public tram ticket included
Important Information
- Please arrive 10 minutes before the tour starts. Late arrivals cannot join and tickets are non-refundable.
- Group tours are offered in one language only; select your preferred language when booking.
- The tour operates in all weather conditions; dress accordingly and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
For the best experience, book in advance and bring a water bottle and weather-appropriate clothing. Morning tours often provide a quieter atmosphere for reflection.
