The Barbican and the surviving sections of the defensive walls are one of those Kraków sites that stay with you — the massive round form of the Barbican and fragments of medieval fortifications create a perfect backdrop for stories about everyday life in the past, city defence and the life of medieval townspeople. For young people this is a great space for learning by doing: it’s easy to combine history with hands-on activities, city games and educational workshops.
Keep in mind that the Defensive Route (Barbican + Walls) is run as part of the Historical Museum of the City of Kraków, and the museum regularly organises educational activities for young people adapted to different ages — from lessons about defence systems to practical workshops. This gives a chance to link curriculum topics with on-site experience.
For teachers and trip organisers the biggest advantage is the possibility to book activities led by museum staff or to prepare your own programme inspired by craft techniques, fencing demonstrations or making shields and coats of arms. Such a trip can become one of the most memorable parts of the school holidays.
The Defensive Route includes the Barbican and the Defensive Walls and is part of the network of branches of the Historical Museum of the City of Kraków. The museum runs educational activities focused on military and craft aspects of city life — example activities include blacksmith demonstrations, weaving workshops, armour displays and fencing classes. These activities are usually designed with a specific age group in mind.
Important practical details include ticket prices and group booking rules: the museum offers full-price, reduced and family or group tickets; discounts and local city cards are sometimes accepted. The museum also sets conditions for booking educational workshops and guided tours — plan your date in advance and make sure the chosen type of activity matches the participants’ age.
School groups must also follow rules regarding supervisors — usually one supervisor gets free admission for a set number of students (e.g., 1 supervisor per 10 participants) — a helpful arrangement when organising trips. Confirm reservation details by phone or email with the museum branch.
Start with one important fact that often surprises organisers: the Defensive Route is effectively a seasonal attraction — access to the Barbican interior and some sections of the walls is most commonly open during the tourist season (spring–autumn). That means interiors may be closed during the Christmas season or only available occasionally.
That doesn’t rule out a holiday meeting with history. Even when the interiors are closed, the area around the Barbican and the visible parts of the walls make a picturesque setting for walks, city games, short outdoor history talks and festive photography contests. You can also plan workshop components indoors (in a hired room or in cooperation with the museum), e.g., making simple medieval-inspired decorations, demonstration-scale weaving workshops or a lesson about Kraków’s old Christmas customs.
If entering the buildings is essential, contact the Historical Museum of the City of Kraków in advance — sometimes special reservations or occasional events are possible, especially if the museum organises themed or holiday programmes.
Short themed walk with tasks: prepare a map with riddles — students locate historic points and solve quizzes related to the city’s defences.
Hands-on workshops (on-site or in a hired space): simple craft workshops — making decorations inspired by embroidery, cardboard shields and painting coats of arms, mini-weaving workshops or lessons about old tools.
Festive outdoor games combined with storytelling: a scenario can mix local legends with tasks about Kraków’s history. A guide or a teacher dressed as a historical character can play the role of narrator.
Evening lantern walk and carol singing: if conditions allow and safety is ensured, organise a short lantern walk (without open flame) and communal carol singing in safe, uncrowded spaces.
Check availability and book in advance — ideally at least two weeks before the visit, and earlier during the holiday season.
Provide appropriate clothing and footwear — some activities take place outdoors, often on stone surfaces and steps; closed, stable shoes and warm clothing are essential.
Set clear safety rules and the number of supervisors — remember the museum’s free-admission rules for supervisors (e.g., 1 supervisor per 10 pupils) and keep contact numbers for the site in case of emergencies.
Plan for breaks and meals — a short break in a café or an organised meal is a good moment to discuss the experience and take souvenir photos.
Assuming everything will be open in winter — always check seasonality and current announcements from the museum branch.
Not planning transport and time between points — Kraków centre is attractive but can get crowded during the holidays; leave extra time between programme items.
Failing to get written confirmation of bookings — secure an email confirmation of times, scope of activities and any fees to avoid misunderstandings on the day of the trip.
Not preparing for weather conditions — winter weather in Kraków can be changeable; have a plan B to move activities indoors or shorten walks.
Around the Barbican and the Main Market Square there are many well-established cafés and restaurants that work well for school groups: places serving hot drinks and sweet snacks as well as restaurants with traditional Polish dishes. Choose venues known for good quality and service that accept groups and can serve larger numbers quickly.
When planning a meal break pick places that accept group reservations, offer clear group menus and are conveniently located near your programme route. It’s also useful to have a short list of nearby cafés as a backup plan for quick breaks.
Are the Barbican and the Defensive Walls open at Christmas? The route is usually offered seasonally and interiors may be closed in winter; contact the museum branch to confirm availability before the holidays.
How do I book activities for youth groups? Reservations are accepted by email or phone; book in advance especially for school groups and during busy tourist periods.
Does the museum offer special holiday programmes? The museum organises themed cycles and occasional events — seasonal programmes related to holidays and traditions sometimes appear; ask about current cycles and seasonal offers.
How can I contact the Barbican and Walls branch? Useful contact details include the branch phone and reservation office plus email addresses for information and bookings — confirm details directly with the museum.
Kraków’s Barbican is one of the few structures of its kind in Europe preserved in such an impressive state, which makes it an exceptional backdrop for holiday stories about the past.
Local events (for example Museum Night or special educational cycles) sometimes allow visiting the interiors at unusual times — follow the museum calendar, because these events are often the only chance to enter outside the regular season.
If you want to create something truly memorable, combine a walk along the walls with a local performance — invite an actor or musician or prepare a short historical performance yourselves; for young people this is an experience that sticks with them.
If you liked the idea of a Christmas trip around the Barbican and the Defensive Walls, share this article with colleagues and friends from school or work — let the inspiration travel further.
If you’d like the trip prepared professionally and tailored to your group’s needs, consider booking services with private tour guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on the guide’s website. Good luck with your planning and may you have many unforgettable moments in Kraków!
