If you are planning to come to Kraków with a class and wonder whether Nowa Huta is a good choice — the answer is: yes! It's a place unlike the historic Old Town, full of contrasts, history, and material for conversations about the 20th century.
On the school route I show students how the planning and construction of a socialist city looked: the Central Square, typical apartment blocks, but also places rich in local identity. We'll discuss the social and industrial context — why the district was built next to a large steelworks — and we'll talk about everyday life of the residents at that time.
A tour is not just dry history: I prepare short anecdotes, class-activating questions, and field tasks that make children eager to participate and help them remember the most important things.
An ideal school-day program combines different perspectives: a walk through the Old Town (shorter or longer) shows Kraków's medieval and Renaissance face, while Nowa Huta offers a picture of the 20th century and social transformations.
St. Mary's Church is a must-see — not only for the beauty of the interior and the famous altarpiece, but also for the tradition of the hejnał played from the tower. The hejnał is a short melody played every hour; it has strong symbolic meaning and gives students a great opportunity to talk about city customs and Kraków's history.
If we plan a full day with a class, I can arrange the route so students experience both worlds: from Old Town monuments and legends, through lunch breaks, to the contrasting Nowa Huta route.
My school tours are led with energy and a sense of humor, but with careful attention to the educational program. I prepare a narrative tailored to the students' level: from the youngest children to high school students.
Duration: usually 2–4 hours. Shorter sessions work well for a quick overview of key information; longer routes allow for more detail and field tasks.
Groups: I work with both small classes and large school groups. For larger groups I recommend using headphone sets (audio-guides), which improve audibility and comfort even on busy routes.
Practical elements of the offer: age-appropriate materials, activating questions, and suggested tasks to complete during the walk (e.g., mini-quizzes, counting architectural elements, short photo assignments for older classes).
For schools I prepare a clear price list, which depends on the duration of the tour and the group's size. There are options for small groups (up to 35 people) and larger school groups, often priced per person.
I recommend booking in advance — especially during the school season and tourist months — to secure the date and tailor the program to the class's needs.
For big groups headphone sets are helpful (a small cost per person), which reduce distraction from city noise and help students better absorb the guide's story.
Central Square — the heart of the planned urban space, an example of socialist-realist urbanism and a convenient starting point for a walk.
Aleja Róż and typical neighborhoods — pay attention to architectural forms, decorative elements, and the way space was designed with residents in mind.
Fragments of the industrial landscape by the steelworks — I'll show students how industry affected daily life and the structure of the city. It's a good starting point for talks about work, migration, and economic transformations.
Places of culture and memory — we also tell human stories: protests, systemic changes, and how residents created their identity.
St. Mary's Church is one of the most recognizable symbols of Kraków. It's worth spending a moment explaining to students the church's role in the city's history, the importance of sacred art, and the legends connected to the tower.
The hejnał from St. Mary's: it's a short, distinctive melody played from one of the church towers. The hejnał has its own ritual — and it's a great live moment for young people: hearing the hejnał is a chance to talk about tradition, protection of cultural heritage, and the symbolism of urban sounds.
If we plan to enter the church interior, it's a good idea to check opening hours and possible restrictions in advance (e.g., masses or liturgical events).
Clothing and footwear: comfortable shoes — the route is on foot and covers different surfaces. Dress in layers — Kraków weather can change quickly.
Safety: please provide a list of participants and information about any allergies or special needs before the trip. We pay attention to safety in traffic at every step.
Meals and breaks: if you plan to have lunch during the program, I can adapt the route to include a cafeteria or a quick meal stop. For younger students we schedule breaks more frequently.
Documents and consents: remind chaperones about necessary parental permissions and emergency contact details.
Is the route suitable for school classes? — Yes. Programs are adapted to age and educational goals. For younger students I focus on stories and games; for older students I emphasize historical context and analytical tasks.
How long is a standard school tour? — Usually 2–4 hours. Shorter visits around the Old Town plus a brief Nowa Huta route can be planned for midday; longer programs are better spread over a whole day.
Is the guide licensed? — Yes — I work as a licensed guide in Kraków, and my experience with school groups allows me to lead sessions safely and engagingly.
Can educational materials be ordered before the trip? — I offer short materials and tasks tailored to the group's age, which help prepare students before the visit.
Booking: it's best to write or call in advance — this lets me tailor the program to the curriculum and group size.
When signing up, please provide: the date and expected time, the participants' ages, the number of students and chaperones, any limitations (e.g., accessibility needs), and whether you'd like headphone sets.
After details are agreed, you will receive a short confirmation with a route description and practical information — where to meet, the day's plan, and what to bring.
A trip through Nowa Huta and a visit to hear the hejnał make an excellent lesson outside the classroom: they spark conversations about urban planning, work, local identity, and how history affects people's daily lives.
I emphasize active participation, asking questions, and discovering details — this way the memory of the trip lasts, and knowledge is delivered in an engaging way.
If you have questions about the program or want to discuss details — I'm happy to help prepare the ideal trip for your class.
