The history of the Kraków Ghetto is one of the most difficult and moving parts of the city’s past. An “off the beaten path” route lets you see places that don’t always appear in mass-tourist guides and hear more personal stories about individuals, their fates and daily life in extreme conditions.
For small groups (2-6 people) the walk is more intimate — you can ask questions, linger longer at chosen points and address difficult topics in a calm atmosphere. This is the ideal option if you value an empathetic, in-depth approach to history and the emotional safety of participants.
The route is led by licensed guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — someone who grew up in Kraków and combines solid knowledge with respect for memory and the sensitivity required when discussing such difficult subjects. The walk can be adapted to the group’s pace and interests.
The walk blends historical facts, local stories and references to the contemporary urban landscape. You will learn, among other things, who the ghetto’s residents were, what their everyday life looked like, the mechanisms of isolation and repression, and what material traces of this history remain in Kraków’s landscape.
We also explain the relationship between Kazimierz (the old Jewish quarter) and the ghetto in Podgórze — areas often confused by visitors — and show how the two places coexisted before and during the war.
The route is not just a lecture — there will be time for discussion, questions and reflection. Because of the subject’s gravity the guide leads with sensitivity, explaining facts while emphasizing human stories and social context.
The route is flexible and arranged individually. Below is a sample plan tailored for a small group for 2–3 hours:
- Meeting point: around Zabłocie — a convenient base close to Schindler’s Factory and several memorial sites.
- Ghetto Heroes’ Square (the Empty Chairs Monument): a place of remembrance and an excellent starting point for a conversation about symbolism, memory and the local topography of events.
- Walking along the former ghetto boundary — discussion of everyday life inside and contacts with the outside city.
- Smaller, often overlooked places: residential buildings, street fragments, local memorials and single commemorative plaques that reveal more about residents’ fates than panoramic talks in large groups.
- Visit to Schindler’s Factory (optional): a discussion of actions that affected many residents’ fates and the industrial and social context of Zabłocie.
- Ending: recommended spots for reflection and coffee — for example Forum Przestrzenie or cafés in Kazimierz, if the group wants to extend the walk.
Who it’s for: the route is intended for adults and teenagers, people seeking deeper historical insight, families with older children, and small groups of friends. The subject can be emotionally demanding — if you travel with small children, consider a shorter or thematically adjusted route.
Group size: the optimal group is 2–6 people — this keeps the walk intimate and allows more time for details and conversation.
Length: usually 2–3 hours; it can be extended to 4 hours if you wish to visit a museum (e.g., Schindler’s Factory) or additional sites.
Availability: walks usually take place on weekdays — the best time for calm visits without crowds. Dates are arranged individually; booking a few days in advance makes it easier to match day and time.
Reservations: private walks are booked through the form and contact details on ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com — booking lets you set the route, length and starting point according to the group’s preferences.
This is a walk of remembrance — please show respect for memorial sites, plaques and monuments. In many places it is appropriate to keep quiet and be restrained, especially during moments of reflection at memorials or burial sites.
Difficult topics: the walk includes descriptions of violence, deportations and loss. If someone in the group feels the subject is too distressing, the guide will adjust the pace and scope of information.
Photography: photos are allowed in public spaces, but please be considerate and refrain from taking selfies directly at memorials and remembrance sites — it is better to focus on photographing architecture and details than taking pictures that might be perceived as disrespectful.
After an intense walk it’s good to sit and talk. A few places that work well after a route in the Zabłocie and Kazimierz areas:
- Forum Przestrzenie (Zabłocie) — a spacious spot by the Vistula River, good for coffee or a meal after the walk.
- Cafés and small restaurants in Kazimierz — if the group wants to stay longer, Kazimierz offers many cozy places to process impressions after the walk.
- Plac Nowy — quick snacks and local atmosphere, a good place to end a more relaxed day of sightseeing.
These are only suggestions — the guide will happily recommend places matched to your tastes and budget.
Is the route suitable for children? - It depends on the child’s age and sensitivity. For younger children the subject may be too difficult; for teenagers it is educationally valuable. If you come with children, mention this when booking and we will adapt the presentation.
Do I need museum tickets? - If the group wants to visit Schindler’s Factory (the Museum), it’s a good idea to buy tickets in advance — queues can form in high season. The outdoor route through the former ghetto does not require tickets.
Is the route accessible for people with limited mobility? - Most of the walk is on sidewalks and cobbled sections. Shorter and partially adapted routes are possible — tell us about your needs when booking and we’ll propose the best solution.
How far in advance should I book? - For weekdays a few days’ notice is often enough, but for specific times or special dates we recommend booking earlier to secure the slot for a small private group.
Is the tour only in Polish? - Primarily in Polish; English-language versions are possible with prior arrangement.
- Clothing and footwear: comfortable shoes and layered clothing — Kraków’s weather can change during the day. In summer bring a hat and water; in winter wear warm clothes and slip-resistant shoes.
- Timing: plan the walk for the morning or early afternoon on weekdays — fewer tourists and a calmer atmosphere.
- Emotions: allow time for reflection. This is not a checklist-style walk — it’s worth pausing and talking about what you see.
- Combined visits: the ghetto route pairs well with a visit to Schindler’s Factory or a short walk through Kazimierz — a great half-day plan.
Booking a private route is done via ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com — in the form you can enter a preferred date, approximate number of people (2-6), preferred length of the walk and any notes about accessibility or the group’s sensitivity.
When booking, it’s helpful to say whether you want to visit Schindler’s Factory (if so, buy museum tickets in advance), whether you prefer a more “historical-topographical” route or one focused on personal stories and anecdotes. Małgorzata will tailor the route to your expectations.
Payment and terms: price and payment methods are agreed individually when the booking is confirmed. For small private groups this is a flexible offer — ask about available options and promotions.
Kraków is a city with many faces. A walk through the former ghetto is a difficult but vital experience — it helps you understand how history shapes urban space and memory. In a small group, with a guide who knows local contexts and can lead conversations with empathy, history becomes close and tangible.
If you seek a calm, thoughtful and well-informed look at one of the city’s key historical chapters — book an intimate walk. Małgorzata Kasprowicz will gladly prepare a route tailored to your group and answer all questions before you head out. We warmly invite you to contact us through ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com — let’s meet and learn about Kraków’s history with respect and attention. Let the walk be not only a lesson, but also an opportunity for human reflection.
