If you are interested in 20th-century history, life in pre-war Kraków and the fate of its inhabitants, this route answers those interests perfectly. We combine a visit to Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory with a walk through Kazimierz and sites of memory in Podgórze so the story of people and places becomes complete and easy to follow.
As a licensed guide in Kraków I have led thousands of visitors through these places. My goal is to show not only facts and dates, but above all how to "read" traces of history in the city's space – from Kazimierz synagogues to fragments of Płaszów and areas of the former ghetto.
This route is ideal for people who want a deeper historical context, to see authentic places of memory and at the same time feel the atmosphere of neighborhoods that today are vibrant cultural hubs.
Address: Lipowa 4, Kraków. The museum is a branch of the Historical Museum of the City of Kraków and you should allow at least 1–1.5 hours to see the main exhibition.
Opening hours (seasonal framework): in the warmer season (April–October) the museum is usually open Tuesday–Sunday from about 10:00 to 20:00; in the November–March period hours are shorter, typically 10:00–18:00 Tuesday–Sunday. Mondays have special rules – hours can be reduced and sometimes there are limited free-entry offers, but group reservations may not always be accepted. It’s a good idea to check the museum’s current hours before your visit or call the museum directly.
The permanent exhibition tells the story of Kraków under occupation (1939–1945) and the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions that focus on local histories and testimonies. Exhibitions are often rich and multimedia, so plan enough time to view the displays calmly.
Besides the permanent exhibition, the factory hosts temporary shows dedicated to witness accounts and local stories from World War II. Exhibitions titled or themed as "traces" typically present fragments of everyday life, documents, photographs and eyewitness testimonies that help understand the fate of Kraków's inhabitants.
Displays combine archival materials with multimedia presentations, making history feel more immediate and tangible. This helps to imagine the realities of life in the ghetto, work in the factory and the fate of prisoners at Płaszów.
Kazimierz is the heart of Kraków's Jewish history — synagogues, cemeteries, Plac Nowy and narrow streets that remember centuries of cultural coexistence. A typical walk through Kazimierz lasts from 1.5 to 3 hours and can be adapted to the group's interests and pace.
On the route I usually show: the Jewish Culture Centre, the Tempel Synagogue, the Kupa Synagogue, the Izaak Synagogue, the High Synagogue, Szeroka Street with the Old Synagogue and cemeteries such as Remuh. I also explain how the city fabric changed after the war and how to read traces that are not always obvious at first glance.
After the Kazimierz walk I often suggest a short break at Plac Nowy, where you can try local street food or sit in a café and talk about the history we have just uncovered.
A good combination is a joint route: Kazimierz in the morning, Podgórze and Schindler's Factory in the afternoon. In Podgórze you can clearly see traces of World War II — the Ghetto Heroes Square, fragments of the former ghetto area and views of Wawel from the Vistula side.
A walk through Podgórze and a visit to Schindler's Factory help complete the story about the Jewish inhabitants of the city and the decisions made during the occupation. These places of memory balance the everyday-life story of Kazimierz with moments for reflection.
A walk with me is a story that combines facts, personal anecdotes, historical photographs and useful on-site tips. I lead the walk at a pace adapted to the group with pauses for photos and conversation.
I hold a Kraków guide license (since 2012) and have permissions to guide in selected museums, including Schindler's Factory, which helps with entry and makes visits more comfortable. I also provide wireless headset sets for larger groups so everyone can hear even in crowded places.
I always tailor the program to the group's needs — we can focus more on historical context, on architecture or on family stories and anecdotes. For families with children I propose shorter formats with more curiosities and amusing stories to keep the youngest engaged.
Sample prices (according to ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com promotional offers): for small groups (1–35 people) 2 hours around 300 PLN (promotional rate), 3 hours 400 PLN, 4 hours 500 PLN. English-language versions are slightly higher. For large groups (36+ people) billing is usually per person. Headset rental sets are also available.
Make reservations in advance, especially when a visit to Schindler's Factory or other popular museums is planned. Museums often limit admissions and have rules for group bookings, so as a guide I can help arrange times and entry conditions.
To book the 'Ghetto and Schindler's Factory' route or a Kazimierz walk, contact me via the form on ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com. Please include group size, preferred language and approximate duration.
Clothing and comfortable shoes - the route includes cobbled streets and sometimes long walking stretches, so wear comfortable footwear and layers suitable for the weather.
Schindler's Factory ticket - if you plan to enter on your own, check ticket availability in advance. For guided groups we usually arrange joint entry, so booking ahead reduces the risk of waiting in queues.
Duration - plan at least 2–3 hours to combine Kazimierz with Schindler's Factory; if you want to fully view museum exhibitions and take a café break, allow around 4 hours.
Photography - in most public spaces you may take photos; museums have rules about photographing exhibits (sometimes forbidden or subject to a fee). I always inform groups about rules on site.
Is the tour suitable for children? - Yes. I have experience leading school and family tours. For the youngest I prepare shorter, more interactive stories with emphasis on curiosities and legends.
Can I visit Schindler's Factory on Mondays? - The museum has special rules for Mondays: hours and admission rules may differ depending on the season and the museum’s internal policy. Often Mondays have reduced hours or limited admissions for free-entry offers. It’s best to check current information before your planned visit.
Can I book only Schindler's Factory with a guide? - Yes, I offer tours focused solely on the museum or combined with a short walk in the neighborhood. For museum entry group rules and reservations are important.
How far in advance should I book? - Ideally a few days to a few weeks before in the tourist season. For larger groups I recommend booking earlier to secure time slots and any necessary museum tickets.
Kraków keeps memory in its stones, cobbles and hidden corners. My mission is to help you read that memory in an accessible, respectful and understanding way. The walk "Traces of Jewish Kraków and Schindler's Factory" combines solid history with a personal narrative so that after the tour you can confidently say: I understand a bit better.
If you would like to arrange a walk or have questions about the route, dates or customizing the program for your group - please contact me through ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com. See you in Kraków!
