Wawel is not only royal chambers and the cathedral — it was also a place that played a dramatic role in the fate of Polish heritage during World War II. The most valuable collections were prepared for evacuation even before German troops arrived, and some of the tapestries and regalia left the hill on a barge along the Vistula, ultimately reaching Canada and returning to Poland only many years later. This is a great starting point to talk to children about protecting memory and monuments in an accessible way.
“Did the tapestries really sail down the Vistula?” — a question like that makes an impression on children and can become a mission on the route: we look for traces that show what happened at Wawel in 1939–1945.
Showing history through places (not just dates) helps children remember and understand. At Wawel you can combine stories about royal treasures and knights with the history of the people who protected those treasures before the war. It’s also an opportunity to explain simple concepts like evacuation, protecting monuments, looting, or remembering people who risked their lives for the common good.
A visit to Wawel can be safe and engaging — just use a good narrative, allow breaks for play, and add “detective” elements (for example, finding hidden symbols on tapestries or tracking the spots where treasures were hidden).
Start: the castle arcade courtyard — it’s a spacious place to begin, where you can briefly tell about the castle’s role before the war and the preparations for evacuating the collections.
1. The Castle — selected rooms only: show children a fragment of the treasury and explain briefly what the tapestries were and why they mattered. You don’t need to go everywhere — choose 1–2 rooms suited to the children’s age.
2. The Armory — a spot that will interest any young history fan. Here you can talk about how the castle’s role changed: from a royal residence to an occupied place.
3. Wawel Cathedral — walk through the cathedral, pause briefly at the royal tombs and explain that during the occupation Wawel also housed the offices of the occupying authorities; draw attention to monuments and places of remembrance.
4. The administrative building (former building number 5) — from the outside you can point out where the top offices of the occupation authorities on Wawel were located and explain what that meant for the city. Many rooms are inaccessible, but an outside look and a short story are enough.
5. Cellars and shelters — tell the story of preparations: converting cellars into shelters and hiding tapestries. For children this can be presented as a secret rescue plan for the “royal treasures.”
6. Dragon’s Den and the Vistula area — combine the dragon legend with facts: some storage places and hiding spots were nearby; on the river boulevards tell the story of the barge with the tapestries that departed from Wawel in September 1939. Finish with a walk along the river to relax after the more serious parts of the tour.
Keep the tone curious rather than frightening: instead of describing crimes in detail, focus on the people who saved the monuments and on the bravery of conservators and castle staff.
Ask questions and involve children in detective tasks — e.g. “Find a coat of arms on the tapestry,” “How many crates could fit on a barge?” — this engages them and makes the story easier to remember.
If questions about death or violence arise, answer briefly and honestly, adjusting the length and detail to the child’s age. You can use metaphors (for example, “some people wanted to take the treasures because they thought it would change their luck”) to avoid graphic descriptions.
Buy tickets in advance — especially for popular exhibitions; families with small children often benefit from shorter family routes.
Children under 7 often have free admission to selected displays — check current rules before your visit and carry documents proving age.
There are places at Wawel where strollers are not allowed — plan whether to bring a carrier or leave the stroller in storage.
Plan breaks on the square, at nearby cafés and along the Vistula — children need movement and snack time.
Clothing and footwear: comfortable shoes, because part of the route includes cobbles and stairs; on cooler days bring warmer layers — cellars and some rooms can be chilly.
Pod Wawelem Kompania Kuflowa — a traditional, family-friendly restaurant right by Wawel; large portions and an atmosphere children usually enjoy.
Szara — a restaurant on the Market Square with good reviews and convenient access from Wawel; a more elegant option after a longer walk.
Cafe Camelot — a cozy café, great for an afternoon dessert or hot chocolate for the little ones.
If you prefer lighter options, there are popular ice cream parlors and small bistros along the Vistula. When choosing a place, consider ratings and reviews — it’s wise to reserve a table for larger groups.
Trying to “see everything” in one day — choose 2–3 highlights at Wawel and leave the rest for another visit.
Not checking opening hours and days of selected exhibitions — some rooms and crypts have seasonal restrictions or closed days.
Bringing a stroller into areas where it’s not allowed — check stroller rules and available storage in advance.
Being unprepared for children’s questions — have a few short, simple stories and detective tasks ready to keep their attention.
Some of the Wawel tapestries were evacuated by barge on the Vistula in the early days of September 1939 and were eventually taken to Canada — some returned only in 1961.
During the occupation Wawel became the seat of the General Governor; certain architectural changes and interior adaptations date from that time.
Castle staff and conservators prepared evacuation and safe-storage plans for the most valuable items before the war started. This is a story of courage very different from battlefield heroics — it’s the story of protecting memory.
Is this route too hard for small children? - No, if you break it into stages and plan breaks. Choose shorter displays and outdoor elements to reduce time in enclosed rooms.
Can I enter with a stroller? - Not everywhere. Wawel offers stroller storage in some places; check current rules and prepare an alternative (carrier).
Won’t stories about the war scare children? - That depends on the approach. Focus on people, their courage, and the rescue of collections; avoid brutal details.
Do I have to buy tickets online? - It’s a good idea, especially in the tourist season. Booking helps entry and shortens waiting time.
If you enjoyed this route, share the article with family and friends — sharing helps others plan a meaningful day in Kraków.
If you would like a personalized visit of Wawel and its surroundings, with a narrative adapted to your children’s ages and your family’s pace, consider booking a private guide service by Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact details and more information are available on the ZwiedzanieKrakowa website.
Happy exploring Wawel with your children — make it a day full of questions, little puzzles and shared discoveries!
