A trip to Krakow can include visits to Auschwitz and Schindler's Factory, as well as a meeting with a Holocaust survivor.
Krakow is Poland’s best-preserved city, having largely escaped the destruction that most other large cities in the country experienced during the Second World War. This makes it a brilliant setting to learn more about Polish history and culture.
Furthermore, school trips to Krakow are the ideal choice for history and religious studies groups studying the Nazis and the Holocaust.
School groups will learn more about what happened to the city’s Jewish community in the early 20th century. First, they were forcibly moved into the city’s ghetto to separate them from the rest of the city’s residents. And from there, they were transported to one of the Nazi extermination camps, such as nearby Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Your students will discover more about this period in Krakow's history through various visits, including a day trip to Auschwitz.
More broadly, your students can explore the history of the Jewish community in Poland from the Middle Ages up to the early 20th century and beyond.
Our experts know Krakow very well and will work closely with you to tailor-make an itinerary that satisfies your specific requirements and learning objectives.
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Why visit Krakow?
Understand the scale of the Holocaust
Your students will, of course, have the opportunity to visit Auschwitz on your school trip.
They will learn more about what happened here and how the Nazis industrialised murder. They will also have the chance to find out more about some of the individual victims.
This will be a sobering yet unforgettable experience and the best lesson they could ever receive on why tolerance is so important and why hate cannot be allowed to take over.
Discover Polish culture and history
Although Poland’s capital was moved from Krakow to Warsaw in the 16th century, the city’s famous Wawel Hill, home to the royal castle and the 14th-century cathedral, continued to be the focus for royal coronations and funerals. This is well worth a visit on your school trip to Krakow, to learn about a different era of Polish history.
Another must-see is the Wieliczka Salt Mines. The highlight of your visit will, without a doubt, be the Chapel of St. Kinga, which is all carved out of salt, from the altar to the statues and even the chandeliers!
Explore Judaism and Catholicism in Poland
Before the Second World War, Krakow was an important cultural and spiritual centre for European Jews and the city still boasts some fantastic examples of sacred Jewish architecture. Before the outbreak of war, there were estimated to be around 80,000 Jews living in Krakow.
Most were forcibly removed from their homes and forced into ghettos before being murdered in extermination camps, such as Auschwitz. By the end of the war, less than 6,000 Jews remained in the city.
In addition to learning about the Jewish community in Poland, your students will also have the opportunity to explore Catholicism. Poland is one of the most devoutly Catholic countries in Europe and Krakow is famous for its numerous churches.
Browse our trips
The Nazis & the Holocaust School Trip to Krakow
School Religious Studies Trip to Krakow
In Krakow, your students will learn more about the tragic consequences of religious hatred.
£549PP
The Nazis & the Holocaust School Trip to Berlin & Krakow
This trip to Berlin & Krakow includes a visit to Auschwitz and is unmissable for groups studying the Nazis & the Holocaust.
£749PP
Why choose Halsbury?
We build your trip around you
Tell us your learning objectives, curriculum and budget and we’ll do the rest.
Contact usWe’re trusted for a reason
We’re members of ABTA, ABTOT and the School Travel Forum. We also hold an ATOL and the LOtC Quality Badge.
Read moreOur Education specialists
Laura Lucas
Tour Consultant
Paul Hudson
Tour Consultant
Laura Martin
Language Sales & Product Manager
Emma Gray da Silva
Tour Consultant
Meet our education specialists and get to know more about the people committed to making your school trip the best it can be.
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18 Jan 2021
Your Virtual School Trip to...Berlin and Krakow
Since the coronavirus pandemic hit in March 2020, school groups have been unable to travel and have this important experience of bringing 20th century history to life for them. So, while you’re unable to travel, let us take you and your students on a virtual school trip to Berlin and Krakow.
20 Jan 2020
Fighting Fake News with School Trips
On Holocaust Memorial Day, we take a look at how important it is to equip students to spot fake news and #StandTogether to fight oppression and prevent an 'us vs them' attitude.
25 Feb 2020
Miriam, our Hotel Reservations Manager, has just returned from a visit to Krakow, where she inspected the hotels we work with in the city.
07 Oct 2022
Planning a school trip to Krakow and keen to keep costs down? Check out these free things to do!
09 Oct 2018
The Ancient Legends of Krakow by James Wylie
James, one of our experienced Itinerary Coordinators, tells us about some of the ancient legends of Krakow.
11 Jan 2018
The historic city of Krakow is a fantastic choice for both history and religious studies groups. Find out why.
Activities in Krakow that your school group will love
Auschwitz Concentration Camp
Visiting Auschwitz can be a disturbing experience, but, for your students, it's also essential to understanding 20th-century history and the darker side of human nature.
Schindler's Factory
At Oskar Schindler's enamel factory in Krakow, students can learn about life in the city under Nazi Occupation.
Galicia Jewish Museum
At the Galicia Jewish Museum, your group can explore powerful exhibitions and take part in educational workshops.
Wieliczka Salt Mine
This deposit of rock salt has been mined since the 13th century. Spread over nine levels, it has 300km of galleries for your group to view.
Wawel Royal Castle
Beautifully situated on a hill overlooking the River Vistula, Wawel Castle was the capital residence and burial place of Poland's medieval kings.
Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter)
The medieval Jewish quarter of Kraków became the city's ghetto between 1939 and 1941. Your group can take a guided walking tour of the area.
The Main Square (Rynek Glówny)
The Main Square (Rynek Glówny) is the natural centre of Krakow. The centrally located Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) has, despite the odds, survived to this day.
Wawel Royal Castle
Beautifully situated on a hill overlooking the River Vistula, Wawel Castle was the capital residence and burial place of Poland's medieval kings.
Wieliczka Salt Mine
This deposit of rock salt has been mined since the 13th century. Spread over nine levels, it has 300km of galleries for your group to view.
The Main Square (Rynek Glówny)
The Main Square (Rynek Glówny) is the natural centre of Krakow. The centrally located Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) has, despite the odds, survived to this day.
Berlin Cathedral
One of the principal buildings of the nineteenth-century Berlin, the cathedral was completed at the turn of the century and
Berliner Fernsehturm (TV Tower)
Visible from almost any point in the city, the television tower was a flagship of East German architecture.
Potsdamer Platz
In the years since German reunification Potsdamer Platz has made a transformation from a swathe of no man's land abutting
FAQs
What's the best way to get around Krakow?
All the main sights are within easy walking distance of each other. A coach will be provided if you are visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau.
How long should we spend in Krakow?
Three to four days is ideal for a school trip to Krakow as you will need one full day for the excursion to Auschwitz-Birkenau. If you are combining your school trip to Krakow with Berlin, you should expect to spend five to six days on your trip.
Can we combine Krakow with another destination?
Yes, many [history](https://www.halsbury.com/school-trips/subjects/history) groups studying the [Nazis and the Holocaust](https://www.halsbury.com/school-trips/subjects/the-nazis-and-the-holocaust) choose to combine Krakow with [Berlin](https://www.halsbury.com/school-trips/germany/berlin) for a five or six-day tour.
Can I run a cross-curricular school trip to Krakow?
Yes, Krakow works really well as a destination for both history and religious studies. Please don't hesitate to [contact us](https://www.halsbury.com/contact-halsbury-travel) for further information on how your cross-curricular school trip to Krakow might work.
Which other visits aside from Auschwitz would you recommend?
We also highly recommend Schindler's Factory Museum.
Are there any free things to do in Krakow?
Yes, you can do some sightseeing from Wawel Hill, and you can soak up the atmosphere at the main square, Rynek Glowny and the Ghetto Heroes Square.
Can we have a guided tour of Auschwitz?
All of our Auschwitz tours include a guided tour of Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. Students wear headphones and are lead around by a knowledgeable guide, which allows them to fully take in their surroundings.
How long does the tour of Auschwitz last?
The tours of both Auschwitz sites, Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, take around three and a half hours.
Is there a dress code when visiting Auschwitz?
Auschwitz does not have a dress code policy for visitors, however, we recommend that you wear comfortable footwear as the tour involves a lot of walking. The majority of the tour will take place outside and so we recommend you dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
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