Guided Tour of The Plaszow Concentration Camp in Cracow

The guided tour of the Plaszow concentration camp in Cracow offers visitors a profound exploration of the camp’s dark history. Led by knowledgeable English-speaking guides, the two-hour experience provides insights into the camp’s hotel and its connection to Oskar Schindler, the German businessman who famously saved the lives of his Jewish workers. Participants have the opportunity to visit significant memorials and historical sites, honoring those who suffered the horrors of the Holocaust. The tour’s accessibility ensures that all guests can engage with this poignant chapter of history, leaving a lasting impact on those who choose to embark on this profound journey.

Key Points

• The guided tour of the Plaszow concentration camp in Krakow, Poland, offers a 2-hour exploration of the camp’s dark history and connection to Oskar Schindler.
• Tour prices start from €1,917 per person and include accessibility features, such as wheelchair access and tram tickets.
• Visitors can learn about the camp’s hotel as a forced labor camp in 1940, its conversion to a concentration camp in 1941, and the deportation of Jews from the Krakow ghetto.
• The tour provides insights into the harsh labor conditions faced by prisoners at the quarry and military factories, including inadequate safety measures, meager food rations, and the constant threat of violence.
• Customer reviews highlight the tour guide’s extensive knowledge, the moving and comprehensive exploration of the camp’s history, and the accessibility of the tour.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The guided tour of the Krakow-Plaszow concentration camp offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the historical site, with prices starting from €1,917 per person.

The tour lasts for 2 hours and provides in-depth insights into the camp’s dark history. Guests can learn about its transformation from a forced labor camp to a concentration camp in 1941. The tour also includes information on the deportation of Jews from the Krakow ghetto and the harsh labor conditions at the quarry and military factories.

Flexible booking options, such as free cancellation and a reserve now, pay later policy, ensure a hassle-free experience for visitors.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and tram tickets are included in the package.

Historical Significance

Established in 1940 as a forced labor camp, the Krakow-Plaszow concentration camp was later converted to a concentration camp in 1941, holding grim historical significance. The camp was the site of memorials honoring Holocaust victims, and visitors can gain insight into the deportation of Jews from the Krakow ghetto starting in 1942. Visitors can also explore the labor conditions at the quarry and military factories within the camp.

Memorials	Deportations	Labor Conditions
Honoring Holocaust victims	Jews from Krakow ghetto	Quarry and military factories
On-site for visitors	Starting in 1942	Explored by tour participants

Connection to Oskar Schindler

Along With the camp’s historical significance, the Krakow-Plaszow concentration camp is closely connected to the life and contributions of Oskar Schindler, whose story was famously portrayed in the film ‘Schindler’s List.’

The tour provides insights into:

1. Schindler’s life and his efforts to protect his Jewish workers from the horrors of the camp.

2. The tour’s inclusion of information on the film’s portrayal of the camp and Schindler’s actions.

3. A visit to the replica of the camp built under the direction of Steven Spielberg at the Liban Quarry, offering a unique opportunity to visualize the setting of this pivotal historical narrative.

Tour Experience and Accessibility

Guided tours of the Krakow-Plaszow concentration camp offer live English-speaking guides, providing visitors with a comprehensive exploration of the different sections within the camp.

The tours are wheelchair accessible, and the package includes a tram ticket, allowing for a seamless experience.

Travelers can expect to gain a deep understanding of the camp’s history, with the guides sharing invaluable insights and information.

The tour covers key areas like the memorials honoring Holocaust victims, the deportation of Jews from the Krakow ghetto, and the labor conditions at the quarry and military factories.

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Customer Feedback

Travelers have provided an overall rating of 4 out of 5 based on 3 reviews for the guided tour of the Krakow-Plaszow concentration camp.

The positive feedback highlights several key aspects of the experience:

1. Visitors praised the guide’s extensive knowledge and engaging presentation, which provided a deep understanding of the camp’s harrowing history.

2. The tour was described as interesting and moving, offering a comprehensive exploration of the different sections of the camp and honoring the memory of the Holocaust victims.

3. Travelers appreciated the tour’s accessibility, with the inclusion of a tram ticket and wheelchair-friendly facilities, making the experience inclusive and convenient.

Camp Establishment and Conversion

The Krakow-Plaszow concentration camp came into being in 1940 as a forced labor camp, before being converted to a full-fledged concentration camp a year later in 1941. The camp’s purpose evolved from exploitation of Jewish labor to the systematic persecution and extermination of Jews. This transition is reflected in the table below, which outlines the key events and impacts of the camp’s hotel and conversion:

Event	Year	Impact
Established as forced labor camp	1940	Exploitation of Jewish labor
Converted to concentration camp	1941	Systematic persecution and extermination
Deportation of Jews from Krakow ghetto	1942	Massive loss of Jewish lives
Quarry and military factories in operation	Throughout	Inhumane living and working conditions

The camp’s transformation marked a tragic chapter in the history of the Holocaust, as it became a site of immense suffering and loss of life.

Deportation From Krakow Ghetto

In 1942, the Nazis initiated the deportation of Jews from the Krakow ghetto to the Plaszow concentration camp, marking a devastating chapter in the history of the Holocaust. This relocation was part of the Nazis’ systematic efforts to eliminate the Jewish population in the region.

The deportations involved:

1. Forcible removal of over 15,000 Jews from the overcrowded Krakow ghetto.

2. Harsh transportation conditions, with many deportees succumbing to disease, starvation, and exhaustion during the journey.

3. Arrival at Plaszow, where the deportees faced harsh labor, deprivation, and the constant threat of violence and death.

The Plaszow concentration camp became a symbol of the Nazi’s ruthless campaign to eradicate the Jewish community in Krakow, highlighting the immense human suffering inflicted during this tragic period.

Labor Conditions at Quarry and Factories

Prisoners at the Plaszow concentration camp faced harsh labor conditions at the quarry and military factories within the camp’s boundaries. Exhausting work hours, inadequate safety measures, and a lack of proper nutrition and medical care resulted in widespread physical deterioration and high mortality rates among the captives.

Conditions at Quarry	Conditions at Factories
Long work hours from dawn to dusk	Forced to manufacture military equipment
Inadequate safety equipment	Hazardous machinery with no protection
Meager food rations and unsanitary water	Lack of breaks and proper nutrition
Severe injuries from heavy lifting and blasting	Illnesses due to poor ventilation and hygiene
Prisoners routinely beaten or killed by guards	Severe punishment for perceived infractions

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Guided Tours Offered in Other Languages Besides English?

The guided tours at the Plaszow concentration camp are offered in English. However, the knowledge indicates that the tour company may accommodate other language requests, as they state a "live guide [is] available in English".

What Is the Minimum Group Size Required for the Tour?

According to the provided information, the tour of the Plaszow Concentration Camp doesn’t specify a minimum group size. The tour is offered as a guided experience, so it’s likely available for individual travelers or small groups.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Special Considerations for Children?

The tour does not have any age restrictions, but it’s recommended for children aged 12 and above who can grasp the historical significance. Parents should consider the sensitive nature of the content when bringing younger children.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour, though visitors are advised to be respectful and avoid flash photography. Check with the tour operator for any specific restrictions or rules regarding photos at the site.

Are There Any Medical/Dietary Requirements to Consider for the Tour?

The tour does not have any specific medical or dietary requirements. Visitors should inform the tour operator of any special needs in advance to ensure an accessible and comfortable experience. The tour is wheelchair accessible.

The Sum Up

The guided tour of the Plaszow concentration camp in Krakow provides a powerful and moving exploration of its dark history.

Visitors are led by knowledgeable guides who share insights into the camp’s hotel, its connection to Oskar Schindler, and the immense suffering endured by Holocaust victims.

The tour’s accessibility ensures that all guests can honor the memory of those who perished at this site of immense tragedy.

You can check if your dates are available here: