World War II in Kraków: German Occupation Walking Tour
World War II history in Kraków. We examine the Nazi occupation, repressions, life and local responses, beginning at the Katyń wooden cross, then visiting St. Michael’s Prison, Park Krakowski with the wartime bomb shelters and the Gestapo headquarters on Pomorska Street — tracing how the city and its people endured under Nazi rule.
Basic Information
Total time
2h 30m
Language
English (check the calendar for availability)
Price
Our “Pay What You Wish” tours don’t have a fixed price — you decide how much the experience was worth. At the end of the tour, please make a fair contribution that reflects your satisfaction and appreciation for your guide’s work. Most guests give between €10 and €50 per person.
Meeting point
Katyń Wooden Cross / Krzyż Katyński Nearest public transport: Wawel 02 tram stop; Wawel 01 tram stop
Additional info
☂︎ This tour is organised by Walkative Krakow guides. Look for the guide with the yellow umbrella.
♿️ Tour suitable for people with reduced mobility and strollers
❗Our tours run in all weather conditions. High or low temperatures, rain, or snow are never a reason for us to cancel. We’re always here for you! The only reasons for cancellation are extreme weather conditions (such as heavy storms), a guide’s sudden illness, or if there are fewer than 5 registered participants. In such cases, we will always notify you using the contact information you provided when booking the tour.Booking rules
Booking is obligatory. Our “Pay What You Wish” tours are meant for individual travellers and small groups. Large groups (8 or more people) cannot join these tours, as they significantly affect the experience for others and the guide. For school trips, organised tours, or groups of friends, please book our paid option (18€ per person) or arrange a Private Tour. For more information or to schedule a group visit, please contact us directly.
About the tour
The time of the German occupation of Krakow is considered to be the most difficult period in the history of the city. It was a time of darkness but also a time of true heroes. A time of courage, fear and betrayal, when even the simplest decision could bear grave consequences. A time that lives in us thanks to the stories of our parents and grandparents.
On this tour we will learn about the Nazi plans towards the Poles and understand how they repressed their victims. We will also talk about the citizens of Krakow and their attitudes towards the Germans.
That’s true – Kraków didn’t have an uprising and the city wasn’t demolished, but the resistance movement still had its part during WWII. Join the World War 2 in Kraków FREE walking TOUR and learn more!
Highlights
- 1
Katyń Wooden Cross
A memorial commemorating the Polish victims of the Katyń massacre, a key WWII event.
- 2
German Occupation
The harsh realities of life in Kraków under Nazi rule during World War II.
- 3
St. Michael’s Prison
A former prison where the Gestapo held and tortured Polish political prisoners during the occupation.
- 4
Resistance Movement
Stories of Kraków's underground state and their fight against the Nazi occupiers.
- 5
Bomb Shelters
Original WWII-era air raid shelters built in Park Krakowski for German officials.
6Gestapo Headquarters
The infamous headquarters of the German secret police, a place of terror and interrogation.
Map
Katyń Wooden Cross / Krzyż Katyński Nearest public transport: Wawel 02 tram stop; Wawel 01 tram stop
Our customers said about us
Krakow
5.0Nicky S
Fantastic tour
Big Tom is the best!!! So full of knowledge about his home town and the impact of WW2 ont he beautiful city of Krakow
Krakow
5.0John Fitz-Patrick
So informative
Big Tom walked us around the old town and close areas and showed us where the Germans were situated and told great Stories about what happened during the German Occupation of Krakow. With his family experience of this occupation, brought forward real life information. Thomasz (big Tom) told us so much information and brought it alive in our minds. Great Job!!!
Krakow
5.0Eugenia
Unforgettable tour with Big Tom
I took part in the "World War II in Krakow" tour led by a guide named Big Tom, and it was truly one of the highlights of my trip. Big Tom is someone you’ll never forget: tall, loud, funny, full of energy, and incredibly charismatic. But beyond that lively personality lies a deep knowledge of his hometown and a sincere passion for its history. The tour was quite long, but time flew by thanks to Tom’s storytelling skills, his humor, and his ability to keep everyone engaged while sharing important, emotional, and often tragic parts of Krakow’s past with great respect and sensitivity. I highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in World War II, Poland history, or simply wanting to better understand the soul of Krakow. Important note: be sure to wear comfortable shoes – it’s a long walk. And most importantly, be ready not only to enjoy the stunning views of the city, but also to learn about its painful, moving, and unforgettable history. Thank you, Big Tom, for this amazing experience!
Krakow
5.0Chuck Loring
Great Afternoon
The terrific Thomas was our guide. Just a charming personality and sense of humor. As an historian he knows his stuff. Very informative. Thomas is a fabulous story teller. This was my second tour with Thomas and wish I was in Krakow long enough to take more tours. He explains history clearly and puts things in perspective.
Krakow
5.0Stephen
Very informative and engaging
Big Tom was a fantastic guide. He is very passionate about this tour and very enthusiastic. He engages you with stories of what happened in Kraków during WW2. A very different angle to appreciate what the city's history has to offer.
Krakow
5.0awrdea
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Krakow
5.0Guillaume
Brilliant tour
Big Tom is a story teller that makes history interesting with all the nuance and intrigue. His passion for his city and history was clear from the start. He helps one to understand the complexity of past occurrences, without being judgemental. Highly recommended!
Krakow
5.0Michael
Very informative tour
I believe my guide was Pavel. He was very know and made the tour both informative and interesting. Walkative tours have been excellent in Poland and this is no exemption. It's horrific history, but something we can never forget.
Krakow
5.0Alex S
The best tour I've ever had
I've had Walkative tours in several cities in Europe. This one was the very best by far. Our guide Tomasz (or Big Tom) was not only very well informed of the facts, but actually introduced small details that made the whole tour come alive, touch your soul and leave a deep mark in there, almost 80 years after the end of a war that changed the world. I'd like to wish Tomasz that his dream comes true: to create a new tour about Krakow's unknown "James Bond" hero he told us about. I wish I could remember his name and do some further research about him, but I was so absorbed by Tom's captivating narration that I forgot to make a note. Once again, thank you for the most touching, educational and informative walking tour I've ever experienced anywhere in the world. You made me understand the psyche of both sides, in a way that only a historian who truly comprehends history between the lines can. 100% recommended. I would appreciate it if Walkative could ask Big Tom to get in touch with me as I would be very interested in remembering the name of the Resistance hero he talked us about. Thank you.
Krakow
5.0C Y HUANG
Unforgettable tour! Highly recommend!
Mateusz is a great guide! He's knowledgeable and he organized the tour nicely. He also introduced a lot about Polish movies connected with this history. We appreciate to have this chance learning the city's story from a local. We'll recommend our friends to join if they plan to visit Krakow!
