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
Payment options: Cash, Digital Payment. 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 €15 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 with Walkative! and learn more!
Highlights
- 1
Katyń Wooden Cross
A memorial commemorating the Polish victims of the Katyń massacre, a key WWII event.
- 2
Katyń Wooden Cross
A memorial commemorating the Polish victims of the Katyń massacre, a key WWII event.
- 3
Wawel Castle
The harsh realities of life in Kraków under Nazi rule during World War II explained with a look on the Wawel hill, the place that became of General Governor, Hans Frank.
- 4
St. Michael’s Prison
A former prison where the Gestapo held and tortured Polish political prisoners during the occupation.
- 5
Resistance Movement's greatest action sites
Stories of Kraków's underground state and their fight against the Nazi occupiers.
- 6
Bomb Shelters
Original WWII-era air raid shelters built in Park Krakowski for German officials.
- 7
Gestapo Headquarters
The infamous headquarters of the German secret police, a place of terror and interrogation.
FAQ
Map
Katyń Wooden Cross / Krzyż Katyński Nearest public transport: Wawel 02 tram stop; Wawel 01 tram stop
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Our customers said about us
Krakow
Anaïs and Mara18.4.2026
highly recommended!
Very interesting tour, we learned a lot. Our guide, Matheo was very engaged with his subject and he knows a lot about it.
Krakow
Nicky S4.2.2026
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
John Fitz-Patrick4.2.2026
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
Eugenia4.2.2026
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
Chuck Loring4.2.2026
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
Stephen4.2.2026
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
awrdea4.2.2026
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