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
🐕 Pets are allowed on the tour
❗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 (20€ 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
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.
- 3
St. Michael’s Prison
A former prison where the Gestapo held and tortured Polish political prisoners during the occupation.
- 4
Resistance Movement's greatest action sites
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.
- 6
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
Soledad9.10.2026
It was fantastic. Totally recommend it
Krakow
Patrick29.9.2026
Amazing tour with an excellent storyteller. We learned a lot. The local perspective was also very interesting.
Krakow
Dalia27.9.2026
Matwezs was very attentive to our needs; he enriched the tour with little stories here and there,and it was brilliant that he was a feminist - he made sure to mention the very important women in history. The smalller group was perfect for us.
Krakow
Michael18.9.2026
Well, worthwhile sure with some interesting facts.
Krakow
Jana9.9.2026
Tomasz is a very good, funny and knowledgeable guide. The tour was immersive and enjoyable. You could see that he loves and lives history and this city. Def recommended!
Krakow
Varsha1.9.2026
Very nice walk along the tour informtive and well guided. Very knowledgable and interesting tour guide.
Krakow
Leo1.9.2026
Very informative and friendly guide
