A visit to the concentration camps near Krakow requires emotional preparation, as it brings back a painful perspective on the Second World War. Krakow's concentration camps are a historic site that will take you back in time. During the Second World War, these spaces were used to hold prisoners of war. There were extermination camps, forced-labor camps, transit camps and some were reserved for women. It's anemotional visit, where you can still see collections of artifacts, as well as the rubble where the prisoners lived. It's one of the best things to do in Krakow, especially if you want to learn more about the region's past.
1. Visiting the Plaszow concentration camp from Krakow
The Plaszow concentration camp was ideally located in the southern suburbs on the outskirts of the city. It was a forced-labor camp, where the majority of prisoners were Jewish. In fact, some 20,000 prisoners were held there and tortured by Major Amon Göth. Amon Göth was known as the "Butcher of Krakow", due to his extreme cruelty and unfair treatment of prisoners. In fact, his punishment techniques have been immortalized in books and films. For example, some of his actions are described in the film Schindler's List.History of Plaszow concentration campThe Plaszow concentration camp was the final destination of many Europeans in captivity, as well as the scene of many tragic stories. Construction began in 1942 near the Jewish quarter, under the false promise that it would be a working area. Today, all that remains are the ruins of the old buildings, which have been scarred by tragedy. It's a curious fact that most people tend to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau, which is why this camp is rarely visited by tourists . We recommend booking one of the best guided tours of Krakow's Jewish Quarter, where you can learn about Jewish history in detail.
What to see at Plaszow concentration camp
Before visiting the Plaszow concentration camp, you should know that you can still see the ruins of former buildings. These were used by the Nazis and therefore have a rich historical connotation. During your visit, you can also pass by :
- The Red House, also known as Amon Göth's residence. Although privately owned, it can still be seen from the outside at 22 Heltmana Street.
- The Grey House, where you can see the Nazis' administrative offices and a small prison in the basement.
- The KL Plaszów Museum is an area run by the Historical Museum, offering information posters and permanent exhibitions. However, not all areas are yet accessible.
- The Plaszow Field is completely empty, but you can find a free exhibition between Kamieńskiego and Jerozolimska streets. In addition, during the tour you can find areas with photographs and survivor testimonies.
The monument to the victims includes five figures in honor of Jewish men and women. There is also one in honor of soldiers and policemen. Remember, it's important to show respect.
- The Schindler factory : if you choose a combined tour, you may pass this factory. During the Second World War, it belonged to Oskar Schindler, who infiltrated Plaszow and managed to save over 1,200 people. To prevent them ending up in concentration camps, he gave them work and a home in this production area.
How do I get to Plaszow concentration camp?
If you prefer to get there on your own, you can use streetcar lines 3, 11, 24, 73, 76 and 77, which will take you to the Dwuorcowa stop. The Komunikacja map makes it easy to locate the transport network around you in real time.
Plaszow concentration camp timetable
The concentration camp site is located at Henryka Kamieńskiego 97, 30-555. Today, it's a public park, so it's open 24 hours a day. You can visit whenever you like, but we advise against walking alone at night for safety reasons.
Practical information
- Price: guided tours of the Plaszow concentration camp in Krakow start at €28, and usually include a visit to the Schindler factory. The tour lasts around four hours.
- Means of transport: if you opt for a guided tour, you can choose between tramway or private transport.
Advantages: a guided tour can cover the cost of admission to the Schindler works museum.
Disadvantages: not recommended for children, as sensitive images are involved.
How long does a visit to a concentration camp near Krakow last?
The length of the tour depends on the camp you choose, as the Auschwitz tour is longer. As there are more camps, we recommend including it in your itinerary if you plan to visit Krakow for at least 4 days.
The visit to the Plaszow concentration camps is more leisurely. Today, virtually nothing remains of the structure used during the Second World War. However, we recommend that you spend at least four hours visiting the museums and buildings that have been preserved.
How much does it cost to visit the concentration camps near Krakow?
Prices vary according to the season and the concentration camp, but the cheapest tickets start at 14 euros. Don't forget that you can enter the Auschwitz concentration camp free of charge if you visit at certain times: from 10 am to 3 pm . Please note that the price may increase if you add other services such as a guide, transport, etc.
What's the best way to get to the concentration camps near Krakow?
The best way to get to the concentration camps near Krakow is to take a guided tour, which usually includes transportation. Note that the train is the most complicated option, as you have to take another bus from the central station to your destination. The most efficient means of transport are undoubtedly the bus and the private car. If you want to arrive on time, it's best to get up early, so you have the whole day for your concentration camp tour.
Tips for visiting the concentration camps near Krakow
1) Tips for visiting the Plaszow concentration camps
- Avoid visiting the camps with children, as the tour may involve sensitive images. If you want to take them with you, keep an eye on the areas they can visit, depending on their age.
- Book in advance the best guided tours of Krakow's Jewish Quarter to learn about the history of Jews during the Second World War.
- Don't forget that the Plaszow concentration camp is a public park, so you can enter at any time. However, it is advisable to book a guided tour from Krakow or to visit the KL Museum in Plaszów, where you will be accompanied through the permanent exhibits.
2) Tips for visiting the Auschwitz concentration camps
- If you're planning something to do in Krakow in summer, the Auschwitz concentration camps are the busiest. There are also many tourists on weekends and at Easter.
- Admission is free between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.. This is also the only time when you can visit alone. To enter during normal hours, you must be accompanied by an authorized guide.
- Organize an itinerary of visits to the Auschwitz concentration camps to see all the sites. We recommend booking a tour to Auschwitz from Krakow, as there is usually an English-speaking guide.
- Don't forget that it's forbidden to take photos with a flash.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as the tour is quite long.