Kraków in World War II & Schindler’s List: Truth and Fiction Tour

Step into the streets of Kraków and uncover the real history behind one of the most dramatic chapters of the 20th century. This private walking tour guides you through the city as it existed during World War II, exploring the lives, struggles, and resilience of its Jewish and Christian Polish residents — while separating historical fact from Hollywood fiction.

Schindler’s List: Truth and Fiction

Follow in the footsteps of Kraków’s Jewish community and visit locations connected with Schindler’s List. Learn the true story of Oskar Schindler, his factory, and the people he helped save.

Our guide examines where Spielberg’s film follows the historical record and where it departs from it. Who were the real people behind the film’s characters? Where did Schindler actually live? Which scenes were filmed in Kraków, and how do those locations compare with the real places where the events occurred?

Explore the story behind the famous “girl in the red coat” scene and discover what the film changed or condensed. You will also hear the true story of one of the people who escaped the Krakow Ghetto through the city’s sewage system.

Kraków: The “Nuremberg of the East”

Discover why Kraków was largely spared from destruction during the Nazi occupation and how the city looked under German rule. Hear personal accounts, archival records, and survivor stories that bring the past vividly to life — tales of courage, loss, and extraordinary resilience.

The Stories of Survivors

The history of Kraków during World War II is ultimately the history of people. Through survivor accounts, archival records and documented personal stories, we explore how Jewish and Polish residents experienced Nazi occupation, persecution, resistance and survival.

What makes this tour different?

This is more than a sightseeing tour. We combine documented archival evidence, survivor testimony, historical research and the locations associated with Schindler’s List to examine what really happened in Kraków during the Second World War.

Tour Itinerary and Price

This is a private walking tour. Tour price depends on the number of people in your party. Contact us at yourjewishheritageguide@gmail.com for the tour itinerary with price.

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