Nazi Occupation and Communist Rule Free Walking Tour

Duration: 2-2.5h

A tour of Nazi Occupation and Communist Rule focuses on places connected with the dramatic history of the 20th century, when Poland was occupied by Nazi Germany and later controlled by the communist regime. During the walk you will visit important locations where the stories of war, resistance, and life behind the Iron Curtain come alive.

Meeting point is in front of St. Mary's Basilica

NAZI AND COMMUNIST KRAKOW FREE WALKING TOUR

On the NAZI AND COMMUNIST FREE WALKING TOUR, you will discover the dark and fascinating history of Krakow during the most dramatic period of the 20th century. This tour focuses on the time when Poland was occupied first by Nazi Germany and later controlled by the Soviet-backed communist regime.

Our guides will take you through the historical places connected with World War II and the communist era, explaining how these two totalitarian systems shaped Krakow and the lives of its inhabitants. You will learn about the German occupation, the tragic fate of Krakow’s Jewish community, the creation of the Krakow Ghetto, and the resistance movement that operated in the city.

During the tour you will discover how the Nazis turned Krakow into the capital of the General Government and how the city became an important administrative centre for the German occupation. We will tell you the stories of people who lived through these difficult times – stories of tragedy, courage, and survival.

Our guides will also explain what happened after the war, when Poland fell under communist control. You will learn how the communist authorities tried to reshape the country and the city, how everyday life looked behind the Iron Curtain, and how the people of Krakow resisted the regime.

We will also introduce you to the story of Nowa Huta – the socialist realist district built as a model communist city, designed to counterbalance the intellectual and religious character of historic Krakow.

After this 2.5-hour walking tour, you will better understand the complex history of Poland in the 20th century and how the legacy of World War II and communism still influences the country today.

 

The best storytelling guides in Krakow!

Difficult to believe? Join us and see for yourself!

Our guides don’t just present historical facts. We combine history with engaging storytelling, surprising anecdotes, and interactive discussions that make every tour unique. We love questions and conversations with our guests, which makes each NAZI AND COMMUNIST TOUR a dynamic and memorable experience.

You will not only learn about the most important historical events but also understand how people really lived during those times. History becomes much easier to understand when you hear the human stories behind it.

HIGHLIGHTS

  •  

  • Adam Mickiewicz Monument – Partitions of Poland & destruction of monuments during Nazi occupation

  • Soviet invasion and the Katyn massacre

  • Krakow as the capital of the Nazi General Government

  • The role of the Catholic Church during WWII and communism

  • The Polish Underground State & the “Cursed Soldiers”

  • Operation Koppe – the attempted assassination of a top Nazi official

  • Everyday life in communist Poland after the Yalta Conference

  • Kijów Cinema & Hotel Cracovia – the 1960s and the fall of Gomułka

  • Błonia Meadow – the election of Pope John Paul II and the crisis of the 1970s

  • Solidarity and the fall of communism

  •  

 

START – 11:00 AM on Monday, Wednesday and Friday (Less often outside High Season, always check by clicking BOOK NOW)

DURATION – aprox. 2.5h

PRICE – based on donations