School trips to Krakow

Why visit Krakow?

Understand the scale of the Holocaust

One of the main reasons for school groups to visit Krakow is to learn more about what happened to the city’s Jewish community in the early 20 th century. First, they were forcibly moved into the city’s ghetto, to separate them from the rest of the city’s residents. And from there, they were transported to one of the Nazi extermination camps, such as nearby Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Your students will, of course, have the opportunity to visit Auschwitz on your school trip. They will learn more about what happened here and how the Nazis industrialised murder. They will also have the chance to find out more about some of the individual victims. This will be a sobering yet unforgettable experience and the best lesson they could ever receive on why tolerance is so important and why hate cannot be allowed to take over.

Discover Polish culture and history

Krakow is Poland’s best-preserved city, having largely escaped the destruction that most other large cities in the country experienced during the Second World War. This makes it a wonderful setting in which to learn more about general Polish history and culture.

Although Poland’s capital was moved from Krakow to Warsaw in the 16 th century, the city’s famous Wawel Hill, home to the royal castle and the 14th-centurycathedral, continued to be the focus for royal coronations and funerals. This is well worth a visit on your school trip to Krakow, to learn about a different era of Polish history.

Another must-see is the Wieliczka Salt Mines. The highlight of your visit will, without a doubt, be the Chapel of St. Kinga, which is all carved out of salt, from the altar to the statues and even the chandeliers!

Explore Judaism and Catholicism in Poland

On a religious studies school trip to Krakow, your students will explore the history of the Jewish community in Poland from the Middle Ages up to the early 20 th century and beyond.

Before the Second World War, Krakow was an important cultural and spiritual centre for European Jews and the city still boasts some fantastic examples of sacred Jewish architecture. Before the outbreak of war, there were estimated to be around 80,000 Jews living in Krakow. Most were forcibly removed from their homes and forced into ghettos before being murdered in extermination camps, such as Auschwitz. By the end of the war, less than 6,000 Jews remained in the city.

As well as learning about the Jewish community in Poland, your students will also have the opportunity to explore Catholicism. Poland is one of the most devoutly Catholic countries in Europe and Krakow is famous for its numerous churches.