Oskar Schindler's Factory Tours

Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory, a former metal factory, houses two main museums in Krakow – Museum of Contemporary Art and Historical Museum of the City of Krakow. During World War II, this factory was a safe haven for Jews where they received employment under Nazi occupation. Today, the Oskar Schindler's Factory offers a tour of the museums and a chance to learn about life during the Nazi occupation. If you are planning a visit, here is everything you need to know about Oskar Schindler's Factory tours, opening hours, what to expect, and other essential details.

You will need at least 1.5 – 2 hours to cover all the attractions and exhibitions at Oskar Schindler's Factory in Krakow. Here is what you can expect to see inside the factory.

One of the main attractions of the Oskar Schindler Factory tour is the museum building that was earlier the Oskar Schindler Enamel Factory. A guided tour of the museum building will give you a glimpse into where the Jews worked and how Oskar saved them during Holocaust.

On your Oskar Schindler Factory tour, visit the exhibition room where you will find a photo of all the Holocaust survivors that were helped by Oskar Schindler. You will find photos of all the Jewish survivors in the window panes on a wall which will give you a sense of how many lives Oskar truly saved.

Inside the factory, you will also find the room with the replica of Oskar Schindler’s desk and accessories in a permanent exhibition. Here, you will find several photographs of Oskar with his horse and a huge map that displays the conquests of the Nazis. A monument, Tin-ware Sarcophagus, was also erected in front of his desk which commemorates the Jewish workers of the factory.

Take a look at the reconstructed basement of the Oskar Schindler Factory on your tour. This is where Oskar hid the Jewish workers that worked in his factory to protect them from the Nazis and the imminent death that awaits them. You will see beds and utensils that the Jews could use to stay in the basement until the Nazis were stopped.

Check out the Historical Museum’s permanent exhibition at Oskar Schindler Factory named ‘Krakow under Nazi occupation 1939-1945’. This exhibition tells the story of Krakow and its inhabitants during World War II. You can read the stories of all the Jews’ lives that Oskar Schindler saved from the Holocaust.

If you wish to explore other top things to do in Krakow, then here are our highly-recommended attractions.

A complex of 40 concentration camps and extermination sites, Auschwitz Birkenau is an important landmark to visit in Poland. Visitors can take a guided tour of this attraction to learn the history of this place and the horrors faced by the prisoners here. This is the largest concentration camp where around 1.1 million people were killed using the gas chambers. Book Auschwitz Birkenau tours.

Go on a tour of Wawel Royal Hill in Krakow, Poland. It is an important landmark where Polish kings and queens reigned for years. A guided tour of this hill will show you several historical landmarks such as Wawel Royal Castle, the house of Jan Dlugosz, Wawel Cathedral, Crypt of the Silver Bells, and more. Book Wawel Royal Hill Krakow tours.

Another top landmark to visit in Poland are the Wieliczka Salt Mines. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the oldest operating salt mines that is 135 meters below the ground. It was excavated in the 19th century and visitors can visit this salt mine to learn the history of this place. Explore this mine where you will find original sculptures and beautiful chambers still intact after hundreds of years. Book Wieliczka Salt Mine tickets.

Enjoy a trip to the Polish mountains by taking a Zakopane tour in Poland. This tour will take you to the charming town of Zakopane where you can learn about Gorlaskie culture and explore the town on foot. You can also experience a cable car ride to reach the Gubatowka mountain top to enjoy a glimpse of the Polish Tatra Mountains. Book Zakopane tours. 

One of the top landmarks to visit in Krakow is St. Mary’s Basilica in the Main Market Square. This brick church was constructed in the 13th century and features two towers of different heights. It is a popular UNESCO Heritage Site where visitors can marvel at the stained-glass windows, unique blue starred ceiling, and so much more. In the summer season, you can also climb to the top of the tower to enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the city. Book St. Mary's Basilica tickets.