School Trips to Krakow - A History Experience Like No Other

What makes school trips to Krakow so special?

With a deeply moving history, beautifully preserved medieval architecture, plus sites of global significance like Auschwitz-Birkenau, it’s no wonder school history trips to Krakow are increasingly popular with UK schools.

Thinking of organising a visit to this extraordinary Polish city? At Interschool Travel, we specialise in crafting tailored educational trip itineraries that combine powerful historical learning with meaningful cultural experiences.

From exploring Krakow’s Old Town, discovering Jewish heritage in Kazimierz, or visiting Schindler’s Factory, a school history trip to Krakow is an unforgettable journey into Europe’s past. We’ve arranged countless school trips to Poland for UK students, so we’ve put together this quick guide explaining why Krakow really is a school history trip like no other.

Wondering how to choose the location for your next school trip? Krakow is a phenomenal option for UK schools, and it's becoming more and more popular. Here are some of our favourite things about the Polish city, and what makes it a great fit for so many schools.

Easy accessibility from the UK

Travelling from the UK for school trips to Krakow is simple and straightforward, ideal for school groups juggling lots of easily distracted students!

There are direct flights from major UK airports like London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh. You'll reach Krakow Airport in around 2 hours and 30 minutes, so you set off in the morning and be immersed in history just after lunch!

For groups looking for a more leisurely journey, coach travel is also a good option for your trip to Krakow. While this takes longer, it can be a great way to reduce costs for larger groups and allows students to bond as they travel across Europe together. Coaches can also offer the flexibility to visit other locations on the way (perhaps including extra school trips to Germany or school trips to France en route), further enriching the trip.

A compact city centre

Once in Krakow, the city is simple to navigate and easy to explore on foot, with many historical landmarks within walking distance of each other. So you and your students will find less time is spent travelling and more time is spent actually learning and exploring.

Because so many of the major sights are relatively close together, you'll be able to pack in even more culture and meaningful experiences, no matter how short your itinerary is. You can see most of the major sights on a two or three-day trip to Krakow, but there's so much to see here that it's easy to spend a full week exploring.

The Historic Centre of Krakow is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so every step you take here will be a valuable learning experience for your students.

Rich Jewish culture

No school trip to Krakow is complete without engaging with the city's rich Jewish history. The city's Jewish Quarter, Kazimierz, offers students an invaluable insight into the rich and often tragic story of Jewish life in Europe.

Before the Second World War, Kazimierz was a thriving centre of Jewish culture, and you can still walk through its streets today to explore synagogues, Jewish cemeteries, and museums, making it a rewarding location for school art trips too.

This area tells a powerful story of resilience and revival. Students can visit the Galicia Jewish Museum, which hosts exhibitions detailing the lives of the Jewish community before, during, and after the Holocaust. Key landmarks including the Old Synagogue and the Remuh Synagogue allow your students to understand both the cultural richness of Jewish history and the devastating impact of Nazi occupation.

Our expert local guide will take your group on a guided walking tour of Kazimierz, where you'll be able to walk around historic streets and hear the stories of the Jewish people who lived there.

These visits provide a moving and memorable experience, helping young people to better understand the consequences of prejudice and the importance of tolerance.

Immersive World War II history

Few places in Europe can rival Krakow's history. Here you'll find a direct and emotional connection to the events of the Second World War. Visiting this city provides students with a unique opportunity to stand in the very places where history unfolded, transforming textbook learning into a deeply personal experience.

Any trip to explore Krakow's history will include a thorough exploration of the city's Jewish culture both before and during World War II. Places like the Auschwitz Birkenau concentration camp and Krakow ghetto are important sites to understand the impact of the Nazi regime on the Jewish community here, and add so much to any school trip.

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is a vital part of any history school trip to Krakow. Here, students gain an essential understanding of the Holocaust, seeing the preserved barracks, gas chambers, and personal belongings of victims. The sobering experience at this infamous concentration camp encourages empathy and reflection, and helps young people appreciate the importance of remembrance.

Closer to the city centre, the Schindler’s Factory Museum brings to life the story of Nazi-occupied Krakow. Through thought provoking interactive exhibits, students learn about the daily struggles of the city’s residents and the brave actions of individuals like Oskar Schindler, whose efforts saved the lives of over a thousand Jews.

Flexible itineraries to suit your students

One of the main reasons Krakow is such a popular destination for school history trips is the flexibility it offers. As a dedicated school travel company, we know you often have to work around term times and school holidays. That's why we offer a range of example and completely bespoke itineraries for school history trips to Poland; so whether you need to squeeze in a short two or three-day trip or have time for a longer, more immersive week-long experience, we'll take care of it. Interschool Travel itineraries are always completely tailor-made to suit your students’ needs and your curriculum requirements.

Customising your itinerary means you can balance educational visits with time for reflection and lighter cultural experiences. Guided walking tours, time to explore Krakow’s main market square, or sampling traditional Polish cuisine at a local restaurant can be incorporated alongside more thought-provoking visits to concentration camp memorials.

What to see on shorter trips to Krakow

Shorter visits often focus on the must-see sites like the Auschwitz Concentration Camp, Schindler’s Factory Museum, and the Old Town. You still get plenty of impactful experiences on our condensed itineraries, so your students gain valuable insight even on a limited schedule.

What to see on longer trips to Krakow

Longer trips allow for deeper exploration, including additional sites such as the Wieliczka Salt Mine or a more detailed look at Kazimierz, Krakow’s Jewish Quarter. For older students, trips can include a meeting with a Holocaust survivor and hear a poignant reminder of the Nazi occupation and campls like Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Fascinating Polish history

Aside from amazing World War history, school trips to Krakow offer the change to explore the heritage and traditions of Poland itself, beyond wartime events to get the right balance of history and culture.

The Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a particularly fascinating stop. Operating since the 13th century, the mine is a labyrinth of underground tunnels and chambers filled with intricate salt sculptures and a stunning chapel carved entirely from rock salt. Exploring this underground marvel introduces students to Poland’s mining heritage and showcases the ingenuity of generations past.

Above ground, Krakow is also a beautiful city of cultural traditions. Students can experience Polish folk music, see traditional dress during local festivals, or even sample regional dishes such as pierogi and obwarzanek (a type of bagel). Don't miss Wawel Hill (home to Wawel Royal Castle) for great walking tours and traditional lore—legend has it this place was once home to a dragon!

Where should I visit for the best Krakow history trip?

Including a range of experiences provides a broader understanding of Polish identity. A school history trip to Krakow is at its most impactful when it weaves together Poland’s royal heritage, its thriving Jewish community, and the stark realities of the Second World War.

For example, visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau is a profoundly moving experience that offers students an essential understanding of the Holocaust and the atrocities committed during Nazi occupation. Guided tours through the preserved barracks, gas chambers, and memorials allow young people to reflect on the human cost of intolerance and war.

We suggest complementing this with a visit to Krakow’s historic Jewish Quarter. Stops at the Galicia Jewish Museum provide further context, with exhibitions that tell the personal stories of Krakow’s Jewish community—stories of resilience, loss, and rebuilding.

Students can also delve into Poland’s royal past with a visit to Wawel Castle, where you'll learn about the country’s medieval Polish kings and their role in shaping European politics. Then there's Krakow’s Old Town, with its grand market square and St. Mary’s Basilica, all fascinating parts of Poland's architectural and cultural landscape.

Combining these cultural encounters with the more serious aspects of a history-focused itinerary offers a well-rounded school trip. Your students will leave Krakow with not only a deeper knowledge of the past, but a lasting appreciation for the resilience of the people and the vibrant heritage that's still visible today.

Why explore Krakow's history with Interschool Travel?

We're the specialists in creating tailor made educational trips for UK schools, so we provide an experience like no one else. We'll work with you to build a custom itinerary that's completely suited to your students' learning objectives and goals, so every minute of your trip is well spent.

With us, you get:

• Completely bespoke itineraries
• Expert guides on the ground
• Financial protection with ABTA and ATOL
• Year round travel that fits your schedule
• Trips tailored to a range of subjects and locations

Get in touch today to create a bespoke school trip to Krakow

FAQs

How long is the flight from the UK to Krakow?

Flights from the UK to Krakow typically take around 2 hours and 30 minutes, depending on your departure airport and things like transfers, baggage collection and passing through customs. With regular services from London, Manchester, and other major hubs, it's a quick and convenient journey for school groups.

Is Krakow suitable for younger history students?

Yes, Krakow can be suitable for younger students, though some sites like Auschwitz require careful consideration due to their sensitive nature.

To fit your needs, the Interschool Travel team will make tailored school trip itineraries that will ensure age-appropriate visits focusing on the city's Old Town, castles, and cultural heritage.

What are the accommodation options for school trips to Krakow?

Krakow offers a variety of accommodation for school trip groups, including budget hotels, hostels, and group-friendly lodgings.

Many are centrally located, allowing easy access to key historical sites. As part of your itinerary, we'll book the perfect accommodation for your school group, in the best location for your activities.

How long does a visit to Auschwitz take?

A guided tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau typically takes around 3.5 hours, though this will depend on the size of your school trip group, the number of other visitors, and the weather. This includes both the Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau sites, with time for reflection and educational discussions with your tour guide.

Are guided tours available for all historical sites?

Absolutely. Guided tours are available for Auschwitz, Schindler’s Factory, Galicia Jewish Museum, Kazimierz, and other landmarks. You'll get an Interschool Travel Tour Leader for every step of your school trip, or a Professional Local Guide to provide in-depth insight.

It's vital to have experienced guides for any school trip to Poland, since they'll provide expert knowledge, ensuring students gain a deeper understanding of each site's history.

What other subjects can be covered on a trip to Krakow?

While Second World War history is often the primary focus of school trips to Poland, Krakow also offers learning opportunities in art, religious studies, and cultural studies.

Locations like Wawel Royal Castle or the Jewish Quarter, for instance, provide insight into European Jewish heritage and traditions and makes a great addition to any educational trip itinerary.

Is the Wieliczka Salt Mine suitable for school groups?

Yes, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is a popular and accessible attraction for school groups. Guided tours are a great option, offering your students the chance to explore the underground chambers, learn about mining techniques, and see impressive salt carvings.

It’s a great way to diversify a history-focused itinerary to include more than just World War history, while introducing students to Poland’s industrial heritage.