School Trips to Krakow

Educational trips to Poland provide students and teachers with valuable learning experiences that will transform your perspective on history, psychology and religious studies. Although World War destruction and years of communist rule caused substantial damage to Poland’s heritage., the ancient royal city of Krakow is still renowned for its cultural significance, and it is home to some of the most symbolic sites of 20th-century history. 

What learning benefits do educational trips to Poland provide? 

A school trip to Poland means a visit to the historical city of Krakow, one of the most significant places of the Second World War. Students will gain surreal insight into what life was like under Nazi occupation during this period. 

The invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany in September 1939 led to the start of the Second World War, with France and Britain declaring war on Germany following the invasion by the Nazis. History students will get the chance to visit one of the world’s most symbolic and eye-opening historical sites at Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. They can also tour the Kazimierz Jewish District which formed the Krakow Ghetto, achieving notoriety as a place of starvation and disease. 

For a deeply personal learning experience, your students can talk to a Survivor of the Holocaust. This could form the basis of a valuable case study for any student of psychology and sociology.

Explore more of Poland’s rich cultural history in Krakow

Preceding the 20th century, Poland has a storied history that spanned different eras of rule during the 18th century, when the city of Krakow was under Austrian control. The latter part of the 19th century saw Austrian control relaxed, with the country regaining its stature in 1918 at the end of the First World War. 

During educational trips to Poland, you students will be fascinated and inspired when learning about these periods of history, and they’ll be able to marvel at the thousands of symbolic buildings comprising exceptional gothic architecture that have huge historical significance. Discover more about Krakow in our blog post here.

Krakow school trips highlights…

A school trip to Poland offers you a chance to explore Krakow’s wonderful selection of historical sites, areas of cultural significance, and truly breathtaking sights steeped in art and architectural brilliance. We’ve compiled a list of trip highlights that previous groups have loved. Check them out below. 

• Galicia Jewish Museum
• Cloth Hall
• Auschwitz-Birkenau
• Wawel Royal Castle 
• Oskar Schindler Museum
• Wieliczka Salt Mine

Galicia Jewish Museum

Located in the Jewish district of Kazimierz in Krakow, the Galicia Jewish Museum is a photo exhibition that documents the lives of Jewish people and shows Jewish culture and life in Polish Galicia. It’s an ideal excursion for educational trips to Poland with history students.

History students on a school trip to Poland can gain valuable insights into the history of Jewish culture, traditions, and life in the region. It provides a unique opportunity to understand the impact of World War II on Jewish communities in Poland.

Cloth Hall

Standing in the centre of the main market square in Krakow you’ll see the Cloth Hall. Perhaps the most recognisible feature of the city, this grand structure was once a major centre of international trade. You can still walk through and explore the stalls selling various goods even now.

Students can experience the historical significance of trade and commerce during medieval times. Exploring the stalls allows them to observe the market dynamics and its role in Krakow's history.

Auschwitz-Birkenau

Your students will learn more about the Holocaust and hear personal stories of those who were brought here during the Nazi regime. You will be taken on a guided tour of Auschwitz and then nearby Birkenau, with detailed accounts allowing students to discover the horrifying ordeal of life at this infamous concentration camp. 

This visit provides an emotional and educational understanding of the Holocaust, offering students a chance to learn about the atrocities of Nazi regime and the importance of promoting peace and tolerance

Wawel Royal Castle

Situated atop Wawel Hill with views overlooking the glistening River Vistula, the Wawel Royal Castle is considered one of the most historically and culturally important sites in Poland. It was once the residence of kings and symbolised Polish statehood for many centuries. 

During educational trips to Poland, your students can now explore the site’s fantastic art museum, showcasing Italian Renaissance paintings and the largest collection of Ottoman tents in Europe. Students can also ascend the Sandomierska Tower and take a guided outdoor tour to learn and appreciate the grandiose architecture and gardens of the Wawel. 

Students can delve into Poland's rich royal history, architecture, and culture. The art museum inside showcases Renaissance paintings, and the castle's gardens provide insights into grandiose architecture.

Oskar Schindler Museum

Discover the inspirational story of Oskar Schindler during the Second World War and learn about Schindler’s remarkable efforts that saved the lives of many Jewish labourers. Schindler’s Enamel Factory portrays life during wartime and the events that happened in the city at that time. 

This museum is perfect for a history school trip to Krakow and educates students about the courageous acts of individuals during world war 2 and the moral choices made during difficult times. 

Wieliczka Salt Mine

Arguably one of the highlights of an educational trip to Poland is a visit to the famous Wieliczka Salt Mine. The mine was in operation from the 13th century until 2007, this cavernous mine reaches 327 metres below ground level. Students will love exploring the stunning carvings and vast underground lakes. There is so much educational value to extract from visiting one of UNESCO’s World Cultural and National Heritage Sites, regardless of the subject area of study! 

On Krakow school trips students can learn about the historical significance of the salt mining industry in Poland and the remarkable engineering achievements involved. The mine's UNESCO World Heritage status also emphasises the importance of preserving cultural and historical landmarks.

Educational Trips To Poland FAQs

What kind of educational value can students expect from school trips to Poland?

Educational trips to Poland provide a range of valuable learning benefits for students and teachers. Some of the educational benefits include:

Historical Insight: Students get the opportunity to immerse themselves in Poland's rich history, particularly during significant events like World War II and the Holocaust. Visiting historical sites like Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wawel Royal Castle allows them to witness history firsthand.

Cultural Understanding: Poland's diverse cultural heritage, especially in places like the Galicia Jewish Museum and the Cloth Hall, offers students a chance to learn about different traditions, customs, and ways of life.

Psychological and Sociological Studies: Educational trips often include interactions with Holocaust survivors, which can form the basis of valuable case studies for students studying psychology and sociology.

Architectural Appreciation: Krakow's architecture, showcased at places like the Wawel Royal Castle, presents students with the opportunity to explore exceptional Gothic and Renaissance structures, appreciating the art and craftsmanship of the past.
Holocaust Education: Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Oskar Schindler Museum allows students to learn about the Holocaust, fostering empathy and promoting tolerance and understanding.

Geological and Industrial Understanding: Exploring the Wieliczka Salt Mine gives students insights into the geological formations, mining practices, and the significance of salt mining in Poland's history.

Enhanced Research Skills: Engaging with historical exhibits and sites encourages students to conduct research, analyse information critically, and gain a deeper understanding of the past.

Global Awareness: Experiencing a different culture and historical context broadens students' global perspectives, making them more aware of international issues and fostering cultural sensitivity.

Memorable Experiences: Educational trips provide students with lasting memories, fostering enthusiasm for learning and a desire to explore other cultures and historical sites in the future.

Are the planned itineraries suitable for all stages of education?

We specialise in providing educational trips to Iceland for KS3-KS5 students, helping them get ready for any potential exams following in line with the current curriculum.

Are students safe on school trips to Poland?

As one of the best choices for school tours to Poland in the UK, safety for your students is crucial to ensuring we’re running a successful trip, we always vow to keep your students safe. We are Learning Outisde The Classroom Badge holders ensuring the highest possible safety standards. We also have an externally verified safety management system to achieve this.