We are doing a Rick Steves trip in September to Poland. We will have almost a whole free day at the end of the tour. I was planning us going to Auschwitz although it seems such a sad way to end a trip. Anyhow, DH doesn’t appear interested. I think he is worried about how much time it takes to get there (around 2hrs) and the amount of standing around during the tour. I think it is harder for him to do that than it is for me. So my question is, if we skip Auschwitz is the Schindler’s factory tour worth doing? I already decided against the salt mines due to all the stairs. Thanks!
Sure, Schindler’s factory is worth a visit and there is quite a bit to see in Krakow - the Jewish cemetery, for example, and the area of the former ghetto. I would nonetheless highly, highly recommend visiting Auschwitz and Birkenau, if you are able. It is obviously a difficult trip (I mean emotionally, but perhaps physically for some as well). To me it is one of those places that everyone should visit if they have the opportunity.
If in Krakow, also highly recommend Wawel Castle. Krakow is a lovely city, I am sure you wlll have an interesting trip no matter which specific sites you choose to visit.
4 Likes
1 Like
I was there last month. I can’t recommend touring Auschwitz highly enough. It’s a once in a lifetime experience. We took the six-hour tour. Our tour guide was superb. There’s very little standing around.
Schindler’s Factory was interesting but keep in mind the actual factory is not there any longer. Even the stairs that were in the movie didn’t exist at the time of the war. The main thing we saw that was original was Shindler’s office and the map he kept on the wall.
If you go to Auschwitz, here are the ONLY two options you should consider: Booking tickets directly from the museum (go online exactly three months before the date you want to go) OR using the KrakowTogether tour company. They appear to be the only group that never cancels on people. All other companies are not reliable 100% of the time. Many people go on the Krakow Facebook page the day before their scheduled tour, panicked because their tour has been canceled. That always surprises me, because if they had looked at this page for five minutes they could have avoided the disappointment.
The salt mines were incredible. You walk only down the stairs and take an elevator back up. I had no problem even though my knee was acting up when I went on the tour. To be honest, I would do this before Schindler’s Factory.
If you have any more questions about Krakow, Zakopane, Warsaw, Gdansk, Treblinka, or the Wolf’s Lair, let me know. My son and DIL live in Warsaw and I can always ask their advice, too.
I adored Poland and want to go back. 
8 Likes
It’s been almost 25 years since I visited Poland and I still remember it as one of my favorite trips. Krakow (Wawel Castle!), salt mines and Auschwitz are musts IMO, if at all possible. We did not visit Schindler’s Factory so I can’t speak to that.
Enjoy!
I say go to Auschwitz. A well travelled older couple from church talked me into visiting Dachau when we were in Munich. It did consume a big chunk of a day, but it was educational and moving. Our docent tourguide was daughter of town residents who remember the awful times… but rarely talked about it. Our day there was chilly and a little rainy. Twas a good reminder though of how much harder the prisoner had it.
1 Like
We love Krakow! We took tours arranged through our hotel — it was a few years ago so I can’t remember the name. They picked us up from the hotel and took us to Auschwitz and the salt mine the same day. Long day and quite tiring as it turned out. Auschwitz is a difficult visit both physically and emotionally. But definitely a must in my opinion.
The salt mine is fabulous, you have to walk down 18 flights but can then take an elevator back. Glad that I was able to do it then, even though my knees were protesting by the last few steps.
Kraków’s castle is gorgeous and the fire breathing dragon outside rather cute. We also loved the Jewish quarter (best food ever) and the old town square area in Krakow. It was cold when we were there but the restaurants have heaters and blankets for your use as you sit outside and people (and pigeon) watch on the square.
Zakopane is cute but we were there only for a day. Great views, cheese and places to walk as I remember.
It’s definitely possible to do Auschwitz and the salt mines in one day. We didn’t, but a lot of people online said they did with no problem.
Ok, I’ve decided we are going to Auschwitz. I just have to figure out how to get there easily. I think I will book directly from the museum. And perhaps take the bus out there or hire a driver.
3 Likes