Discover the haunting stories behind Krakow’s Kazimierz district on the “Krakow: Walk in the Footsteps of the Krakow’s Vampire” tour. Priced at $36 per person and lasting 2 hours, this guided walk takes you through some of the most mysterious and unsettling sites linked to Krakow’s criminal past. Departing from 24 Szeroka Street, in front of the Old Synagogue, the tour is suitable for those interested in dark history, true crime, and the city’s shadowy stories from the 20th century.

While packed with compelling content, it’s important to note that the tour is outdoor, so weather conditions may affect the experience. It is not recommended for children under 12, given the dark themes and unsettling storytelling. With professional guidance and a focus on Kraków’s notorious figures, this tour offers a vivid glimpse into the city’s darker side, perfect for those seeking a more sinister perspective on Krakow’s history.

Key Points

Price and Duration: Only $36 for a 2-hour guided walk through Kazimierz.
Focus on Crime and Infamous Figures: The tour centers on Karol Kot, the “Vampire of Kraków”, and WWII crime scenes linked to Franz Thams.
Historic and Dark Atmosphere: The route explores narrow, mysterious streets filled with stories of tragedy, violence, and psychological motives.
Educational yet chilling: The guide explains Kots’ early experiments, double life, and escalation into violence, as well as the police investigation.
Authentic locations: Stops include Kot’s former residence and sites where his crimes shocked the community.
Accessibility: The tour is easy and suitable for all fitness levels, involving city walking.
Guide quality: Led by a professional guide who shares detailed insights into Krakow’s most infamous crimes.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Tour Begins at Szeroka Street and Kazimierz’s Dark Past

The tour kicks off at 24 Szeroka Street, a central spot in Kazimierz near the Old Synagogue. Here, the guide introduces the district’s turbulent 20th-century history, setting the stage for the dark stories to come. This starting point provides context about post-war Kraków and its social contradictions, crucial for understanding the environment that fostered Karol Kot’s crimes.

The guide’s storytelling style makes the history engaging, blending facts with a vivid narrative. This lays a firm foundation for exploring Kazimierz’s streets, which are steeped in mystery and tragedy. The walk is outdoor, so participants should dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.

If you're drawn to exploring Krakow on foot, we've looked into these other walking experiences

Discovering Franz Thams’ WWII Crime Scenes

The tour doesn’t shy away from dark episodes of Krakow’s past. You’ll visit locations associated with Franz Thams, a WWII soldier responsible for brutal crimes. These sites reveal how social chaos and urban decay after the war created a dangerous backdrop for violence. The guide explains how these scenes played out during a time of social contradictions and post-war upheaval.

While the focus remains on Kots’ crimes, the inclusion of WWII-era crime scenes broadens the perspective, showing how history’s shadows linger over Kazimierz. These moments are presented with respect and factual detail, making it clear how tragic and unsettling this period was for Krakow.

Following Karol Kot’s Bloody Trail

The core of the tour centers on Karol Kot, Krakow’s notorious “Vampire”. Visitors walk through the narrow streets where Kot lived, hunted, and committed his crimes in the 1960s. The guide tracks his victim’s stories, illustrating how his violent acts struck fear into the community.

Participants learn about Kot’s early life, including his twisted experiments with arsenic-laced beer and his fascination with death, self-harm, and violence. The walk highlights key locations such as the site of his first serious attack and the location of his first murder, where the community’s fear was palpable—elderly residents even began wearing pots on their heads for protection.

The Escalation of Violence and Police Investigation

As the story unfolds, the guide explains how Kot’s violence escalated from stabbing a child to near-fatal attacks on others. This escalation reveals his calm and calculated approach to killing, making him especially frightening.

The city-wide police investigation is a key part of the story. The guide recounts how school inspections, interrogations, and testimonies from classmates led to Kot’s eventual arrest. Notably, a brave student who reported threats played a pivotal role in breaking the case. The forensic evidence and victim identifications are also discussed, giving insight into how law enforcement finally brought Kot’s reign of terror to an end.

More Great Tours Nearby

Exploring Karol Kot’s Family Home and Final Fate

The tour concludes outside Kot’s former residence, where the guide discusses his psychological profile, trial, and execution. Later residents of his haunted apartment shared stories that continue to evoke a sense of unease. This final stop emphasizes the haunting legacy of Krakow’s most feared killer.

The story of Kot’s remorseless nature and the investigation’s success offers a compelling look into criminal psychology. The entire experience provides a powerful, historically grounded account of how Murderer Karol Kot became one of Krakow’s most infamous figures.

While you're exploring Krakow, here are other experiences we've looked into

Kazimierz’s Narrow Streets and Dark Atmosphere

Throughout the tour, Kazimierz’s streets serve as a fitting backdrop for these stories. The district’s narrow alleys, combined with its decaying urban structures, create an environment that feels haunted and mysterious. The dark, immersive tone of the tour enhances the storytelling, making every location feel alive with history.

Participants should expect a walking pace suitable for all, and the outdoor nature of the tour means weather could influence the experience. The guide’s expertise helps bring the dark stories to life, making each stop a vivid chapter in Krakow’s shadowy past.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This tour appeals most to those interested in true crime, criminal psychology, and history of violence. The focus on the psychological motives of Kots and the crime investigation makes it an engaging experience for adults and older teens. Due to the dark themes, it’s not suitable for children under 12.

Travelers seeking a more sinister side of Krakow will find this walk both informative and haunting. It’s perfect for history buffs who prefer stories with a grim but factual tone and for anyone intrigued by dark urban legends.

Practical Details and Booking

The tour is led by a professional guide and includes a city walking experience. It does not include transportation, food, or drinks, so plan accordingly. The meeting point is at 24 Szeroka Street, and cancellation is free if made at least 24 hours in advance.

Given the easy difficulty level, the tour is accessible to most. Participants should remember to dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes for walking through Kazimierz’s streets.

Final Thoughts on the Dark Side of Krakow

This 2-hour walking tour offers a compelling look into Krakow’s criminal history, focusing on Karol Kot and WWII crimes. The combination of historical context, murder investigations, and the haunting atmosphere makes it a distinctive experience for those interested in the darker stories of Krakow.

While not suitable for children and dependent on weather conditions, this tour delivers a fascinating, detailed account of an often-overlooked side of the city. It suits history enthusiasts, crime fans, and adventurous travelers eager to explore Krakow’s shadowy past beyond its famed landmarks.

✨ Book This Experience