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Kraków, the historical royal capital of Poland, offers an abundance of sights and activities, serving as an excellent base for numerous day excursions.
After exploring Kraków’s Main Market Square, and witnessing the grandeur of the Royal Castle and Kazimierz, take a look at these day trip options—ranging from spectacular to profoundly transformative—as you continue your exploration.
Bear witness at Auschwitz-Birkenau
A visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial & Museum, site of some of the most horrific Nazi atrocities during WWII, may not be suitable for all visitors and is discouraged for children under 14. Nevertheless, no other location conveys the immense tragedies of the Holocaust or the extremes of human cruelty as effectively. Over a million individuals, including Jews, Poles, and Roma, lost their lives here during the conflict. A visit allows one to acknowledge this tragedy and commit to ensuring it never recurs. The tour encompasses two sections: the primary camp, Auschwitz I, featuring exhibitions that elucidate historical events; and the larger camp at Birkenau (Auschwitz II), where the majority of the killings occurred.
Accessing the site: The Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial is situated in Oświęcim, approximately 50 km (31 miles) west of Kraków. Both bus and train services are available, with buses being the more convenient option as they drop passengers closer to the main entrance of the site.
Be amazed by the elaborate artistry of Wieliczka Salt Mine
A recommendation to visit a salt mine may seem unusual; however, the UNESCO World Heritage site, Wieliczka Salt Mine, constitutes an extraordinary display of subterranean artistry that must be witnessed in person. It is no wonder that it ranks among Poland’s most frequented destinations.
Over the years, miners have meticulously constructed intricate chambers, chapels, and altarpieces using salt deposits, showcasing astonishing craftsmanship and remarkable scale. The tour’s highlight is an expansive chamber (54 m/177 ft by 18 m/59 ft, and 12 m/39 ft high), which features the exquisitely adorned Chapel of St. Kinga. The creation of this chapel took over 30 years and culminated in a stunning masterpiece.
Accessing the site: Regular trains and buses depart from Kraków’s main transport hubs to the suburb of Wieliczka, located about 14 km (9 miles) away, with travel time around 30 minutes. Bus number 304 leaves Kraków near the Galeria Krakowska shopping mall, stopping at Wieliczka Kopalnia Soli. Tickets from Zone I (Strefa I) and II Agglomeration (II Aglomeracja) will cover this passage. For train travel, depart from the main station in Kraków (Dworzec Główny) to Wieliczka Rynek Kopalnia station. Moreover, various travel companies and minibus services offer tours to the mine, typically encompassing both transportation and entry fees.
Enjoy the mountain air and architecture of Zakopane
Kraków lies just beyond the foothills of the magnificent Tatra Mountains, which are part of the expansive Carpathian range. As the principal base for mountain exploration from the Polish side, Zakopane is a vibrant resort destination, bustling with hikers during summer and skiers in winter. Additionally, Zakopane is renowned for its splendid collection of timber villas, constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when it became a refuge for Poland’s avant-garde artistic community. Consider taking a horse-drawn carriage to the picturesque alpine lake at Morskie Oko, and be sure to visit one of the remarkable villas at the Museum of Zakopane Style.
Accessing the site: The most efficient transportation option for reaching Zakopane is by bus; however, a few train services also operate at Zakopane’s modest train station. Buses depart Kraków every half hour during the day with the journey taking around two hours, while trains tend to be slower and slightly costlier.
Try Pope John Paul II’s favorite dessert in his hometown
Admirers of former Pope John Paul II will find it essential to visit his birthplace in the town of Wadowice. The family home of Karol Wojtyła, where he was born on 18 May 1920, has been meticulously restored and is available for guided tours. Wadowice itself is a charming, cobblestone town, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Do not depart without sampling the pope’s favorite dessert: kremówka, a well-known layered cream cake that delights dessert connoisseurs of all backgrounds. This delectable treat is available at various cafes in the town, particularly at Kawiarna Mieszczańska, which is reputed to serve the finest version.
Accessing the site: Wadowice can be reached from Kraków by bus or train, with buses generally being the faster option, completing the 52 km (32 miles) journey in just over an hour. The train journey takes slightly less than two hours.
See castles and caves at Ojców National Park
Ojców National Park, the smallest national park in Poland, is rich in both natural beauty and historical significance. While measuring only 21.5 sq km (8.3 sq miles), the park is home to romantic, well-preserved castles, caves, unique rock formations, and a diverse range of flora and fauna—all providing a welcome respite from the bustling streets of Kraków. Be sure to visit the 14th-century Pieskowa Skała Castle at the park’s northern edge, around 8 km (5 miles) north of the village of Ojców. Adventurers may want to explore the Wierzchowska Górna Cave, the longest cave in the area. To reward your hiking or caving excursions, enjoy rustic cuisine at Ojcowianin, located in the heart of Ojców village.
Accessing the site: A minibus service connects Kraków with Ojców. Buses leave from the northern side of Kraków, near a small stop at the corner of ul Lubelska and ul Prądnicka. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes.
