With a glorious medieval town square, an immense food scene, and many fascinating historical districts, Kraków is the cultural capital of Poland. However, venturing out of the city for a day will add even more context to your travels, all while allowing you to experience different aspects of local life.

Whether it’s a trip to the harrowing grounds of Auschwitz, Nazi Germany’s largest concentration camp, or hiking through the Niepołomice forest, these five day trips provide travelers with a deep insight into Polish culture.

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial & Museum

Why go: To understand the history of Kraków and the Nazi war crimes

Little has changed at Auschwitz-Birkenau—the largest extermination camp ever created by the Nazis—since it was liberated by Soviet troops in 1945.

The black, wrought-iron sign that reads “Arbeit macht frei” (“Work sets you free”) still hangs above the entrance gates of Auschwitz I. It was the lie that would have greeted some 1.1 million Jews, Poles, and Roma before they were murdered here, many in specially built gas chambers using the chemical agent Zyklon-B. Before the Nazi invasion, Poland was home to more than three million Jews— the largest population in Europe. Consequently, by the end of the war, numbers had fallen to between 180,000 and 240,000.

Exhibitions detailing prisoners’ daily life are scattered around the site, providing a harrowing look into the heart of the concentration camp. For a more comprehensive experience, multi-language tours are recommended, as they greatly enhance understanding through the guides’ storytelling. Tours leave every 15 to 60 minutes from the museum entrance. If you plan to explore independently, it is advisable to allow at least 90 minutes to cover both camps. A free shuttle bus runs between the two.

How to get to Auschwitz from Kraków:

Located 66km (41 miles) west of Kraków in Oświęcim, you can reach Auschwitz by car in less than two hours. Buses are the best option for public transport, departing from the MDA bus station directly to the Auschwitz I museum doors. Eleven daily trains also run directly from Kraków, taking about an hour and 50 minutes, with the train station situated 2km (1.2 miles) from the museum.

Niepołomice Forest

Why go: To get active in the wilderness

From a 13th-century royal hunting ground to a wildlife haven for the continent’s largest mammal—the endangered wisent (European bison)—about 30 of which roam freely here, the 110-sq-km (42-sq-mile) Niepołomice Forest is a vast natural wonder filled with marked and unmarked trails.

For a full day of adventure, pack a lunch. The 8km (5-mile) red path leads to the forest’s heart and the edge of the wisent’s protected breeding grounds, while the 14km (8.7-mile) green trail follows the original Royal Road, offering a more challenging hike. Additionally, the 12km (7.5-mile) blue trail leads to mass graves of locals killed in WWII, providing a more somber experience.

How to get to Niepołomice Forest from Kraków:

Bus 301 runs to Niepołomice town square, situated 26km (16 miles) east of Kraków, and from there, it’s a 20-minute walk to the forest. Trains also service the nearby towns of Stanisławice, Kłaj, and Cikowice, each providing access to different areas of the forest.

Wieliczka Salt Mine

Why go: To marvel at the salt sculptures and murals

A labyrinth of tunnels and chambers filled with salt-built sculptures, cavernous sodium chloride chapels, and striking NaCl chandeliers await you at Wieliczka Salt Mine, which has been welcoming visitors since 1722. Located only 14km (8.7 miles) from Kraków, the mine was producing table salt as recently as 2007 and is now one of Poland’s most popular tourist attractions—offering a window into salt-mining technology and showcasing a spectacular underground lake.

Dedicate an entire day to exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site, as there is an abundance of wonders to discover. After you explore the mines, head above ground to enjoy a coffee in Wieliczka’s traditional town square.

How to get to Wieliczka from Kraków:

Reachable by train and bus in approximately 30 minutes, Wieliczka is the perfect day trip from Kraków. Numerous tour operators, including Cracow City Tours, offer bus tours to the mine, starting at 150zł, which includes admission fees.

Zakopane

Why go: For the mountains, and an authentic Polish holiday experience

At the base of the Tatra mountains sits Zakopane, the most popular mountain resort in Poland, offering spectacular views and crystal-clear lakes throughout the seasons. With skiing opportunities in the winter and breathtaking hiking trails in the summer, this classic Polish holiday location is ideal for anyone seeking adventure.

If you have a weekend to spare during the summer, take the chance to venture to the Dunajec River Gorge and enjoy a leisurely float on a traditional wooden raft.

How to get to Zakopane from Kraków:

Buses depart from the MDA bus station once or twice an hour throughout the day; the journey lasts about two hours. Alternatively, Zakopane is reachable by a two-and-a-half-hour train ride, though only one departure is available each day.

Wrocław

Why go: For the 300-plus dwarves hidden in the streets

The fourth-largest city in Poland, Wrocław is rich in culture and diverse attractions. Enjoy a hot wine in the vibrant Rynek (market square) before exploring the architecture influenced by Prussian, Bohemian, and Austrian styles throughout this eclectic urban setting. Admire the Gothic influence in the Old Town Hall façade, and climb to the top of the Cathedral of St John the Baptist for breathtaking views over the city.

In addition, Wrocław is historically significant as the birthplace of the Orange Alternative, the infamous anti-Soviet movement. This heritage is playful yet poignant, seen through over 300 bronze dwarves scattered throughout the streets, going about their everyday tasks. Collect a map from the tourist information point to find all of them.

How to get to Wrocław from Kraków:

Situated 270km (168 miles) north of Kraków, Wrocław is a three-hour train ride away. Make sure to book your ticket in advance to secure a spot on this popular route, either in person at the Kraków train station or online. If you prefer to drive, the A4 directly connects the two cities, making it a convenient option.