Kazimierz is one of the most authentic and surprising districts of Krakow. What was the old Jewish Quarter until the tragic events of WWII it has transformed into one of the liveliest and most enchanting parts of the city. Filled with charming restaurants, cozy pubs, bustling local markets, and remnants of a tragically turbulent past, Kazimierz offers a truly unique experience.

Following the war Kazimierz was left in a state of decay, but its revival began with the filming of Schindler’s List and now the district has become one of the most desirable areas in Krakow, attracting residents, diners, and nightlife enthusiasts, particularly students. Within the lively streets of Kazimierz, one can discover a genuine and authentic atmosphere. The district exudes an undeniable charm, with its narrow alleys and quaint establishments beckoning visitors to explore its hidden treasures, solemn synagogues and poignant memorials. Amidst the historical backdrop, Kazimierz has embraced modernity while preserving its authentic character.

The district has become a vibrant cultural center and the lively pubs pulsate with energy, inviting visitors to experience the lively nightlife. Within Kazimierz, Jewish culture is experiencing a remarkable resurgence: art galleries, kosher restaurants, and klezmer concerts are thriving, enriching the neighborhood day by day. This cultural boom adds a vibrant and dynamic dimension to Kazimierz, attracting both locals and tourists who are eager to immerse themselves in this fascinating heritage.

Whether you are strolling through its charming streets, indulging in delectable cuisine, exploring the local markets, or partaking in the cultural offerings, Kazimierz is undoubtedly one of the musts in a visit to Krakow.

Some interesting facts to know about Kazimierz

Kazimierz is a district located just south of Krakow’s Old Town, reachable within a few minutes’ walk from Wawel Hill. Kazimierz and Krakow were once two different towns, and each had its own defensive walls and autonomy.

Kazimierz stood on an ancient island, surrounded by the Vistula River. At the beginning of the 19th century, as the cities had merged together, and Kazimierz had become just a district of Krakow, part of the river was filled with soil and a boulevard was built in its place.

Kazimierz’s history dates back to 1335, when King Casimir III the Great decided to found a new city on the outskirts of Krakow. The city bears his name, and at the time its inhabitants enjoyed the same privileges as those of the royal city, Krakow.

In 1494 a devastating fire destroyed Krakow, which had to be redesigned and rebuilt. King Jan I Olbracht decided to grant it to the large and important Krakow Jewish community in the Bawół district of Kazimierz. Here the Jews had the right to build their own town protected by a defensive wall, living peacefully with the Polish community that inhabited the remaining half of Kazimierz.

This area of Kazimierz, called Oppidum Judaeorum, became one of the major centers of Polish Judaism, inhabited by some of the best Jewish scientists, writers, artists and craftsmen.

Under the Austrian Emperor Joseph II, the city of Kazimierz was merged with Krakow and the Jewish community merged with the Polish one. There were over 120 synagogues throughout the city, and in the old Oppidum of Kazimierz only the poorest and most ultra-conservative Jews remained. Perhaps that is why we can still see how Kazimierz looked in the 18th century today, as its buildings have remained virtually unchanged.

After the Nazi occupation of Krakow, Jews were expelled from the city and those who decided to stay in 1941 were transferred to the Krakow Ghetto, established in the Podgórze district, across the river from Kazimierz. Tens of thousands of people were forced to live in an area that previously housed a maximum of 2-3,000 inhabitants.

From late 1941 to March 1943 when the Ghetto was liquidated, tens of thousands of Jews were sent to die in concentration camps, such as nearby Płaszów and the extermination camps of Belzec and Auschwitz. A little more than a thousand people survived, mostly thanks to Oscar Schindler, a German industrialist who had hired them to work in his factory.

After the war, the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz became one of the most degraded and infamous places in Krakow. Only in the early 90s did it begin to be revalued, mainly thanks to the popularity given by the film Schindler’s List, which was set and filmed here.

Over the years it has become one of the most popular neighborhoods among artists, students, beatniks and hipsters. In summer, the Jewish Culture Festival in Krakow is held here, one of the most important and interesting in the world. The neighborhood has become one of the liveliest in Krakow, less crowded with tourists than the Old Town and more authentic.

In the streets of Kazimierz you can feel the charm of the old days, taste excellent Polish-Jewish cuisine and have a drink in some of the most original bars in the city. Free walking tours of Kazimierz and the nearby Podgórze Jewish Ghetto take place every day, remember to book in advance.

Things to Do and See in Kazimierz

Although Kazimierz is today one of the major attractions of Krakow, like the Wawel Royal Castle, it is much less crowded with tourists than the streets of the Old Town. It’s a good place for a calm stroll and for a drink or a meal in the evening.

Plac Nowy

The heart of Kazimierz is Plac Nowy, a somewhat shabby-looking square that serves as the perfect place to immerse yourself in the life and culture of the neighborhood. Every day, a local market is held in Plac Nowy where residents come to buy fresh fruit and vegetables. Additionally, a flea market is also hosted here, offering antiques and old Communist memorabilia for those interested in unique finds.

At the center of Plac Nowy stands the round building known as Okrąglak to the locals. This historic structure dates back to 1900 and serves as a covered market. Along its perimeter, several windows allow people to order food. Notably, this is the place to savor some of the best zapiekanka in Krakow.

Szeroka Street

Szeroka Street is undoubtedly the most picturesque corner of Kazimierz. Once serving as the main square of the neighborhood until the late 19th century, it was the bustling center of life and commerce for the Jewish community. Today, this former market square has transformed into one of the most vibrant places in Kazimierz, adorned with excellent traditional Polish-Jewish restaurants, bars, and art galleries.

You find yourself at the heart of the Oppidum Judaeorum, the epicenter of Kazimierz, where the original buildings still stand remarkably preserved. Notably, at number 16 stands the Popper Synagogue, one of the oldest and most significant landmarks, though internally devastated by the Nazis, it has since been transformed into a cultural center.

As you stroll through Szeroka Street, make sure to spot The Old Synagogue (Synagoga Stara) at one of the corners. An Orthodox-Jewish synagogue, it dates back to the early 15th century and holds the distinction of being the oldest in both Krakow and Poland. Today, it houses an intriguing museum dedicated to the life and culture of the local Jewish people, and entry is free with the City Pass Krakow Card.

Do not miss the opportunity to visit the small and picturesque Remah Synagogue (Synagoga Remu) at Szeroka number 40, dating back to the 16th century. It stands as one of the four synagogues that remain active in the city, showcasing the rich historical heritage of Kazimierz.

Ancient Synagogues of Kazimierz

Among the most renowned synagogues visible on Szeroka Street, such as the Old Synagogue and the Remah Synagogue, lies the Tempel Synagogue, dating back to 1860 and meticulously restored after World War II. Throughout the war, this very synagogue was tragically transformed into an ammunition depot by the Nazis. Today, it proudly stands as the largest active synagogue in Krakow.

A short distance away, one can explore the Izaak Synagogue, which dates back to the 17th century. This stunning architectural marvel was only recovered after the fall of communism, having been previously used as an art exhibition hall. Tragically, during the war, the Nazis confiscated the synagogue in 1939, and a heart-wrenching event occurred when the Gestapo entered the premises. On that fateful day, the Jewish official on duty bravely resisted their orders to burn the sacred scrolls of the Torah and was fatally shot as a consequence.

Venturing along the path that connects the Tempel Synagogue and the Izaak Synagogue, you will encounter the Kupa Synagogue, a remarkable structure from the 17th century. Inside, visitors are captivated by the exquisitely adorned interiors featuring intricately carved wood and stucco decorations.

Jewish Ghetto of Krakow

Combining a visit to Kazimierz with the Krakow Ghetto makes a lot of sense. The Ghetto is located in the Podgórze district, just across the river. To reach the Ghetto, you can cross one of the bridges over the Vistula: the most popular are the Piłsudski Bridge, an authentic iron bridge dating back to the 1930s and rebuilt after the war, and the Father Bernatek’s Bridge, a modern bridge inaugurated in 2010.

Once you arrive, head to the heart of the ghetto, Plac Bohaterów Getta (Ghetto Heroes Square), where deportations to concentration camps took place. From there, you can continue your journey to Schindler’s Factory, one of the most significant places for understanding the history of the Krakow Ghetto.

For the best experience, consider taking a guided tour of Kazimierz and the Jewish Ghetto. The area holds many significant places and stories to explore, and having a local expert guide you through it will enhance your understanding. If you opt for the most comprehensive tour, you’ll also have the opportunity to visit the Płaszów Concentration Camp and Schindler’s Factory.

Corpus Christi Basilica

As mentioned earlier, Kazimierz was a neighborhood where Jews and Poles (Christians) coexisted peacefully. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that in Kazimierz you can find some of the most beautiful churches in Krakow.

One such magnificent example is the Corpus Christi Basilica, a majestic Gothic church founded by King Casimir III the Great in 1335. Upon entering, you will be greeted by stunning Baroque elements crafted in carved wood and the largest organ in Krakow.

Church on the Rock (Kościół na Skałce)

Located a bit off the beaten path, the Church on the Rock is undeniably one of the most significant landmarks in Krakow. Originally, this site housed one of the most important sanctuaries in the area, constructed in the 14th century only to be destroyed by the Swedes in the 17th century.

The present-day monastery was rebuilt in 1734 in the elegant Baroque style and is devoted to St. Michael the Archangel and St. Stanislaus, the revered bishop of Krakow and martyr. As one of the most important sanctuaries in the region, it holds immense significance for the local community.

Galicia Jewish Museum

The Galicia Jewish Museum is a permanent cultural center dedicated to preserving the rich history and culture of the Galician Jewish community. Through its captivating photographic exhibits, the museum offers a profound insight into life in the Jewish district before the Nazi occupation, as well as during the most tragic phases of the massacre and the period after the war.

Admission to the museum is free with the City Pass Krakow Card, allowing visitors to explore this significant cultural site and all the most important museums in Krakow without any additional cost.

Museum of Municipal Engineering

The Museum of Municipal Engineering is a delightful destination, particularly if you are traveling with kids or have a passion for technical exhibits. Situated within an old tram depot dating back to the late 19th century, this museum houses a fascinating collection of vintage Polish cars, old city trams (occasionally seen running on the streets of Kazimierz during weekends), and other artifacts from the city’s past. It is not very big, so you can visit it in less than an hour.

One of the best parts is that entry is free with the City Pass Krakow Card, making it an even more appealing attraction to visit. Consider paying a visit to this charming museum to delve into the historical wonders of municipal engineering while enjoying a memorable experience, especially if you’re accompanied by kids or have a keen interest in technical history.

What is the best way to visit Kazimierz and the Jewish Quarter

Kazimierz can easily be explored on foot. Steeped in history, it boasts a plethora of historic buildings, each with its own captivating story and legend. The remnants of the ancient Jewish Quarter lend an aura of mystique, while the lively gathering spots draw in locals and visitors alike.

To ensure you make the most of your visit, consider joining one of the free daily walking tours, where a knowledgeable local guide will lead you through the neighborhood’s hidden gems. Remember to book in advance to secure your spot!

For a more enriching experience, consider combining your visit to Kazimierz with a cultural exploration of the Krakow Ghetto. There are affordable guided tours offering deeper insights into the ghetto’s history and an opportunity to visit Schindler’s Factory.

History enthusiasts will find immense value in an in-depth tour, led by an expert guide. This comprehensive journey includes a visit to the Płaszów Concentration Camp and Schindler’s Factory, providing a profound understanding of the area’s historical significance.

How to get to Kazimierz from Krakow’s Old Town

From Krakow Old Town, you can easily reach Kazimierz with a pleasant 15-minute walk. From the foot of Wawel Hill, at the end of Grodzka (the boulevard that starts from the Main Market Square), follow Stradomska Street towards the Vistula and you will arrive in Kazimierz.

Once on Stradomska Street, you can continue your exploration by taking Józefa Street, which will lead you to the heart of Kazimierz. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the famous Schindler’s List Passage at no. 12, one of the locations featured in Spielberg’s film.

If you prefer public transportation, the closest tram stops are Stradom (served by trams 8, 10, 13) and Miodowa (served by trams 3, 19, 24), which is on the opposite side of Kazimierz, near Szeroka Street. For added convenience, if you have the City Pass Krakow Card, you can enjoy free rides on trams and buses.

Hotels in Kazimierz and Surroundings: Stay in the Vibrant Heart of Krakow

Kazimierz stands as one of the liveliest cultural hubs of the city and is renowned for its vibrant nightlife. The area boasts numerous charming local bars highly favored by the locals, along with a wide array of excellent restaurants. So why not consider staying in Kazimierz? From here, you can conveniently reach the attractions of the Old Town while enjoying a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to plan a seamless day trip from Krakow to Auschwitz, whether you choose to visit independently or prefer to join a reliable local tour.

From transportation options to key tips for making the most of your visit, this guide covers all the essentials for an informed and respectful experience at one of the most significant historical sites in the world. The information provided here has been personally verified and is regularly updated to ensure accuracy, giving you the most current and trustworthy details for your journey.

How far is Auschwitz from Krakow?

The Auschwitz Concentration Camp is situated in the town of Oświęcim, about 60 kilometers west of Krakow. Originally a small, quiet town, Oświęcim was renamed Auschwitz during the Nazi occupation, reflecting the Germanized version of its name.

By the start of World War II, the area had become a key railway hub, which made it a strategic location for the Nazis to establish the Auschwitz I concentration camp just outside the town center. The camp’s location, in a relatively secluded area surrounded by forests, allowed the Nazis to carry out their atrocities with a degree of isolation, yet its proximity to major rail lines facilitated the mass deportation of prisoners.

Auschwitz I, the main camp, lies approximately 2.5 kilometers from both the city center and Oświęcim railway station, emphasizing its grim connection to the broader Nazi network of forced transportation. This site would later expand into a vast complex, including the infamous Auschwitz-Birkenau, where the most horrific crimes of the Holocaust were perpetrated.

How far is Birkenau from Auschwitz?

The Birkenau extermination camp is located in the countryside about 3 km from the main Auschwitz I camp. During visiting hours there are free buses running between the two camps.

How long does it take from Krakow to Auschwitz?

The journey from Krakow to Auschwitz takes between 1.5 and 3 hours.

The fastest way is to go with a guided tour, which includes round-trip transport by private bus and allows you to optimize time and comfort.

The train is a cheap but not very comfortable option. Depending on the type of train, the journey lasts from 1 hour and 40 minutes to over 3 hours. And from Oswiecim Railway Station to the main gate of the Auschwitz Camp it takes at least half an hour walk, or you can take a local bus, but they are not very frequent.

How to go from Krakow to Auschwitz by Bus

If you want to go from Krakow to Auschwitz on your own, one of the most common solutions is to take one of the public buses that take you directly to the Auschwitz Camp from Krakow city center.

It is a cheap and rather reliable solution, but remember to be well informed about the timetables because they change quite frequently and, especially in winter, you could risk missing the last bus back to Krakow.

Buses to Auschwitz leave from Dworzec MDA (formerly RDA Regional Bus Station), located at ul. Bosacka 18.

It can be reached from Galeria Krakowska, the shopping center located in the center, next to the Central Railway Station.

You can also go through the station, go along the platform and go down into the underpass where the train ticket offices are located. From here you have to go right, in the opposite direction to the underground entrance to the shopping center. At the exit of the underpass you will find the Bus Station, right on the left. Go inside and look for the ticket office, ask for a ticket to Oświęcim or explain your intentions to reach the Auschwitz Museum.

The return ticket costs 28 zł (approximately € 7) per person.

The journey from Krakow to Auschwitz by bus takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.

I recommend that you go in the morning, the buses are more frequent (about one every half hour) and so you will be sure to arrive in time for your visit (there may often be delays due to road works).

Get off at the “Auschwitz Muzeum” stop. This is the same stop for the bus you will take back to Krakow. On the way back, the bus frequency is roughly one every hour, and the last one leaves around 6.15pm. In summer, buses are more frequent.

There are several companies that operate public buses between Krakow and Auschwitz, the cost of the ticket is more or less the same.

Be careful: when you ask for the ticket from Krakow to Auschwitz, it is better to specify that you want to go to the Auschwitz Museum (the Concentration Camp), otherwise you risk ending up at the Oswiecim Lodowisko Bus Station, which is over 5 km away from the Camp of Concentration.

How to go from Krakow to Auschwitz by Train

Going from Krakow to Auschwitz by train is a rather cheap solution, but perhaps not the fastest and most comfortable.

From Krakow Central Station (Krakow Glowny) you can take a regional train to Oświęcim. There is one every hour or two (depending on the day of the week and the season), and the journey lasts from 1 hour and 40 minutes up to over 2.5 hours (depending on the type of train).

It may be a good idea to inquire in advance at the train station ticket office about available options. Please note that many conductors do not speak English.

The cost of the one-way ticket varies between 9 and 25 zł, depending on the type of train. Normally the basic train fare from Krakow to Auschwitz is 15.60 zł (approx. € 3.60) one way.

You will get off at Oświęcim Station, which is almost 2km from the Auschwitz Concentration Camp. In summer it is about a 30-minute walk, in winter it is better to take the local bus to “Muzeum” at a cost of 2.7 zł.

How to go from Krakow to Auschwitz by Car

A day trip by car from Krakow to Auschwitz might be a good choice if you have enough time to spend and want to take a look at the surroundings.

You could rent a car, car rental prices in Krakow are inexpensive. In the vicinity of the Auschwitz Museum there are several parking lots. The price is around 8zł per day, less than 2€.

However, consider that there are traffic restrictions in the city center of Krakow, which is why many families opt for a private transfer, with a driver who will pick you up, take you to your destination, wait for you during the tour and then take you back to the your hotel in Krakow. Prices are very affordable if you book a licensed, certified and reliable driver. Prices are around € 100 per car.

The fastest way to get from Krakow to Auschwitz is the A4 motorway, however if you want to have a look around you should opt for one of the many secondary roads, such as the 780.

Is it worth booking a Guided Tour from Krakow to Auschwitz?

Auschwitz is one of those places that definitely deserve to be visited with a guide. Official guides allow you to better understand what you see, to give voice to what would otherwise be just ruins.

With its tragic history, Auschwitz has a lot to tell its visitors. It is a visit that only makes sense if made to learn more about its atrocious past. I have visited this place many times, both with and without a guide, and I can assure you that they are two completely different experiences.

The visit without a guide can leave you all the time you want to visit, to contemplate what happened, but it assumes that you already have an excellent knowledge of the place and its history. Otherwise you wouldn’t be able to make the most of the visit.

I recommend the visit with the guide to everyone, it is an absolutely intimate and touching experience, which anyone should do at least once in their life. Especially if it is your first visit to Auschwitz.

There are excellent guided tours from Krakow, organized by licensed and certified local guides, which allow you to visit both Auschwitz and Birkenau in a day and learn a lot about the history of the place and the stories of the prisoners.

Guided tours are inexpensive and include comfortable round-trip transportation, which optimizes your time and saves you the hassle of planning your visit.

The number of people visiting Auschwitz has grown tremendously in recent years, and this has led to regulations, so today anyone who wants to visit Auschwitz needs to book a timed ticket online (with or without a guide) far in advance.

These restrictions do not apply to tours organized by local guides, who take care of booking for you, even with little advance notice.

Things to know before you go from Krakow to Auschwitz

When planning your visit to Auschwitz you must take into account that, according to the new regulations of the Auschwitz Museum, it is mandatory to book and pay for the visit in advance.

The reservation must be made on the official website of the Auschwitz Museum and is valid for both the Auschwitz Concentration Camp and the Birkenau Extermination Camp.

During peak periods, such as June to September or December to February, it may be necessary to book well in advance. Even if you want to visit the camp on your own, without a guide, you will still need to book your ticket in advance.

If you decide to join one of the pre-arranged Auschwitz tours from Krakow, you won’t have to worry about a thing, as your guide will book for you. This is a good choice even when the availability on the official website is over.

I don’t recommend going without a reservation, as admission in these cases is at the discretion of the museum management. However, to have a chance you should go early in the morning and ask for the possibility of being included in one of the day tours.

If you go on your own I recommend that you check the bus or train timetables in advance. Once it happened that some friends of mine got stuck there after they missed the last bus of the evening because the schedules were suddenly changed due to some road works. They were lucky because it was summer, in winter with a temperature of a few degrees below zero it would not have been pleasant.

You can check the timetable of the bus from Krakow to Auschwitz here and train schedules from Central Station in Krakow to Oswiecim Station (Auschwitz) here.

For those with limited time there are guided tours from Krakow that allow you to visit Auschwitz – Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mines on the same day. I advise you to dedicate at least one day each, but if you really can’t, this could be a good solution.

The Krakow Salt Mines stand as an unmissable and captivating attraction during a trip to Krakow, and embarking on a day trip from Krakow to the Salt Mines is a must for any visitor. This extraordinary masterpiece of ingenuity and craftsmanship has been meticulously carved by generations of skilled miners over the centuries. From its awe-inspiring underground cathedrals to the intricate salt formations, the Krakow Salt Mines are a testament to human dedication and creativity.

Once inside the mines, you’ll be awe-struck by the stunning salt formations, underground chapels, and even an otherworldly lake, all testaments to the incredible artistry and perseverance of the miners who toiled to create this underground marvel. Going from Krakow to the Salt Mine, especially the most famous one, namely the Wieliczka Salt Mine, is pretty easy!

There are numerous convenient options available to suit every preference. If you desire a seamless experience, guided tours offer convenient round-trip transportation from Krakow, ensuring guaranteed entry and tickets, with no queuing or any hassles. Additionally, you’ll benefit from a wealth of insights and expert commentary throughout the tour. Alternatively, you could opt to go on your own, either by car or public transport, and then purchase a ticket for one of the available tours on the spot (keep in mind that these tours have fixed times and limited availability).

Whichever option you choose, rest assured that this guide on how to visit the Salt Mines from Krakow will provide a handy and easy overview of all the best choices!

Krakow Salt Mines: Things to Know Before You Go

The Krakow Salt Mines are a must-visit attraction in Poland, drawing millions of visitors each year. The most famous among them are the Wieliczka Salt Mines, situated just a few kilometers from Krakow. However, there is another gem to explore, the Bochnia Salt Mine, which is equally stunning and holds the distinction of being the oldest salt mine in Poland, dating back to the 12th century. Both the Wieliczka and Bochnia Salt Mines hold the prestigious title of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, boasting unrivaled beauty in the world. Their grandeur and magnificence are truly unparalleled.

The most famous and visited of the Krakow Salt Mines is undoubtedly the Wieliczka Salt Mine, renowned for its underground salt cathedral, incredibly richly inlaid rooms, and vastness of salt and underground chambers that visitors can explore, making it one of the most beautiful mines in the world. Conveniently located just a few kilometers outside Krakow, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is easily accessible for tourists.

On the other hand, the Bochnia Salt Mine is farther away and requires arranging transportation in advance to reach it, or visitors can opt for a guided day trip from Krakow. Here too you can take part in an interesting 2-hour guided tour taking you more than 200 meters underground. During the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to experience a thrilling ride on the miners’ train and even take a short boat trip on the underground lake located in the depths of the mine. For those who have already visited the popular yet crowded Wieliczka Salt Mines, Bochnia can be a delightful and worthwhile alternative.

Since the Krakow Salt Mines are vast underground labyrinths with dimly lit tunnels, guided tours are the only way to explore them. The knowledgeable guides play a crucial role in making the visit enjoyable and safe. Surprisingly, the tunnels are quite spacious, and usually the experience doesn’t trigger claustrophobia even for those who may be sensitive to enclosed spaces. The mines are equipped with various amenities, including stairs, elevators, restrooms, and even restaurants and bars deep within the earth. This makes the visit suitable for visitors of all ages, ensuring a comfortable and pleasant experience.

If you opt to venture on your own, it’s advisable to secure a skip-the-line ticket or arrive well in advance of the guided tour’s start time to avoid the typically long ticket queues.

How far is the Wieliczka Salt Mine from Krakow?

The Wieliczka Salt Mines are located about 16 km southeast of the Krakow city center.

This means that it is quite easy to get from Krakow to the Salt Mines and has probably contributed greatly to making Wieliczka one of the most famous things to see in Poland.

The ancient splendor and wealth of the medieval city of Krakow was mainly due to its proximity to the Wieliczka and Bochnia Salt Mines. The precious salt that was mined there was traded with merchants from afar in the Main Market Square in Krakow.

Bus from Krakow to the Wieliczka Salt Mine

An easy way to get from Krakow to the Wieliczka Salt Mines is by public bus.

You can take bus no. 304 at the Dworzec Główny Zachód stop, located near the Galeria Krakowska, near the Central Railway Station.

You can easily find the stop by walking along Pawia street, on the left side of Galeria Krakowska when coming from Krakow’s Old Town.

Bus line 304 takes you to the city center of Wieliczka, but you have to get off at the Wieliczka Kopalnia Soli stop, from which you can reach the Daniłowicz Shaft with a few minutes’ walk, where the tours of the Tourist Route start.

It is usually quite easy to realize that you have arrived at your destination, because most of the people on the bus get off at that stop.

If, on the other hand, you have to go to the Regis Shaft (where the experiences of the Mining Route start) then you have to get off shortly after, at the Wieliczka Rynek stop.

The bus ticket can be bought at the bus stop (there are automatic ticket machines). You must buy a ticket valid for Zones I + II (Strefa I + II). The journey from Krakow to the Salt Mines takes approximately 35 minutes, so choose a 50-minute ticket (single trip). The ticket price is 4.60 zł.

Bus 304 leaves Krakow to the Salt Mines every 10 minutes on weekdays and every 20 minutes on Saturdays and Sundays. You can check the bus timetable here.

Remember that at the end of your visit to the Salt Mines you will exit the Regis Shaft, which is about 500 meters away from the Daniłowicz Shaft. To take the return bus from Wieliczka to Krakow you have to go back to Dembowskiego Street, where you will find the bus stop. You have to wait for the bus on the opposite side of the outward journey.

Train from Krakow to the Wieliczka Salt Mine

Another way to get from Krakow to the Salt Mines is to take a suburban train from the Central Railway Station (Krakow Główny).

The suburban trains are operated by the company Koleje Malopolskie (KMŁ or KMAL), it is good to know this because each railway company requires its own specific ticket and has its own specific timetables.

You can take the train from Krakow to the Wieliczka Salt Mines at Krakow Central Railway Station. It usually leaves every 30 minutes. In about 20 minutes you will reach the station called Wieliczka Rynek Kopalnia, where you will have to get off.

The Wieliczka Rynek Kopalnia Railway Station is approximately 500 meters from the entrance to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, which is a 10-15 minute walk.

The train ticket can be purchased directly at the station at the automatic ticket machines or at the ticket offices. The ticket price is 3.50 zł one way.

Guided Tours from Krakow to the Wieliczka Salt Mine

The best way to visit the Salt Mines from Krakow is to book a guided tour that departs daily from Krakow city center and includes round-trip transport, skip-the-line ticket and full tour with an official guide in your language of choice (there are tours in English , Spanish, Italian, German, French, Russian and Polish).

It is a great way to visit the Salt Mines comfortably and saving time. The prices are not expensive and are worth every penny.

If you are short on time, you may want to opt for an advantageous combo tour that allows you to visit the Krakow Salt Mines and Auschwitz on the same day. This tour is designed to save you time and money, and allows you to join a full guided tour of the Auschwitz and Birkenau Concentration Camps and a full tour with an official guide to the Wieliczka Salt Mines.

How to get to the Wieliczka Salt Mine by Car

A good way to explore the surroundings of Krakow is to go with your own car, or rent one in Krakow. The prices are quite affordable and the roads are in good condition.

If you want to go to the Wieliczka Salt Mines by car you can take the Wielicka street which runs through the districts of Kazimierz and Podgorze and goes towards the intersection with the A4 motorway.

From here continue along the DK94 road for a few kilometers, then follow the signs to the Wieliczka Salt Mines or Wieliczka Centrum.

In the area around the Wieliczka Salt Mines there are several paid parking lots.

How to go to the Bochnia Salt Mines from Krakow

The Bochnia Salt Mines are located about 43 km from Krakow. They are part of the same geological formation as the Wieliczka Salt Mines, and are one of the oldest salt mines in the world, as well as being the oldest trading company in Poland.

The Salt Mines of Bochnia are much less touristy and popular than those of Wieliczka, but no less interesting. These mines have remained active for centuries, from the early 1200s to 1990s and, similar to those of Wieliczka, some major halls have been decorated by miners and open to visitors.

The tour of the Bochnia Salt Mines includes several underground halls, including a church and the famous Ważyn Chamber, the largest chamber, which today is a sanatorium (where you can sleep in a special microclimate, which is believed to be beneficial for breathing) with sports fields (basketball, volleyball, soccer, badminton) and even a restaurant. On special occasions it turns into a suggestive venue for events, conventions, concerts or shows.

The unmissable attraction of the Bochnia Salt Mines is the Underground Ferry Crossing: you can sail on a small underground salt lake in the heart of the mine.

The Bochnia Salt Mines can be visited on a guided day tour from Krakow, or you can rent a car and drive there on the A4 motorway.

Tips and Frequently Asked Questions

Wieliczka Salt Mine or Bochnia Salt Mine, which one is better to visit?

If it is your first time in Krakow, I recommend you to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine, it will be a truly unforgettable experience.

The Bochnia Salt Mines offer a more authentic experience, they are much less crowded, but also a little less charming. They are a perfect destination for those who have already visited Wieliczka at least once.

What is the best time to go and how to dress?

You can go there all year round, in winter it will be pleasant because the temperature in the mine will be even milder than outside.

In the summer, keep in mind that the temperature in the mine is stable around 14-15 °C, so bring something warm to wear.

It is very important to wear comfortable shoes: you will walk for at least a couple of kilometers, there are over 800 steps and some parts of the path may be slippery.

Is it better to book a guided tour from Krakow or go on your own?

The reservation of the visit is not necessary, however the Krakow Salt Mines can only be visited with an official guide. There are tours in several languages, so you need to inquire about the expected time of your tour and go there a few hours in advance, as the queues for the ticket office are usually very long.

Booking a guided tour from Krakow is undoubtedly the best solution if you want to visit the Krakow Salt Mines comfortably and without worrying about queuing, planning transport etc., because you have everything included: return transport from Krakow, skip-the-line ticket and full guided tour with official guide in the language of your choice.

The Wieliczka Salt Mines with their mysterious and evocative halls, the sculptures made over the centuries by the passionate and devoted work of the miners, the underground lakes and the impressive underground cathedrals, are undoubtedly one of the must-see on a trip to Poland.

The Wieliczka Salt Mines are located near Krakow, making them the perfect destination for a day trip suitable for the whole family. That’s why I thought I’d write a complete guide for you with all the information you need to plan your visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mines.

Where are the Wieliczka Salt Mines located?

The Wieliczka Salt Mines are located near Krakow, in the south of Poland, approximately 16 km from the city center of Krakow. This makes them easy to visit on a day trip, there are great guided tour options, or you can go there on your own by train or bus.

What makes the Wieliczka Salt Mines a must see in Krakow?

The Wieliczka Salt Mines are a masterpiece of ingenuity, art and creativity that is unique in the world. These mines have been Poland’s main source of wealth for centuries, as well as the oldest Polish industry, owned directly by the King.

From the 12th century to the end of the 19th century, the Wieliczka Salt Mines worked at full capacity, employing thousands of miners and even donkeys and horses, which were used for work in the mine.

The tons of salt produced each day were brought to Krakow, where they were traded for precious goods, fabrics, carpets, precious stones, spices and fragrances from the Far East. Krakow was right on a very important trade route, and its Main Market Square swarmed day and night with merchants from everywhere.

If Krakow flourished as a rich medieval city full of wonderful works of art, this is mainly due to the wealth from the Wieliczka and Bochnia Salt Mines, as salt was considered a very valuable and expensive commodity.

Over the centuries, about 300 km of tunnels, horizontal passages and chambers have been excavated, reaching a depth of 327 meters in the heart of the earth.

Over time, miners began to decorate the empty chambers of the mine’s upper levels, sculpting statues, inscriptions, chandeliers and even creating underground chapels and a huge cathedral carved out of salt.

Since ancient times the mines have attracted visitors from all over the world. In ancient travel diaries, the Wieliczka Salt Mines are listed as one of the main wonders of Krakow and Poland. Among the visitors there are important names such as Nicolaus Copernicus, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Fryderyk Chopin, Dmitri Mendeleyev, Pope John Paul II, the former U.S. President Bill Clinton and many others.

The Wieliczka Salt Mines were active until the late 90s, today the salt is no longer extracted with the mining method, but there is a modern plant (called “saltworks“) that extracts the salt from the water that flows into the mine and that is collected and pumped out, otherwise it would end up dissolving the entire mine.

Since 1978 the Wieliczka Salt Mines have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the first protected sites in the world.

What to see and do in the Wieliczka Salt Mines

The Wieliczka Salt Mines have welcomed visitors since 1722, attracted by the magnificence of its halls, the splendor of the underground cathedrals and the incredible and mysterious natural wonders of the underground world.

The Wieliczka Salt Mines are an underground labyrinth of over 300 km of tunnels, spread over 9 levels and largely unexplored and inaccessible to the public.

A small part of the mine, about 3.5 km of tunnels (2% of the total), is accessible to visitors who can explore the wonderful chambers, underground lakes and amazing masterpieces carved in salt by the miners.

The so-called Tourist Route is the original visitor route, which allows you to visit the mine in total safety: the halls and galleries are very large, you won’t even feel like you’re underground. The path winds through paved tunnels, solid wooden walkways and stairways that allow you to move between the levels of the mine.

Get ready for a long, but suitable for everyone, walk. Descend from the Daniłowicz Shaft, it is about 380 steps to reach Level I of the mine, about 64 meters deep. From there you will walk around 3.5km through a breathtaking path. The route is sufficiently illuminated and safe, there are also some points where the guide will allow you to rest for a while and where you can find toilets, bars and a souvenir shop.

During your visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mine you will see some of the most famous rooms, first of all the St Kinga’s Chapel, a huge and amazing cathedral carved in salt.

St. Kinga’s Chapel is the largest underground cathedral in the world, located 101 meters underground and capable of holding over 400 people. It took over 30 years of work to build this chapel. Here everything is made of salt: the floor you walk on, the statues, the bas-reliefs, even the chandeliers are made of salt and crystal.

The chapel is dedicated to St. Kinga (also known as St. Cunegunda), patroness of Poland and Lithuania, as well as patroness of the miners of the Wieliczka Salt Mine. She was the daughter of King Béla IV of Hungary and she dedicated her life to helping the poor. During the visit to the mine her guide will tell you many legends about her.

The St. Kinga chapel was completed in the late 1800s and today is also used for concerts and ceremonies, thanks also to its particular and excellent acoustics.

There are over 20 magnificent chapels in the Wieliczka Salt Mines and as many impressive halls, such as the scenic Michałowice Chamber with its breathtaking wooden architecture and the Stanisław Staszic Chamber, located about 130 meters below ground level.

You will also be able to see scenic underground lakes and rivers, their salinity is very high (much higher than that of famous salt lakes, such as the Dead Sea).

Along the way, the official guide will tell you the history of the mine and many mythological legends about miners. You will also be able to see the tools, trains and machinery used by the miners to extract the salt from the mine.

Over 125 meters deep you will even find a restaurant, the Karczma Górnicza (Miner’s Tavern), which serves simple traditional Polish dishes, cooked with salt from the mine. Eating in the depths of the earth will surely be an unforgettable experience!

How to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mines

The Wieliczka Salt Mines can only be visited on a guided tour. There are several tours per day, in different languages. Official guides take you to discover the wonders of the mine, tell you stories and legends and make sure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.

There are two different types of tour routes in the Wieliczka Salt Mines: the Tourist Route and the Miners Route. The classic tour itinerary is the one called Tourist Route, and it is the one that allows you to visit the magnificent and breathtaking halls of the mine.

The Miners’ Route instead starts from the Regis Shaft and is more a game experience than a cultural visit. You will have to dress like a miner, and they will take you to a different area of the mine, where there are no decorated rooms, but rough, dark and dusty mine.

Here you will learn how to move by the light of the lamp and do some typical mining tasks, such as testing the air in the mine and finding the right route underground, using the methane tester or other tools. It is an RPG that takes place in groups of 20 people, but I would recommend it only to those who have already seen the classic route (Tourist Route) at least once.

The classic tour of the Krakow Salt Mine starts from the Daniłowicz Shaft and lasts approximately 2 hours. During the visit you will walk around 3.5 km of mine tunnels and climb around 800 steps. At the end of the visit you will be brought back to ground level by an elevator in the Regis Shaft.

Tours start at set times, so make sure you arrive on time for your visit time. Keep in mind that ticket lines are usually very long and can take up to an hour.

From Krakow there are pre-arranged guided tours that allow you to easily visit the Krakow Salt Mines and include ticket, full visit with official guide (in a language of your choice between English, Spanish, Italian, German, French, Russian, Polish) and return transport.

What to Expect from Visiting the Wieliczka Salt Mines

Once you enter the Daniłowicz Shaft, you will pass through a series of heavy wooden doors. This is a system that prevents outside air from entering and ruining the mine.

After you leave the last heavy door behind you, you will arrive in a dimly lit room, with walls and ceilings made of huge wooden poles.

The Wieliczka Salt Mines are practically entirely made of salt and wood. Due to the microclimate of the mine and the high salinity, the wood becomes solid as a rock.

From Daniłowicz Shaft you will begin your descent to the heart of the earth, to discover the secrets of the mine. You will descend approximately 380 wooden steps, until you reach Level I, where the labyrinth of tunnels begins.

The first room you come across is the Copernicus Grotto. Copernicus was one of the earliest visitors to the mine, and to celebrate this famous guest here is a salt sculpture of him.

Along the way you will encounter different tools and machinery that were used by miners for their work. In addition to machinery, horses and mules were also used. Horses were used to move heavy loads.

You will follow the old mine train tracks, there is also an ancient station that once served to transport visitors and miners around the mine.

The Wieliczka Salt Mine hides, among the myriad of rooms and galleries, some incredible wonders of nature: the Crystal Caves are a complex of caverns covered in sparkling halite crystals. These caves were formed thanks to the particular microclimate of the mine and are a unique case in the world. They are not accessible to visitors: to visit them it is necessary to obtain specific study and research permits.

Continuing along the path you will come across the Chapel of St. Anthony, dating back to the 17th century, in Baroque style and subsequently the Janowice Cave, where the legend of the Polish prince Boleslao V the Chaste and the Hungarian princess Kinga (Cunegonda) is represented.

According to legend, Princess Kinga was very religious and therefore she remained chaste even after marriage. The girl threw her engagement ring as a sign of devotion to God and it was found set in a salt crystal in the place where the Krakow salt mines now stand.

Going down to the Level II you will discover the magnificent main chapels, including the Holy Cross Chapel, with its characteristic wooden architecture, and the huge and famous Chapel of St. Kinga.

From here the path continues along various halls, until it descends to the lowest level that can be visited. You will be able to see underground lakes and rivers and reach the Level III, located 135 meters below the ground level. Here is the Grota Józefa Piłsudskiego, which can only be reached via an underground lake.

This is the deepest point of the visit, after which you can spend some time visiting the Mine Museum or having something to eat at the tavern located 125 meters below the ground.

The last part of the route winds through a series of tunnels that allow you to reach the elevator and then exit the mine by going up through the Regis Shaft.

How to get to the Wieliczka Salt Mines from Krakow

The Krakow Salt Mines can be easily visited by booking a convenient guided tour from Krakow, which includes round-trip transport, skip-the-line ticket and full guided tour with an official guide in the language of your choice.

Otherwise you can go there on your own, taking a bus or train from Krakow. Bus 304 leaves near Krakow Central Railway Station and leaves at a stop located just a few hundred meters from the entrance to the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

If you prefer to go by train, you can take one of the suburban trains which from Krakow Central Railway Station take you to Wieliczka Rynek Kopalnia Railway Station in about 20 minutes. The station is located approximately 500 meters from the entrance to the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

If you have a car, or if you want to rent one, it will be quite easy to get to the salt mines from Krakow. Just follow Wielicka street in the direction of the A4 motorway and from there go straight to Wieliczka.

You can find more information on how to get from Krakow to the Wieliczka Salt Mines here.

What are the best Wieliczka Salt Mine tours from Krakow

The easiest and most comfortable way to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mines is to book a guided tour from Krakow.

Guided tours include round-trip transport from Krakow city center, skip-the-line ticket and guided tour usually available in several languages, such as English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Russian and Polish of course.

If you are looking for an even more peaceful and comfortable experience you could book a guided tour with round-trip transport from your hotel in Krakow, and maybe even add a dinner at the best restaurant in Wieliczka, the Karczma Pod Wielka Sola, which serves excellent local specialties.

If you are short on time, you may want to opt for a combo tour that allows you to visit Auschwitz and the Wieliczka Salt Mines on the same day. The tour is planned so that you can easily visit both, but if you have the opportunity to visit the two places on two different days, in my opinion, it is better. Visiting both on the same day could be a bit tiring.

Wieliczka Salt Mines Tickets and Prices

Wieliczka Salt Mines tickets can be purchased at the ticket office located near the entrance to the Tourist Route, or purchased in advance online.

The regular ticket price for the Wieliczka Salt Mine is 93 PLN. For children it is possible to get a reduced ticket, at the price of 73 PLN. Admission is free for children up to 4 years old.

Students up to the age of 26 and with a valid student card can get a reduced ticket for the price of 84 PLN.

Prices may be higher (eg 100 PLN for a regular ticket) during the high season (eg July to September).

Keep in mind that entry is only possible with a guided tour, led by an official guide. This is because it is a mining site, and it is a labyrinth of nearly 300 km of tunnels. The visits are organized in small groups and are held at fixed times.

Make sure you arrive early enough for your tour as queues for tickets can be very long. In winter, dress warm, as you may have to wait a long time in the cold (same goes for waiting for the bus or train back to Krakow).

If you decide to go on your own rather than go on a guided tour from Krakow, you may want to book your skip-the-line ticket online so you can avoid queuing for tickets.

Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the information you might find useful to know before visiting the Wieliczka Salt Mines.

How deep are the Wieliczka Salt Mines?

The depth of the Wieliczka Salt Mines is 327 meters below ground level.

However, not all 9 levels of the mine can be visited, so the maximum depth that visitors can reach is 135 meters below ground level.

What are the opening hours of the Wieliczka Salt Mines?

The opening hours of the Wieliczka Salt Mines are:

• from 07.30 to 19.30 in the summer
• from 8.00 to 17.00 in the winter

In some periods (e.g. from January to April) the opening hours are from 10.00 to 15.00 on weekdays and from 9.00 to 17.00 on holidays and Saturdays.

In any case, remember that you can only visit the mine during the scheduled tour times. There are several tours in English per day, and some in other languages as well.

Opening hours may change without notice, better check the official website of the Wieliczka Salt Mines before you go.

What are the Wieliczka Salt Mines also called?

The Wieliczka Salt Mines are often referred to in different ways, which may confuse you. Often they could be called Krakow Salt Mines or Kopalnia Soli Wieliczka or Krakow Salt Caves.

It may also happen that you simply find it written in other languages, such as zoutmijn wieliczka, saltgruven wieliczka or wieliczka saltgruva, salzmine wieliczka. Don’t worry, it always refers to the Wieliczka Mines.

Is it possible to combine the tour to Auschwitz and Wieliczka Salt Mines from Krakow?

Yes, even if I don’t recommend it. The ideal would be to visit them on two different days, so as to be able to make the most of each visit.

However, it could be a good solution for those short on time. There are excellent tours to Auschwitz and Wieliczka Salt Mines from Krakow that allow you to visit both places on the same day, saving you a lot of time and money.

A practical guide on how to Visit Auschwitz, either independently or with convenient guided tours from Krakow and nearby major cities. This comprehensive guide provides practical advice for planning your trip, choosing the type of visit that best suits your preferences and organizing transportation from Krakow to Auschwitz. Additionally, you’ll find valuable tips from locals on how to make the most of your experience while being mindful of your budget.

Visiting Auschwitz is an essential experience that everyone should undertake at least once in their lifetime. Auschwitz stands as a solemn symbol of the depths of evil that human beings can inflict upon one another. A visit to Auschwitz provides a unique and somber opportunity to bear witness to the horrors of the past and listen to the harrowing stories and testimonies of what transpired within the camp. This profound experience is made possible by the dedicated work of official guides, also known as educators, who diligently preserve the voices of the survivors and the evidence found in historical documents over the years.

Situated just over 60 km from Krakow, amidst anonymous countryside villages and forests, Auschwitz and Birkenau rank among the most infamous concentration camps in WWII history. Today, they have become the most significant Holocaust museum worldwide and hold a place of paramount importance among historical museums in Europe, leading to their designation as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Where is Auschwitz?

The Auschwitz Concentration Camp is located in the town of Oświęcim, in southern Poland, approximately 60 km from Krakow and 30 km from Katowice.

Auschwitz is the name given by the Nazi Germans to the town of Oświęcim during the occupation of Poland in the Second World War. Initially, there was a barracks that belonged to the Polish army, which was later converted into a concentration camp in May 1940. This became known as Auschwitz I, the main camp of a series of sub-camps built subsequently.

What is the difference between Auschwitz and Birkenau?

The Auschwitz Concentration Camp is made up of a series of camps built in the area around Auschwitz. The main camp is the one called Auschwitz I, located just outside the city center of Auschwitz.

Here was the administration and some of the most famous blocks, such as Block 11, also called “death block”, where torture and executions of political prisoners took place, and Block 10, where Nazi doctors carried out their cruel experiments.

The second main camp was built in 1941 near the village of Brzezinka, which the Germans had renamed Birkenau. Birkenau camp was built for Russian prisoners, but was later designated as the main site for the extermination of Jews. The Birkenau Extermination Camp is also known as Auschwitz II, and was the most atrocious camp of the Auschwitz death machine, equipped with 4 crematoria running day and night, as well as many mass graves in the surrounding area.

The Birkenau Extermination Camp is the largest of the Auschwitz camps. It is a boundless expanse of blocks, many of which are no longer visible today.

A third main camp was built in an area west of Auschwitz, called Monowitz. Here one of the largest German chemical companies, IG Farben, was building a huge factory, called Buna, for the production of synthetic rubber.

A forced labor camp, called the Monowitz Buna Labor Camp, or Auschwitz III, was built around the factory site. Here prisoners able to work were sent to forced labor. Today practically nothing remains of the Monowitz camp.

How to get from Auschwitz to Birkenau?

The visits to Auschwitz start from the main camp of Auschwitz I, where the ticket offices are located and where in the blocks there are most of the installations that allow you to better understand the history of the place.

Afterwards you can reach the Birkenau camp, located about 3 km east of the Auschwitz I camp.

There are free shuttles that allow visitors to move from one camp to another. If you are visiting with a guided tour, just follow the instructions of the guide, who will come with you to the Birkenau camp where the guided tour will continue.

If you are visiting Auschwitz on your own, the shuttles leave in the square in front of the ticket office of Auschwitz I and in the square in front of the main gate of Birkenau.

How to get to Auschwitz?

Auschwitz is easily accessible from Krakow and Katowice. There are also guided tours from Wrocław, which is over 190 km away.

Most people visit Auschwitz from Krakow, from which there are many options to get to and prices are generally inexpensive.

There are guided tours from Krakow, organized by specialized licensed guides, which include round-trip transport and guided tour in the language of your choice (there are official guided tours in English, German, Spanish, French, Italian and Polish, and sometimes even in Russian).

If you decide to visit Auschwitz on your own, then you must book and pay for the ticket in advance on the Auschwitz Museum website and plan your travel according to the tour times you have booked.

You can get to Auschwitz from Krakow by bus, train or car.

Buses from Krakow to Auschwitz leave from the Bus Station located near the Krakow Central Station and take approximately 1.5 hours to arrive in front of the ticket office of the Auschwitz I camp.

Trains from Krakow to Auschwitz depart from Krakow Central Station and arrive at Oświęcim station, which is over 2km away from Auschwitz I camp. From there it is about 30 minutes on foot, or you have to take a local bus or a taxi. The train ride takes from 1 hour and 40 minutes to almost 3 hours depending on the type of train.

To get from Krakow to Auschwitz by car you can follow the A4 motorway or one of the many secondary roads. If you don’t have your own car you can rent one in Krakow, booking it online the prices are quite inexpensive. Or you can book a private transfer with driver, for groups or families it could be a convenient solution.

There are also guided tours from Katowice, which is just 30 km away. And if you want to visit Auschwitz from Wrocław you can book a private tour.

How much does it cost to visit Auschwitz and Birkenau?

There are several ways to visit Auschwitz: there are guided tours from Krakow, or you can book a visit for individual visitors.

To visit Auschwitz you need a personalized entry pass. If you go with a guided tour you don’t have to worry about a thing, your guide will take care of everything. If you go on your own then you must book your visit in advance, choosing whether to visit Auschwitz and Birkenau without a guide or join a guided tour for individual visitors.

The Auschwitz ticket for individual visitors who intend to visit without a guide is free, but the number of tickets available is limited. In addition, access to individual visitors without a guide is only granted at certain times, depending on the time of year.

There are two types of guided tours for individual visitors, the 3.5 hour classic tour, which is the most popular, and the 6 hour “study tour”, which is primarily for history buffs and researchers.

The individual ticket for the 3.5-hour guided tour costs 75 zł (approximately € 16.70).

Students under 26 with a suitable student card, people over 75 and disabled with suitable documentation, can book a reduced ticket at the price of 65 zł (approximately € 14.50).

The individual ticket for the 6-hour “study visit” costs 115 zł (approximately € 25.65).

Prices for guided tours from Krakow vary depending on the company that organizes them and the time of year and include round-trip transport from your hotel in Krakow, skip-the-line admission ticket and full tour of Auschwitz and Birkenau with an official guide in the language you prefer. If you book in advance you’ll usually get better prices.

How can I visit Auschwitz and Birkenau with an Official Guide?

You can visit Auschwitz with an official guide by joining one of the guided tours from Krakow (or from Katowice or Wroclaw) or by purchasing a ticket for a group guided tour for individual visitors well in advance.

The guided tour of Auschwitz is the most complete and interesting experience you can have there, because the official guides (also called educators) are much more than just guides.

Each official guide has studied the official documents of the Auschwitz archives for many years, and has spent a lot of time together with former prisoners. They are often grandchildren or relatives of survivors. This will allow you to hear the stories of the people who have been imprisoned in that hell.

By booking your guided tour you will have to choose the language you prefer. There are tours every day in English and other languages, conducted in small groups, each with a guide speaking your chosen language.

How can I visit Auschwitz and Birkenau without a Guide?

Visiting Auschwitz with a guide is highly recommended, but you may want to visit the camps on your own, without a guide.

This may give you more flexibility, allowing you to focus your visit on a few specific things, or to experience a more intimate and introspective visit.

Personally I have visited Auschwitz and Birkenau dozens of times, both with and without a guide. I would recommend the visit without a guide only to those who have previously visited the camp with a guide, or who are really expert on the subject.

You have probably studied the history of Auschwitz at school or university, perhaps you have read some books or seen some movies. Maybe, just like me, you’re a history buff and think you know enough about it. I assure you that when you walk through the Auschwitz gate you will find that you know nothing about it.

The visit with the guide will make you discover aspects that you will not read in any book and you will never see in any documentary or film.

However, self-guided tour is possible for individual visitors who request an entry pass well in advance on the official Auschwitz Museum website. The entrance ticket is free for self-guided visitors.

The entry passes available are very limited and for individual visitors it is only possible to visit Auschwitz at certain times.

There is also the option to book a self-guided tour from Krakow, which includes round-trip transportation and skip-the-line ticket for individual entry. Prices are definitely cheap.

Is it mandatory to book a tour in advance?

In recent years the number of people visiting Auschwitz has increased considerably, which is why the management of the Auschwitz Museum has decided to strongly regulate visits to the Auschwitz and Birkenau camps.

This is the reason why if you want to visit Auschwitz you must necessarily book your visit in advance.

During peak periods, such as in summer (especially from July to September) and between December and February, it is important to book well in advance (at least 2 months in advance is recommended) to find tickets available.

Booking the ticket for the guided tour from the Museum’s official website requires you to pay the full amount of the ticket in advance. This is why many people choose to book the guided tour with reputable operators such as GetYourGuide or Civitatis, which in addition to including round-trip transport from your hotel also offer a free cancellation guarantee.

Even if you want to visit Auschwitz on your own, without a guide, you will still need to book your entrance ticket in advance.

What if I have not booked a tour in advance?

You are visiting Krakow and would like to visit Auschwitz, but you only found out now that you should have booked your visit a few months ago. Don’t worry, it happens to a lot of people.

Unfortunately, you cannot visit Auschwitz without a reservation. For safety reasons and to allow visitors to have a respectful visit, without creating crowds that would not be appropriate to the place, the ticket offices are increasingly strict in compliance with this rule.

But I have good news for you! You may want to check if there are any availabilities for this guided tour from Krakow, this is because licensed tour agencies can request guided tours for their clients, regardless of availability for individual visitors.

If the tour I just recommended is fully booked, you can check out other tours on GetYourGuide or Civitatis, which are reliable operators that allow you to book your tour online and safely.

What to Expect on a Visit to Auschwitz and Birkenau

A visit to Auschwitz has nothing to do with a sightseeing trip or even a visit to a museum. It’s nothing funny and it’s not a place to take a few selfies to put on Instagram. It is a visit to the place where over 1.5 million people were horribly killed.

The visit starts from the Auschwitz I Concentration Camp, you will enter from what was once the prisoners’ reception, from here you will continue through the main gate, the one with the sadly famous inscription Arbeit Macht Frei, work sets you free.

Once you go through the gate you will be beyond the double lines of electrified fences, barbed wire and watchtowers. The buildings you see are the blocks of the concentration camp, many of which housed the prisoners, others had a very specific function.

During your visit to Auschwitz your guide will take you to see some of the most significant blocks and explain what happened there.

Many blocks show documents, maps and objects that help to reconstruct the history of the camp. There are rooms full of glasses, others full of shoes or suitcases. They are part of the objects found in the camp warehouses, once belonging to the killed prisoners. Other blocks have been preserved in their original condition.

During your visit to the Auschwitz I camp you will also see the perfectly preserved gas chamber and the adjacent crematorium.

The visit continues to the Birkenau camp, an immense expanse of barracks. You will walk up the ramp where the trains arrived, about a kilometer long, until you reach the ruins of the crematoria destroyed by the fleeing Nazis.

The visit takes around 3.5 hours in total, which means you will have to walk the entire time. The concentration camps of Auschwitz and Birkenau extend over a rather large area, however the pace of the visit is calm and suitable for anyone.

Important Things You Should Know Before You Go

• When you visit Auschwitz you will find yourself mostly walking outside, although you will often enter to visit the various blocks. So keep in mind that in case of bad weather, you may have to spend a lot of time in the rain. Bring a k-way or something similar with you.
• If you visit Auschwitz in winter, be aware that it can get quite cold. Average temperatures in January and February could easily drop below freezing. There may also be a lot of snow, so consider dressing appropriately.
• The temperature is quite similar to that in Krakow, so it shouldn’t be a problem to pack something warm. Remember to wear comfortable, warm and possibly waterproof shoes. Especially in Birkenau you will often walk in mud.
• Remember that it is essential to book your visit to Auschwitz in advance. You can rely on the excellent guided tours that include transportation and a full guided tour, or if you want to go on your own you will also have to worry about planning transport from Krakow to Auschwitz and vice versa.
• You must arrive at least 30 minutes before the start time of your tour, otherwise you risk not being admitted. Find out in advance about the updated bus or train timetables, so as not to have bad surprises.
• Security is quite strict, you will have to go through metal detectors and they may ask you to show your ID and proof in case you have purchased a reduced ticket.
• Only very small bags are allowed, which do not exceed the dimensions of 30x20x10 cm. Any other bags or suitcases must be left in the car or on the bus, which could be a problem if you are traveling on your own.
• There are some lockers where you can leave your bags for a fee, located near the ticket offices. However, availability is limited.
• It is allowed to take photographs in both Auschwitz and Birkenau, but you cannot use flash or tripod. In some parts of Auschwitz I it is not allowed to take photographs, these places are well signposted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here you will find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions for those planning a visit to Auschwitz.

Which is the nearest airport to visit Auschwitz?

Many people visit Auschwitz during a trip to Eastern Europe, perhaps during an Interrail. Others come on purpose to visit Auschwitz.

The best choice is to travel to Krakow, which has an excellent international airport and a train station that connects it to major European cities.

Krakow offers a wide choice of accommodation, restaurants and entertainment and from here you can easily book a guided tour to Auschwitz.

I would also like to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mines, is it possible to do it on the same day?

I recommend visiting Auschwitz and the Salt Mines in two different days, in order to dedicate to each visit the right time and the right calm it deserves. However, if you are short on time, then it might be a good solution to book this combo tour that allows you to visit Auschwitz and the Wieliczka Salt Mines on the same day.

Krakow is one of Poland’s most captivating cities, a true gem that continues to enchant visitors with its blend of history, culture, and vibrant atmosphere. Nestled on the banks of the Vistula River in southern Poland, Krakow boasts a rich heritage dating back to the 7th century, having once served as the royal capital and an important trade hub in medieval Europe.

What makes Krakow truly unmissable is its unique combination of well-preserved historical landmarks and modern charm. The city’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to one of Europe’s largest market squares, surrounded by colorful townhouses, medieval churches, and the towering Wawel Castle. Strolling through its cobbled streets, visitors are transported back in time, yet the city remains vibrant, with bustling cafes, restaurants serving traditional Polish cuisine, and a thriving arts scene.

Krakow is perfect for both long stays and short getaways, offering a wealth of attractions within a compact area. From the poignant history of the Jewish Quarter and nearby Auschwitz-Birkenau to the lively nightlife of Stare Miasto, Krakow has something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply seeking a weekend escape, Krakow promises to leave a lasting impression.

Top 10 Attractions and Things to See in Krakow

Krakow was for many centuries the most important city in Poland. During its heyday, between the 1300s and 1600s, it was the seat of the royal court of Casimir III the Great, and has become one of the most beautiful and flourishing medieval cities.

Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the first in the world to obtain this recognition, and preserves almost intact the old market square, the royal castle on Wawel Hill and the Kazimierz district, which for centuries was home of one of the largest and most important Jewish communities in Europe.

After the tragic events of World War II, Krakow and Poland came under the influence of the Soviet Union and experienced communism until 1990.

Today it is a lively and trendy city, a destination for travelers from all over the world, attracted by the many things to do in Krakow, including 2 other must-see UNESCO sites: the Wieliczka and Bochnia Salt Mines and the tragic site of Auschwitz concentration camp.

Krakow Main Market Square (Rynek Główny)

The huge Krakow Main Market Square, is a main point of reference for visitors: it measures 200 x 200 meters, making it the largest medieval square in Europe, and is located right in the heart of Stare Miasto (the historic center).

From here begin the two main streets of Krakow, Ulica Florianska (towards the Krakow Barbican and the Central Railway Station) and Ulica Grodzka (towards the Royal Wawel Castle) which together form the so-called Royal Route.

Krakow Main Market Square dates back to the 14th century when it was crowded with merchants, cattle sellers and farmers. Today it is the heart of the city, surrounded by ancient and charming town houses, each with its own story to tell. A walking tour with a local guide is undoubtedly the best way to visit this UNESCO-listed square.

The square is lined with cafes, pubs and restaurants, and it buzzes with life at any time of day or night. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the Krakow Christmas Markets held here between the first days of December and the first days of January, when the square is filled with stalls and kiosks serving delicious grilled meat, soups and irresistible typical street food specialties.

In the middle of the square is the ancient Krakow Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), once a textile market, today it houses souvenir shops and an art gallery. You will also see a lonely tower, the Town Hall Tower (Wieża ratuszowa), the only remnant of the old town hall: you can climb to the top for a nice view of the square.

St. Mary’s Basilica, with its Gothic towers, is one of the symbols of the city and overlooks the square. Don’t miss the trumpet player who every hour plays St. Mary’s Trumpet Call (Hejnał mariacki), an ancient five-note hymn belonging to the Polish tradition, from the tallest tower of St. Mary’s Basilica.

Wawel Royal Castle

Wawel Royal Castle was the residence of the Polish kings for many centuries and is located on top of Wawel Hill, with magnificent views of the Vistula River and the city.

Wawel Royal Castle is a huge complex of buildings and fortifications dating back to the 16th century. You can visit over 71 enchanting rooms, divided into 5 different sections, such as the Crown Treasury and Armory, the State Rooms and the Royal Private Apartments.

You will be able to see the ancient charm of the rooms where the most important people of the time were received, fine paintings, ancient tapestries and jewels and collections of oriental art.

The first palatial building you come across after entering the gate is Wawel Cathedral, and it is the place where Polish kings were crowned and its underground crypts hide the tombs of kings and their families.

It is also possible to visit the Wawel Dragon’s Den, caves where there are the fossil remains of a dragon (in reality it could be a whale, or something like that) and a statue with a dragon that breathes real fire.

The best way to visit Wawel Royal Castle is on a private guided tour, as there are so many stories and anecdotes to learn. But if visiting castles isn’t your thing, it is definitely worth going up Wawel Hill to see (for free) the royal courtyard and gardens, from which you can get a nice view of the Vistula.

Kazimierz: the old Jewish quarter of Krakow

One of the unmissable things to do in Krakow is a nice stroll through the narrow streets of Kazimierz, the old Jewish quarter.

The village of Kazimierz was founded by King Casimir III the Great in the 14th century, and one of the largest Jewish communities in Europe settled here in the following centuries.

With the invasion by Nazi Germany, most of Krakow’s Jews were forced to move away from the city while those who remained, about 15,000, were forced to move to the ghetto, created in 1941 in the nearby village of Podgórze, which today is the district located exactly on the opposite bank of the Vistula.

The Krakow Ghetto was actually a sorting place for Jews to extermination camps. It was finally liquidated in 1943, with the killing of almost all of its inhabitants. Today it is still possible to see a small section of the ghetto wall, the main square (where there is a monument to the holocaust) and the Eagle Pharmacy of Dr. Tadeusz Pankiewicz, a Pole who helped many Jews and whose story is told in the book “The Krakow Ghetto Pharmacy”.

Today Kazimiers is one of the liveliest districts, full of restaurants serving delicious Polish Jewish specialties, pubs and shops, most of them around Szeroka Street, an old market square that is currently one of the most picturesque spots in Krakow.

In nearby Plac Nowy you will find an authentic local market, where you can taste delicious “zapiekanki” and also there are dozens of excellent eateries, beer houses and trendy places. This is also where locals, students and tourists love to spend the evening.

It is also worth visiting the ancient synagogues of Kazimierz, such as the Old Synagogue, the Remuh Synagogue (with the Old Jewish Cemetery where some tombstones date back to the 16th century) and the Tempel Synagogue.

Kazimierz has so many hidden gems to discover and tons of stories to be told. For this it could be a great idea to join one of the FREE walking tours, a pleasant 2-hour walk led by excellent local guides.

Auschwitz and Birkenau

No visit to Krakow is complete without visiting Auschwitz. The largest and most atrocious Nazi concentration camp is only 1 hour from the city center, and anyone should visit it at least once in their lifetime.

The Auschwitz Concentration Camp consisted of 3 main camps:

• Auschwitz I: with dozens of blocks that can be visited, the gas chambers, crematoria and various structures still well preserved.
• Auschwitz II, also called Birkenau: the real extermination camp, today appears as a huge expanse of wooden barracks, and here you can also see the infamous railway entrance gate and the ruins of the crematoria.
• Auschwitz III, also called Monowitz: today it cannot be visited because practically nothing remains of it.

You can visit Auschwitz and Birkenau, reaching the village of Oświęcim by bus, train or with the guided tours that depart from Krakow.

It is definitely worth going there with the guide, because they are really experienced and know how to tell very well the history of the camp and all the anecdotes of the survivors.

There is a lot to see and there are many stories to hear: it would be advisable to reserve a full day for the visit. The ticket reservation for Auschwitz must be done online well in advance. You can, however, check the availability of guided tours from Krakow, which include round-trip transport and visiting Auscwhitz and Birkenau with an official guide (available in several languages).

Wieliczka Salt Mines

One of the things to see in Krakow that you absolutely cannot miss are the Wieliczka Salt Mines, located just 12 km from the city center.

Active since the Middle Ages, these mines have been continuously expanded since the 13th century, to become the largest industry in Poland, together with the nearby Bochnia Salt Mines.

The importance of Krakow’s mines was enormous for Poland as salt was once considered to be very valuable, and this was crucial to the thriving development of the city and its economy.

The Wieliczka Salt Mines have been exploited for over 750 years, and consist of over 300 km of tunnels, over 3,000 caves, underground lakes and huge halls arranged over 9 levels, the deepest at 327 meters underground.

Over the centuries miners have decorated the rooms in which they spent most of their time, creating a masterpiece that is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The rooms are full of sculptures and creations made in salt and rock.

The visit route winds along a couple of kilometers, walking in the large tunnels dug by miners many centuries ago.

You can visit wonderful halls, see the underground lake, reach the deepest point of the mine and visit the breathtaking Chapel of Saint Kinga, a real cathedral carved into the rock hundreds of meters underground, capable of accommodating up to 500 people.

You can visit the Wieliczka Salt Mines on a guided tour only (there are tours at different times of the day and different languages), and the visit is safe and comfortable (the halls and galleries are really large). There is even a restaurant where you can eat in the depths of the earth!

There are tours every day that depart from Krakow and include a guided tour and round-trip transport.

Stare Miasto (Krakow Old Town)

The picturesque Krakow Old Town (Stare Miasto, in Polish) is a true jewel of medieval and Renaissance architecture, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

It was once surrounded by mighty city walls and bastions (still partially visible and open to visitors). Most of the fortifications were demolished in the early 1800s at the behest of Franz I Emperor of Austro-Hungary, and where once the city walls were, today stands the Planty Park, the beautiful park that surrounds the old town with its 4 kilometers and more of lush green gardens.

Start your visit from St. Florian’s Gate, located near the Krakow Barbican, not so far from the Central Station. St. Florian’s Gate is an ancient city gate, dating back to the Middle Ages, and was the main access point to the city.

From here continue to Floriańska Street, along what is also called the Royal Route because it connects the main entrance of Krakow with the Wawel Royal Castle, and military parades and processions were held here.

Floriańska Street with its pastel-colored town houses is considered the main street in Krakow, and bustles with tourists, shops and street performers. This is also one of the main nightlife spots, full of bars, clubs and restaurants.

After visiting the Market Square, you can continue along Grodzka Street, which is practically the continuation of Floriańska Street and leads to Wawel Hill, the Vistula River and Kazimierz.

Don’t miss the chance to taste an obwarzanek, the typical snack of Krakow, you could even participate in a workshop to learn how to do it. You could join a Krakow Food Tour to discover the most authentic local food, visit farmers’ markets, fabulous bakeries and bakeries, explore local favorite places to eat and sample dozens of delicious regional specialties.

The best way to discover all the secrets of Krakow’s old town is to join one of the FREE walking tours with a local guide: they are held every morning and last about 2.5 hours. Book well in advance!

Oskar Schindler’s Factory

A movie you should see before going to Krakow is “Schindler’s List“, a real masterpiece directed by Steven Spielberg, based on the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German entrepreneur who did his utmost to save over 1000 Jews from Nazi extermination.

During the German occupation of Krakow, Schindler had set up an enameled pot (and later ammunition) factory in a suburb adjacent to the ghetto and the Kazimierz district. In those years he saw the Nazi horrors, and decided to help the Jews.

He stopped hiring Poles, starting to use the abundant Jewish workforce from the nearby Kraków-Płaszów Concentration Camp, thus saving them from their cruel destiny. Over the years he compiled a list of his Jewish workers, in order to prevent their deportation, and made every effort to save as many lives as possible from extermination.

Today it is possible to visit Schindler’s Factory administration building, where you can see his office, his original list, and find out much more about his history.

In addition, Schindler’s Factory houses an interesting museum on the history of the Nazi occupation of Poland, where you can learn more about how the Jews of the ghetto lived, how people lived in Krakow in those years, and see the reconstructions of a typical ghetto apartment or a cellars where Jews were hidden.

There are great guided tours every day, but remember to book ahead as availability is quite limited. If you are a history buff, then you should check out this tour with an expert guide, which besides Schindler’s Factory also allows you to visit and learn much more about the Kraków-Płaszów Concentration Camp and the most significant places in the ghetto.

Nowa Huta

Leave the busy Krakow Old Town for a while, and enjoy an unforgettable and authentic experience discovering the city’s recent communist past, a little offbeat, but absolutely one of the best things to do in Krakow.

Go to Nowa Huta, whose name means New Steelworks, a neighborhood built in the early 1950s at the behest of Stalin, who wanted Poland to have a strong and huge steel industry.

Nowa Huta is a huge planned city, built by Soviet architects who managed to design a jewel of socialist realism, the regime’s official architectural style.

It is built around what were once among the largest steelworks in the world, and which, despite the will of the regime, became a den of rebels of the “Solidarność” movement, which played an important role in the collapse of communism.

Today, the working-class neighborhood of Nowa Huta still retains the charm of the old days, and you can visit underground nuclear bunkers, apartments and restaurants where time seems to have stood still.

But remember to go there with a local expert guide, this is the real experience! The tours start in Krakow, you will board your time machine, an authentic Polish car from the old days, and your passionate guide (member of a non-profit cultural association of Nowa Huta) will take you to discover the wonders of the Workers’ Paradise!

Krakow Museums and Exhibitions

Krakow boasts an interesting artistic and cultural heritage, dozens of museums, concert halls and exhibitions. The most famous museum in Krakow is probably the Czartoryski Museum, which houses Leonardo Da Vinci’s renowned painting Lady with an Ermine.

Also of interest is the Polish National Museum, which boasts a large collection of works by Polish artists, weapons, uniforms and archaeological finds. For contemporary art lovers, a visit to the MOCAK Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow, located right next to Schindler’s Factory Museum is worthwhile.

Manggha is a museum dedicated entirely to Japanese art, while nostalgic people will love the Pinball Museum, dedicated to the game that has thrilled generations (and yes, you can play it for free). Also interesting is the Aviation Museum, where you can see hundreds of old military planes and helicopters (mainly from World War I and II and the Soviet Union).

Also very popular is the new museum which is located just below the Market Square, the Underground Museum, where you can discover the history of the square and the city. A few steps away you can also visit the Collegium Maius, the historical seat of the Jagiellonian University, one of the oldest in the world (Copernicus studied here). About half an hour’s walk from the center is the small Gestapo Museum, where you can see the old cells and find out more about what used to be the Gestapo headquarters in Krakow.

Most of Krakow’s museums are quite small and can be visited with little time. With the City Pass Krakow Card you can enter over 40 museums for free and enjoy free unlimited rides on Krakow’s buses and trams.

Here you will find the guide to the 25 best museums to see in Krakow.

Krakow Churches

Krakow has an ancient religious tradition, and here Christians and Jews lived side by side peacefully for many centuries.

So, among the things to see in Krakow, its beautiful churches and ancient synagogues cannot be missed. St Mary’s Basilica located right on Krakow’s Main Market Square is a Gothic masterpiece, defined as the eighth wonder of the world by Pablo Picasso, but the small and delightful St. Barbara’s Church, located a short distance away, is also worth a visit.

The tiny Church of St. Adalbert located right in the middle of the Market Square was built over 1000 years ago, and from the same period is also the Church of St. Andrew, a beautiful fortified church, which in the past was one of the most important in Krakow, also due to its defensive role in case of enemy attacks.

Along the Grodzka street you can visit two other important churches in Krakow, the sixteenth-century Saints Peter and Paul Church and the beautiful Church of St. Francis of Assisi, part of a Franciscan monastery, which preserves precious artistic stained glass windows in Art Nouveau style and a beautiful gothic cloister.

In the Kazimierz district, don’t miss the majestic St. Catherine Church, dating from the 14th century, and the Corpus Christi Basilica, a Gothic masterpiece founded by King Casimir III the Great in 1335.

Top 10 Things to Do in Krakow

Discover the wonders of Krakow’s Old Town on a free walking tour

Discovering the most hidden gems of the Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is definitely a must-do in Krakow. And the best and most fun way is definitely to join a free walking tour. Local guides, usually students or Krakow residents, will show you the most interesting and authentic side of the city, and give you a nice overview of all the main attractions.

You can join two types of free walking tours in Krakow (both are worthwhile):

• Free walking tour of Krakow’s Old Town
• Free walking tour of Kazimierz and the Jewish Quarter

It might also be fun to join a bike tour or explore the city on a guided Segway tour. If, on the other hand, you are in a rather large group of travelers, then you could opt for a nice private tour.

Take an evening tour to discover the legends and mysteries of Krakow

As the sun goes down, the Old Town has a mysterious charm, and holds dozens of ancient legends and creepy stories of serial killers and ghosts.

To discover them take part in one of the evening walking tours, the local expert guides lead small groups to visit the city from a different perspective, telling ancient legends, anecdotes and mysteries that really happened. You will discover a side of Krakow that is decidedly exciting, and that you would hardly be able to discover in any other way.

Discover the best of authentic local food

Polish cuisine is a surprising mix of simplicity and tradition and boasts hundreds of regional specialties made with the finest locally grown ingredients. Among the most famous dishes of Polish cuisine are pierogi, but locals love soups, meat and vegetable specialties and many other things that you will hardly find on tourist menus.

Also you should try the desserts from the renowned Polish pastry, as well as the delicious cakes and donuts. Krakow’s food culture is one of the most authentic and interesting in Europe, as are its most famous drinks: excellent beers and vodkas.

When in Krakow you should explore the local food culture to the fullest, sample as many specialties as possible and learn more about Polish cuisine. An excellent choice could be to participate in a Krakow Food Tour: a walking tour among the farmers’ markets, bakeries, pastry shops, stalls and the most authentic restaurants in the city, which will allow you to taste dozens of the best local specialties.

Enjoy a traditional dinner (with unlimited food and drinks)

Krakow is full of good restaurants and, especially during the Christmas season, it also boasts an excellent range of local street food.

But if you want to have a truly memorable experience, then you could book a table at Karczma Skansen Smaków, a beautiful traditional restaurant located on Lake Kryspinów, in a village just outside Krakow. Here every night is the traditional dinner, enlivened by musicians and folk dances.

Better come very hungry, because dinner includes soups, a main course of meat and an unlimited buffet of many different typical specialties. You will also enjoy unlimited drinks, including wine and beer.

This traditional wooden restaurant is located along the banks of a pond, and if you book a table online you can enjoy free return transport from Krakow city center to the restaurant. It is recommended to book ahead of time, as it is quite popular.

Visit the birthplace of Pope John Paul II

Krakow was also made famous by the great Pope John Paul II, whose name was Karol Wojtyła, born in 1920 in Wadowice, a town located about 50 km from Krakow.

If you want to learn more about his life and visit the places where he was born, you can book a private day tour to Wadowice. You will depart from Krakow (round-trip transport is included) and a professional guide will show you the most significant sights of Wadowice, such as Karol Wojtyła’s birthplace, the Museum of John Paul II, and the church where little Karol was baptized.

After tasting John Paul II’s favorite cake (the delicious kremowka) you will continue your tour to the important sanctuary of Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will be able to visit the beautiful basilica and the ancient convent, surrounded by a breathtaking natural landscape.

Later, you can visit another place that was very dear to John Paul II, the small town of Lagiewniki, where you can visit the Divine Mercy Monastery, one of the most famous shrines in Poland.

You will be able to visit the chapel that houses the miraculous painting of Merciful Jesus and, guided by a nun of the monastery, you will learn a lot about the life of Sister Faustina Kowalska, canonized as a saint in 2000 by Pope John Paul II, and who is venerated here.

Visit to the Shrine of the Black Madonna of Czestochowa

Alternatively, you could choose this private tour which after visiting Wadowice allows you to visit the town of Czestochowa, where the famous Jasna Gora monastery is located, visited by over 4 million people a year. This sanctuary built in the 14th century at the behest of Louis I of Hungary, is inhabited by Pauline monks, who here venerate the famous Black Madonna of Czestochowa.

Discover wonderful UNESCO Wooden Churches

The Malopolska countryside, the region around Krakow, hides some true gems: old wooden churches surrounded by enchanting bucolic landscapes.

There are now over a hundred of these small picturesque wooden churches (125 Catholic churches and 49 Orthodox churches), of which 6 have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You can visit some of the most beautiful by booking a guided tour from Krakow, which allows you to visit dozens of tiny villages where time seems to have stopped, such as Lipnica Murowana where St. Leonard’s Church is located, built at the end of the 15th century and which it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You will also visit St. Michael Archangel’s Church in Binarowa, Saints Philip and James Church in Sękowa and the Orthodox Protection of Our Most Holy Lady Church in Owczary, excellent examples of wooden Gothic architecture, all recognized by UNESCO.

If you prefer to travel on your own, you could hire a car and explore other churches and villages. The entire tourist route is over 1000 km long!

Get on top of the Kościuszko Mound to enjoy the city view

Among the weirdest things to do in Krakow, there is a visit to the various mounds that can be found around the city.

Their origin is shrouded in mystery. The oldest, Krakus Mound, dates back to prehistoric times, and its original purpose remains a mystery. You can visit it with an easy walk from the Podgórze district. If the sky is clear you may have a breathtaking view over the city!

The most famous of these cone-shaped mounds is the 326-meter-high Kościuszko Mound, built by the people of Krakow in 1823 in honor of the Polish national hero Tadeusz Kościuszko.

In the mid-19th century the Austrians built a fortified citadel at the base of the Kościuszko Mound. The entire complex is enclosed by fortified walls and also boasts a beautiful church, the neo-Gothic Blessed Bronisława Chapel. Today it is a good spot to enjoy a nice view of the city and to spend time outdoors.

A few kilometers away, reachable with a short walk from the Krakow Zoo, you can visit Piłsudski’s Mound, built in 1934 to celebrate the re-establishment of Poland’s independence, and named after Marshal Józef Piłsudski. This mound was built with soil from World War I battlefields where the Poles fought.

Learn how to make pierogi: cooking class in a local family home

If you love food and cuisine, this is definitely one of the most fun things to do in Krakow.

A cooking class with locals, in your host’s family home, to learn how to cook the famous pierogi just like the locals do. Your host will take you with him to the local market, where you will learn about the best ingredients and the most delicious typical specialties, as well as learn how to buy ingredients in Polish.

Once you arrive at your host’s house, you will cook delicious traditional pierogi together, and you will be able to discover many things about Polish culture. Of course you will then enjoy a hearty and delicious lunch, and you can taste pierogi, as well as various local snacks and regional beer. It will be like cooking with your Polish grandmother!

Take a tasting tour to taste the best Polish vodka

Vodka is the Polish national drink, and its history goes back a long way. Even today, the question is whether vodka was invented in Russia or Poland, and a good way to find out would be to go on a Vodka Tasting Tour in Krakow.

The tasting tours have nothing to do with a pub crawl, they are a cultural and fun experience at the same time, and you can learn a lot about the history of vodka, the different types and methods of production and much more.

The tour is a pleasant walk in some of Krakow Old Town’s best places where you can taste 7 different types of excellent local vodka, accompanied by snacks and the ubiquitous pierogi (great for working off the vodka!). Absolutely a must!

Sample renowned Polish beers on a guided tasting tour

Besides vodka, the favorite drink of the Poles is undoubtedly beer. Around Krakow are some of the best breweries and microbreweries in Poland, so a good beer tasting is a must.

Tasting tours are held every evening in the Kazimierz district, and consist of a nice walk led by an expert local guide. You’ll visit some of the best breweries in Krakow, and enjoy 11 excellent regional craft beers, as well as local appetizers.

Explore the wonderful Tyniec Abbey and the countryside around Krakow by bicycle

The ancient Tyniec Abbey, founded in 1044, is located about 14 km from Krakow, well connected by a cycle path and country roads surrounded by nature.

This wonderful Benedictine abbey is located on a hill, along the Vistula River, and is one of the oldest in Poland. It is located along one of the most important ancient routes of pilgrims and merchants traveling through Poland and the historical regions of Bohemia and Moravia.

If you want to enjoy it to the fullest, you should go there by bike: guided bike tours last around 4 hours and depart from Krakow’s Old Town. Bike, helmet and local guide included.

If cycling isn’t your thing, then you could hire a car and go on your own, or book a private tour.

Try odd hobbies from the locals, like firing powerful weapons at the shooting range or throwing axes

Among the things to do in Krakow that are very popular with the locals, the shooting range experience is something you will hardly be able to do elsewhere.

What makes it so unique? Well, here you can fire real weapons from the Red Army, like the PPŠ-41, Tokarev TT-33 and the famous AK47 Kalashnikov. Or the powerful weapons of the US military, such as the M16, M4 and a sniper rifle.

You can also try other very powerful weapons, such as the CZ Scorpion Evo 3 machine gun, James Bond’s Walther PPK, the Israeli IMI Uzi and the iconic Magnum. All under the supervision of an expert instructor, for 3 hours of total fun. While if you want to feel just like a Viking, you might want to try ax throwing! A very fun activity, especially if you are a group of friends! It could also be a fun thing to do in Krakow in case of rain.

Attend a piano recital at the Chopin Concert Hall

For classical music fans, a trip to Poland is also a unique opportunity to learn more about the most famous Polish musician, Fryderyk Chopin.

At the Chopin Concert Hall, located in the heart of Stare Miasto, every evening you can attend piano concerts where talented local pianists perform some of Chopin’s greatest piano compositions.

Have a fun night out on a crazy pub and club crawl

Krakow nightlife can be insanely great! In recent years it has established itself as a popular destination among young people, thanks to the many things to do, the relaxed lifestyle, and the rather affordable cost of living.

If you want to fully experience Krakow’s nightlife and meet lots of people from all over the world, then you should definitely go to a pub crawl!

The pub crawl is basically a guided tour of some of Krakow’s best bars, pubs and clubs. You have 1 hour of unlimited drinks in the first venue, just to fuel a little, and then you will move to other bars and clubs, where you will have a free welcome shot and free VIP entry (so without having to queue to enter). The last place you will visit is a famous club, where you can enjoy many more hours of crazy fun!

☞ THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE BEST KRAKOW PUB CRAWL

Spend a relaxing day at the Chocholow Thermal Baths

If you want to spend a day in total relaxation just like the locals love to do, you may go to Chocholow Thermal Baths, located about 100 km south of Krakow.

This large spa is set in a wonderful natural setting. The village of Chochołów, with its traditional wooden houses, is located along the border with Slovakia, at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, probably the most beautiful nature park and ski resort in Poland.

The Chocholow Thermal Baths boast over 30 heated pools, both indoor and outdoor, saunas and relaxation areas. You can go there both in winter and in summer, in winter it is wonderful to bathe in warm water surrounded by a wonderful snowy landscape.

To get to the Chocholow Thermal Baths you will have approximately 2 hours of driving through the wonderful landscapes of this beautiful region. You could rent a car and drive there on your own, or book an all-inclusive experience, with round-trip transportation from Krakow.

Top 10 Places to Visit near Krakow

Tyskie Brewery in Tychy

Tyskie is one of the best-known Polish beer brands, and is one of the oldest breweries in the region, founded in Tychy in 1629.

Tychy is a nice town located about 80 km from Krakow, not very far from Katowice, in one of the most beautiful parts of Silesia. Its main attraction is the Tyskie Brewing Museum, where you can visit the ancient brewery and discover the secrets that have made it legendary.

You can visit the Tyskie Brewing Museum by renting a car and driving to Tychy or on a guided day tour from Krakow which will also allow you to visit the nearby wonderful Pszczyna Castle.

Trail of the Eagle’s Nests

The Trail of the Eagle’s Nests is a tourist trail that crosses the breathtaking landscape between Krakow and Częstochowa, along the ancient border between the Małopolska region (also known as Lesser Poland) and Silesia, once belonging to the Kingdom of Bohemia.

Here you can see 25 medieval castles, built in the 14th century at the behest of King Casimir the Great. Today some of these are just ruins, but others have been well restored and can be visited.

The most beautiful is Pieskowa Skała Castle, which is also called Little Wawel, due to its resemblance to the Royal Castle in Krakow. It is well preserved and its wonderful interiors and gardens can be visited.

Very impressive is the Ogrodzieniec Castle, where the Netflix series “The Witcher” was filmed. Also worth seeing are Rabsztyn Castle, Mirów Castle and the reconstructed Korzkiew and Bobolice castles.

Along the way, don’t miss the chance to take a look at the Bledow Desert, the only desert in Europe!

There are guided day tours that depart from Krakow and allow you to visit all the most beautiful castles and also include a short visit to the Bledow Desert.

Moszna Castle and Plawniowice Palace

The castles of Moszna and Plawniowice are located over 130 km from Krakow, in the surroundings of Katowice, but they are undoubtedly the most beautiful palaces in the region, and if you have enough time they are worth a visit.

Moszna Castle has been recognized as one of the most beautiful castles in the world, although it is actually more of a palace than a fortress. Built in the 17th century it was the residence of a wealthy local family.

The Pławniowice Palace is located in the middle of a beautiful park, in a village located along the banks of a pretty pond. It was built in the second half of the 19th century as the residence of a wealthy local family, who lived there until the end of WWII, when it was conquered by the Red Army.

It could be a nice stop on a road trip to southern Poland, or you could visit them on a comfortable guided day tour from Krakow.

Zalipie

Zalipie is a tiny rural village, located about 80km from Krakow. Its peculiarity is that it is considered the most beautiful village in Poland.

For centuries this ancient village has been characterized by the bright decorations of the houses, and today it appears to visitors as a graceful ensemble of colorful houses, with facades richly decorated with floral motifs.

Some of the most beautiful houses in Zalipie are now a museum, others house handicraft shops perfect for buying some truly original souvenirs. Guided day tours from Krakow lead to Zalipie and allow you to visit the most hidden gems of this beautiful village.

Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains

Zakopane is a delightful mountain town, located at the foot of the Tatra Mountains. Also known as “the winter capital of Poland”, Zakopane is a favorite city for locals to spend their winter holidays.

This paradise is worth a visit, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, forests and lakes. The traditional wooden houses of Zakopane today house local craft shops, good restaurants and even some interesting museums.

Zakopane is located about 120 km from Krakow, and can be reached easily by car or on a guided day tour from Krakow.

For breathtaking views, take the cable car up to Gubałówka Hill. From Zakopane you could enjoy a half-day excursion to Morskie Oko, an impressive lake with turquoise waters. Or take the cable car that goes up to Kasprowy Wierch, a peak of over 1900 meters located on the border between Poland and Slovakia.

Slovakia is very close from here, and it can be nice to visit some of its most beautiful landscapes: on a day trip from Krakow you could see both Zakopane and the breathtaking Oravsky Castle.

Morskie Oko

Morskie Oko is known as “the most beautiful lake in Poland” and is a wonderful alpine lake nestled between the high peaks of the Tatra Mountains, right at the foot of Rysy, the highest mountain in Poland (2499 m).

Its crystal clear waters, which are a beautiful turquoise color on clear days, are a popular destination for thousands of hikers. According to local legends, there would be an underground channel that connects the lake directly with the sea, hence its name, which means eye of the sea. But it’s just a legend.

From Zakopane the Morskie Oko can be reached on foot in about 2 hours. The trail is about 9 km long and is quite easy and suitable for everyone. Guided tours depart from Krakow and include round-trip transport.

Dunajec Gorge and Niedzica Castle

The Dunajec Gorge is one of the most beautiful landscapes to see around Krakow: the Dunajec River runs through an unspoiled natural landscape, surrounded by tiny villages and fairy castles.

You can travel the tranquil waters of the river aboard a traditional wooden raft, passing through stunning gorges in the heart of Pieniny National Park.

Here you can also admire the picturesque Niedzica Castle, an ancient border outpost built in the 14th century overlooking Lake Czorsztyn.

There are day tours that depart from Krakow and allow you to enjoy the raft cruise and castle visit.

Bochnia Salt Mines (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Certainly less famous than the nearby Wieliczka Salt Mines, the Bochnia Salt Mines are undoubtedly one of the most interesting things to see in Krakow.

They are the oldest salt mines in Poland and date back to the 12th century. Similar to the nearby Wieliczka Salt Mines, these have been richly decorated by miners, who have created underground halls adorned with sculptures, chapels, churches and even a basketball court.

By visiting the Bochnia Salt Mines you can explore the secrets of this amazing masterpiece built in the heart of the earth, which has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013.

The visit lasts about 3 and a half hours, and includes a part aboard an old miners’ train. Best of all, you can even cruise an underground lake by boat!

If this is your first time, and you have not yet seen the Wieliczka Salt Mines, then I recommend that you see the ones first, which are certainly more spectacular and impressive! If you have already visited Wieliczka then you could go deeper and visit the wonderful Bochnia Salt Mines.

There are guided tours that depart from Krakow and include a visit to the mine and round-trip transport.

Ojców National Park

Ojców National Park is the smallest of the Polish national parks, and is the ideal place to spend a day outdoors, surrounded by nature.

It is located about 20 km from Krakow, on a plateau dating back to the Jurassic period, covered with lush forests, huge limestone rock formations, suggestive ravines and over 400 caves, of which at least a couple of which are worth visiting, such as the Grota Lokietka.

In the park you can also visit a quaint little church on the water, the ruins of Ojców Castle and the wonderful Pieskowa Skała Castle, both located along the Trail of the Eagles Nest route.

You can get there easily by car or with one of the convenient day tours from Krakow, which also include a guided tour of the castles.

Sandomierz

Sandomierz is a pretty town located about 160 km from Krakow, overlooking the Vistula.

It was once called the Royal City of Sandomierz, and for many centuries it was one of the most important cities in Poland, comparable to Krakow or Wroclaw.

Visiting it you can admire the well-preserved old town, with a beautiful medieval market square, the Sandomierz Royal Castle, dating back to the 14th century and several churches. Also interesting is the small museum that allows you to take a look at the medieval underground.

Sandomierz is a nice destination for a day trip, you can get there by car or by booking a guided tour from Krakow. The area is also famous for its good wineries.

Top 5 Typical Foods to Try in Krakow

One of the main things to do in Krakow is to taste as many local specialties as possible, as this city is a food lover’s paradise!

If this is your first time in Poland, you should definitely try some iconic dishes of Polish cuisine, as well as some typical Krakow specialties.

Pierogi

Pierogi are probably the most famous specialty of Polish cuisine, and are a kind of stuffed dumplings, quite common in Eastern Europe (with different names).

There are several varieties, both sweet and savory, usually served with smoked bacon, lard and caramelized onion. The most popular variety is called Pierogi Ruskie (Russian style), filled with cream cheese, potatoes and herbs.

In Krakow there are restaurants that specialize in pierogi (pierogarnia) where you can taste different variations.

Obwarzanek

Obwarzanek is a type of donut-shaped bread, and is a typical Krakow specialty.

It is sold on the street from the early hours of the morning by street vendors. You can find them along the road and near the bus and train stations. Otherwise you can also find it in local bakeries and markets.

Oscypek

Oscypek is a delicious smoked sheep cheese, typical of Silesia and Małopolska, the region of Krakow.

It is obtained from a particular breed of mountain sheep, which lives only here, and is handcrafted by shepherds from the mountains around Krakow. For some of the best quality, pop into the local markets of the city.

Zapiekanka

Zapiekanka is the most popular Polish street food. It might look similar to pizza, but it’s actually a half baguette filled with melted cheese, mushrooms, ketchup and so on and so forth.

Placki Ziemniaczane (Potato Pancake)

Potato pancakes are one of the most popular dishes in the local cuisine. They are simple and tasty and are usually served with just a little sour cream, but there are more elaborate versions, such as those with meat sauce, goulash, or mushrooms on top.

In addition, the Polish cuisine boasts excellent soups, it is worth trying Żurek (rye flour, potatoes, legumes and meat), Barszcz (beet soup similar to Russian and Ukrainian borsch) and Zupa Pomidorowa (with tomato and sour cream). Also try some stews, such as Bigos (meat and sauerkraut).

Worth the trip: Eat in an old fashioned “Bar Mleczny” (Milk Bar)

In the old town there are many good restaurants where you can taste elaborate dishes, find waiters who speak several languages, and translated menus.

But if you want to have a truly authentic experience, then you should have lunch in a “Bar Mleczny“, which translated means Milk Bar, a kind of canteens dating back to the years of communism. Here some local “grandmothers” are busy cooking the most classic Polish poor cuisine specialties. Simple dishes, cooked just like at home.

Some of these amazing places have survived to this day, serving cheap meals mainly to students, workers, poor people and travelers. Don’t expect to find translated menus or someone who speaks English. This is undoubtedly one of the most authentic things to do in Krakow.

Top 5 Best Guided Tours you shouldn’t miss in Krakow

These are 5 things to do in Krakow that you just can’t miss and that you can easily visit with one of the convenient day tours organized by expert local guides.

Guided Tour to Auschwitz

It would be advisable to dedicate the whole day to visiting Auschwitz and Birkenau. There are excellent guided tours from Krakow that include visiting with an official guide (in the language of your choice) and round-trip transport.

However, if you are short on time, there are also tours that allow you to easily visit Auschwitz, Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mines on the same day.

Guided Tour to the Wieliczka Salt Mine

The Wieliczka Salt Mine is undoubtedly one of the most amazing things to see in Krakow. The visit is suitable for everyone, it takes place with an official guide (in the language of your choice) and the tours start at set times.

Guided Tour to Nowa Huta (in an old vintage car)

Visiting the working-class district of Nowa Huta is one of the most unusual and interesting things to do in Krakow. The guided tour from Krakow that allows you to reach Nowa Huta aboard a vintage car is simply not to be missed!

Free Tours of Krakow’s Old Town

Free walking tours are an unmissable opportunity to see the city’s most hidden gems. Friendly local guides love to show the best of Krakow to visitors from all over the world. Tours run in several languages, do not miss the free walking tour of Stare Miasto (Old Town) and the free walking tour of Kazimierz (the old Jewish district).

Spend at least one day exploring the surroundings of Krakow

No trip to Krakow is complete without having explored its beautiful surroundings. Very beautiful are the castles along the famous Trail of the Eagle’s Nests, which can be visited on a day trip from Krakow.

If you love the mountains you could take a day trip to Zakopane. Also popular is Wadowice, the birthplace of Pope John Paul II, which you can easily visit on a guided tour from Krakow.

Tyniec Abbey lies in the small village of Tyniec, nestled in the picturesque scenery of the Polish countryside just a few kilometers from Krakow. It is renowned for being the site of an ancient Benedictine monastery, which was built on a hill, offering a breathtaking view of the Vistula River.

Founded in the 11th century by King Casimir the Restorer, the Tyniec Abbey boasts a unique architectural style resembling a military fortress. It proudly stands on a promontory, gracefully situated along the banks of the Vistula River, surrounded by limestone hills and the stunning nature reserve of Skolczanka.

Some interesting facts about Tyniec Abbey

Around the 11th century, the area surrounding the village of Tyniec was owned by King Casimir the Restorer. In 1040, while seeking to reunite the Kingdom of Poland, he made the decision to establish a Benedictine monastery there. The main goals were to foster relationships with the Church, strengthen the position of the new Kingdom of Poland, and restore order after various battles with the Czechs.

As a result, the first monks arrived at the monastery, and over time, Tyniec became a center of great religious, cultural, and political importance. It also became a safe haven for travelers along pilgrimage routes. During the 13th century, a defensive system was constructed around the monastery, including mighty walls and fortification towers, to protect it from potential enemy attacks.

Despite these efforts, the monastery suffered from invasions and looting over the years, first by the Tartars and later by the Swedes, who caused significant damage to the structure. Nevertheless, the monks consistently rebuilt the monastery, incorporating various architectural styles of the time, from Baroque to Gothic to Romanesque. They also expanded and reinforced it with new walls and ramparts.

Around 800, a devastating fire ravaged most of the buildings, leading to the abandonment and ruin of the entire complex. Tyniec Abbey remained uninhabited for over a century until 1939, when 11 Belgian monks decided to take up residence in the monastery and initiate renovation and restoration work. However, due to the outbreak of the Second World War, the process was long and challenging. Finally, in 1968, Tyniec Abbey was reopened, though the restoration works continued until the late 1990s.

Tyniec Abbey: What to See and What to Do

Tyniec Abbey is currently the largest Benedictine community in Poland, where the monks’ lives are regulated by the liturgy and guided by the Rule of St. Benedict. The abbey is divided into two sections: one area, inhabited by Benedictine monks, is not open to the public, while the other part welcomes visitors, offering insights into Benedictine spirituality and the captivating history of the monastery.

A visit to Tyniec Abbey is like embarking on a journey through time. The way of life here has changed little over the centuries, and during your visit, you will have the opportunity to explore fascinating details about the monastery, monastic life, and the significant role played by Tyniec Abbey in the history of Poland.

One of the must-see attractions is the stunning Baroque-style Church of St. Peter and Paul, located at the heart of the Abbey. Inside, you will find a precious high altar in black marble and a baroque pulpit in the shape of a boat. If you’re fortunate, you might even witness the monks singing in Latin during the afternoon.

The Museum, set up within the former library, is also worth a visit. It houses valuable artifacts discovered during excavations and various restorations, including ancient prints and manuscripts, liturgical objects, and Romanesque architectural details such as intricately decorated capitals, fragments of floors, and columns adorned with floral and geometric patterns. Besides the permanent exhibition, the Abbey often hosts temporary exhibits, usually dedicated to various aspects of monastic life.

Take a moment to pause in the inner courtyard of the abbey, which offers a breathtaking view of the valley. This garden was historically the place where the abbot received esteemed guests, and where the monks would retreat for moments of meditation. Don’t forget to visit the shop of Benedictine handicrafts, where ancient traditional monastic recipes are used to produce excellent liqueurs, herbs, herbal teas, beer, and wine.

For travelers, there’s a bar with a splendid view of the Vistula River, the Mnisze Co Nieco Restaurant serving delicious traditional dishes, and a small guest house, all nestled in the lush and serene Polish countryside, creating an evocative atmosphere around Tyniec Abbey.

The highlight of the visit is a delightful tour around the monastery, offering an alternative perspective of Tyniec Abbey perched above the Vistula River, surrounded by hills and forests, presenting particularly picturesque scenes, especially during sunset. Numerous pedestrian and cycle paths facilitate exploration of the surroundings, providing a comprehensive view of the valley and perfect opportunities to capture some stunning photographs at the most scenic spots.

How to get to Tyniec Abbey from Krakow

Tyniec Abbey is conveniently located approximately 14 km from Krakow’s Old Town, and it can be easily accessed by car, bus, or bicycle. Undoubtedly, the best way to reach the abbey is by bicycle. There is a comfortable, safe, and picturesque cycle route from Krakow. The path is straightforward, making it suitable for families and does not require exceptional fitness levels.

The cycle path runs alongside the Vistula River, offering stunning views amidst the scenic Polish countryside. The path is well-paved and thoughtfully signposted for a pleasant journey. For those interested, guided bike tours are available from Krakow, complete with a knowledgeable guide and bike rental, guiding you through the beautiful Polish landscape to Tyniec Abbey.

If you prefer traveling by bus, catch bus number 112 departing from Krakow near the Most Grunwaldzki (Grunwald Bridge) bus stop, which is close to Wawel Castle. The bus is headed towards Tyniec Kamieniołom. Alight at the Tyniec stop, situated approximately 600 meters from the monastery’s entrance. Buses run frequently, at intervals of about 20 minutes, and the journey to Tyniec Abbey takes approximately half an hour.

Another convenient option is booking a private tour, ensuring comfort and ease. The tour includes pickup directly from your hotel and transportation to and from the monastery.

For an unforgettable and picturesque experience, consider arriving at Tyniec Abbey by boat, sailing on the Vistula River from Krakow (near Wawel Castle) to the small pier located near the abbey. The view from the river is truly unparalleled and makes for a memorable approach to the abbey.

Tyniec Abbey Visiting Hours and Ticket Prices

The monastery can be visited all year round according to the following visiting hours.

From May to October:

Monday – Friday: 09.00 – 17.00
Saturday – Sunday: 10.00 – 18.00

From November to April it is open every day from 10.00 to 16.00.

Before going there, you can check for any changes in visiting hours on the Tyniec Abbey website.

The ticket price is 8 PLN (reduced ticket 5 PLN).
Admission is free if you have the Krakow City Card.

The Trail of the Eagle’s Nests, also known by its Polish name Szlak Orlich Gniazd, is one of the most beautiful and famous tourist routes in Southern Poland.

Dozens of ancient castles, some of which are so fascinating that they are used as film locations, set in a breathtaking natural landscape, among green hills, forests and even a desert, the only one located right in the heart of Europe.

It is possible to travel it by bike or by car and it is one of the most popular destinations among tourists who decide to explore it on a day trip from Krakow. There are also excellent guided tours from Krakow, which include transport and an English-speaking guide.

Trail of the Eagle’s Nests: What to Know Before You Go

The Trail of the Eagle’s Nests (Szlak Orlich Gniazd) is a tourist route about 165 km long, which runs from Krakow to Czestochowa, crossing the Krakowsko-Czestochowskie plateau.

In the fourteenth century, King Casimir the Great decided to create a defense line on the plateau, having fortresses and castles built. This proved effective against the Bohemians who never managed to cross this border, but not for the Swedes who attacked and destroyed most of the fortifications in 1655.

The plateau is also known as the “Jura Plateau”, as it is made up of limestone rocks from the Jurassic period. Over time, the landscape has changed, creating magnificent caves that are still visible today. Since 1980 the area has been protected and has taken the name of Eagles’ Nests Landscape Park.

Along the path it is possible to explore the plateau and make various excursions by bicycle or on foot, among these splendid castles and caves. The Trail of the Eagle’s Nests is also a great idea for a road trip in Southern Poland.

The name of the trail derives from the position of the castles. In fact, they were built on the top of the hills, so as to make them difficult to attack by enemies, like eagle’s nests built in hard-to-reach places.

Unfortunately today many of the castles are destroyed and it is possible to see only the ruins. However, some have been excellently reconstructed, such as Bobolice Castle and Korzkiew, allowing visitors to admire the fortresses in their former glory.

Trail of the Eagle’s Nests: What to See and What to Do

Korzkiew Castle

Starting from Krakow, one of the first, majestic and most important castles we find is Korzkiew Castle. It is located in the town of the same name, just 10 km from Krakow. The building, built for the most part in stone, is perched on a hill and surrounded by a beautiful park.

Over time it has undergone significant structural and architectural changes. Today the property is privately owned and houses a wonderful hotel and large rooms for conferences and events.

It represents the perfect opportunity to spend a night in a beautiful fortress, in one of the wonderful and elegant rooms that the hotel has.

Pieskowa Skała Castle

Pieskowa Skała Castle is located 27 km from Krakow in the small village of Sułoszowa.

It represents one of the best examples of Renaissance architecture in Poland and is one of only three castles on the Trail of the Eagle’s Nests that is still intact.

Initially built as a defensive fortress, it later became the residence of the Szafraniec family. Today the castle houses a branch of the Wawel Castle Royal Museum, exhibiting splendid collections of art, painting, sculpture and crafts, as well as an exhibition dedicated to the history of Pieskowa Skała.

In addition, temporary exhibitions are also periodically organized. Many legends are told about the castle, among which the most famous is that of the former owner Piotr Szafraniec, sentenced to be beheaded in the 15th century. It is said that his ghost still roams the rooms of the castle today.

Rabsztyn Castle

The complex is located in the village of Rabsztyn and consists of two castles. The upper castle dates back to the 16th century while the lower one is from the 17th century, built in a Renaissance style.

In recent years, major renovations have been carried out which have made it possible to open visits to tourists. The upper castle with the towers was partially rebuilt, the lower castle tower with the main door was recreated and a wonderful wooden bridge was built that leads to the castles.

During the archaeological excavations, many ancient objects were found, including weapons and tools that are now on display in a small exhibition located inside the castle rooms. In July, medieval tournaments are often organized here, with knights in ancient medieval costumes.

Błędów Desert

Along the Trail of the Eagle’s Nests, about 40km from Krakow, you will come across a desert. Yes, you got it right: a desert in the heart of Europe. It is located in Pustynia Błędowska and is known as the Sahara of Poland. It represents the largest desert in central Europe with its 33 square kilometers.

The origin of the desert is not natural, but it was created by man. The area was already quite sandy, because there was a glacier here in prehistoric times. But it is after the Middle Ages that man made this place a desert, to meet the needs of the mining and metallurgical industries that were widely present here, up to a very aggressive deforestation, which extended for over 150 square kilometers.

Over time, the vegetation has returned to grow and to decrease the size of the desert, which in recent years has been the subject of conservation works.

The entrance is at Róża Wiatrów, a recreation area located in the southern part of the desert towards Klucze. Here are several information points and viewing platforms. From this point, with a short hike, you can reach an ancient military bunker in the desert.

There are also some hills, such as Czubatka Hill to the south and Dąbrówka Hill to the north, from which you can admire wonderful views over the expanse of the desert.

Ogrodzieniec Castle

Ogrodzieniec Castle is located in the village of Podzamcze, about an hour from Krakow. It is located on the top of the highest hill in the plateau, about 500 meters above sea level, surrounded by a beautiful landscape.

It was built in the 14th century and today represents one of the best examples of medieval architecture in Poland. Although for the most part it is surrounded by ruins, this castle is absolutely impressive and offers visitors an incredible atmosphere and panorama that makes it one of the most beautiful monuments in the entire nation.

For this reason Ogrodzieniec Castle is frequently chosen as a film location, for example the Netflix series “The Witcher” was filmed here. It is possible to visit the internal courtyard, the prison tower, the armory and the former chamber of the knights.

Mirów Castle

Mirów Castle was built in the 14th century in a tiny rural village. The ruins of the castle are currently undergoing major renovations, so you can only admire it from the outside, with its defensive walls and tower.

The castle is connected by a wonderful rocky path to the equally famous Bobolice castle. Between the two castles there is also a legend about the brothers Mir and Bobol, who in the past reigned over their respective castles. It is said that one day Bobol discovered that his wife was cheating on him with his brother Mir. Because of this Bobol killed his brother and after her locked his wife in the castle tunnel and eventually killed her. It is said that her ghost is still in the castle, awaiting the return of his lover Mir.

Bobolice Castle

The castle is located in the small village of Bobolice. It dates back to the 14th century but was subsequently beautifully restored by the Lasecki family, the current owner. Today Bobolice Castle looks a little too modern, but it’s interesting to admire the ancient defensive walls, which join together with magnificent limestone rocks.

Currently the castle is open to tourists and it is also possible to access the interior accompanied by a guide. The visit is very short, but allows you to admire different rooms, with the display of armor and paintings that recreate a typical medieval atmosphere.

There is also access to a terrace with a magnificent view of the plateau. The guide also tells the long and troubled history of the castle during the tour.

The castle is open from April to October from 10.00 to 18.00, while from November to March from 10.00 to 16.00.

The ticket price is 15 PLN (reduced 10 PLN).

How to Visit the Trail of the Eagle’s Nests from Krakow

Most travelers visit the Trail of the Eagle’s Nests on a day trip from Krakow. There are guided tours that allow you to visit all the main places, the most impressive castles and even the Bledow Desert, and include transport and an English-speaking guide.

Otherwise it is also possible to visit it with a road trip of 1-2 days. You can easily rent a car in Krakow, as the rental rates are quite cheap.

The route is easily accessible by car, and there is also a beautiful cycle path along the entire path. The route runs from Krakow and Czestochowa, and can be traveled in both directions. The route is well marked by clearly visible and very frequent signs.

Best Places to Eat along the Trail of the Eagle’s Nests

Herbova Restauracja & Kawiarnia

This restaurant is located very close to the Pieskova Skala castle and serves good traditional Polish dishes, with soups, first courses and pierogi. The interiors are in stone, but the style is quite modern. They also have a beautiful terrace, from which you have a great view of the castle.

Stodoła

This restaurant is located very close to Ogrodziniec Castle and serves good regional cuisine in a quaint and rustic venue with a small internal garden.

Podzamcze

This small family-run restaurant is located near the Rabsztyn Castle and serves good Polish cuisine, soups and meat and fish specialties. The portions are generous and the prices quite cheap. In summer you can also dine outdoors.

Best Places to Stay along the Trail of the Eagle’s Nests

Hotel Zamek Bobolice

The Hotel Zamek Bobolice is located just 20 meters from the famous Bobolice Castle and offers its guests rooms with a wonderful view of the castle and the plateau.

All rooms are equipped with private bathroom and every comfort. There is also a restaurant, serving regional specialties in a modern style. For those traveling by car, the hotel offers free private parking.

Chata w Mirowie

The Chata w Mirowie offers beautiful log cabins, located within walking distance of the Mirów Castle. They are equipped with every comfort and guests have access to free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a barbecue in the garden. It is located near the paths and the cycle path, and is an excellent starting point for excursions on the plateau.

Jurajskie Pokoje Pod Lasem

Jurajskie Pokoje Pod Lasem is located 29 km from Ogrodzieniec and 2 km from Bobolice Castle. Surrounded by forests and limestone rocks, it offers rooms with private bathroom and a small kitchen, with fridge and kitchenette. The property also has a children’s play area and a sun terrace.

Zamek Korzkiew

The Zamek Korzkiew hotel is located inside the marvelous Korzkiew fortress. This small and prestigious hotel has only 4 rooms, all furnished with great elegance, with authentic antiques and a beautiful fireplace in each.

One of them is located inside the tower, which is accessed by a narrow and fairly long staircase. The beauty of the room, equipped with a small mezzanine, is absolutely worth the effort.

The property also has a wonderful garden with barbecue, and in the morning a hearty international breakfast is served.

Ojców National Park, located in southern Poland near the city of Krakow, is one of the country’s smallest yet most picturesque national parks. Covering just over 21 square kilometers, the park is part of the famous “Trail of the Eagle’s Nests“, a historic route that stretches across the limestone hills between Krakow and Częstochowa. This ancient defensive line is renowned for its medieval castles and fortresses, built to protect the region from invaders. Among these, Ojców Castle and Pieskowa Skała Castle stand out as key attractions within the park.

Established in 1956, Ojców National Park offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The park’s rich landscape features limestone cliffs, caves, and ravines, providing a stunning backdrop for more than 50 kilometers of hiking trails. Today, it remains a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a peaceful escape for nature walks, picnics, and exploration.

Ojców National Park: What you Need to Know before you Go

Ojców National Park is situated in the southern part of the Krakow-Częstochowa Plateau, approximately 30 km from Krakow. Despite being the smallest national park in Poland, it is surprisingly one of the best destinations to visit. Open all year round, Ojców National Park welcomes visitors with free admission. The park boasts numerous attractions, including caves, castles, and more, all worth exploring and each requiring a ticket for entry.

Throughout the year, the park’s natural scenery transforms, offering breathtaking panoramas with vibrant colors, making it especially popular among photography enthusiasts. It serves as an idyllic getaway from city life, providing a serene and nature-filled environment to unwind.

Established in 1956, Ojców National Park derives its name from the nearby village of Ojców, located just a few kilometers away. Its formation dates back over 150 million years, shaped by the forces of water, climate, and land morphology, resulting in a truly unique landscape. The park’s features include steep canyons, some plunging as deep as 120 meters, picturesque valleys such as those carved by the Prądnik and Sąspówka rivers, and an impressive array of more than 400 caves, the largest of which is the Lokietek Cave.

Moreover, Ojców National Park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, boasting over 1000 plant species and approximately 7000 animal species. Spring offers the best opportunity to witness the park in full bloom, adorned with a vibrant array of flowers and colors. In the autumn months, the park transforms into a mesmerizing display of red and gold, attracting numerous foliage enthusiasts.

Things to See and Do in Ojców National Park

King Łokietek’s Cave

Lokietek Cave holds the distinction of being the largest cave in Ojców National Park, stretching approximately 300 meters in length and featuring a vertical drop of 7 meters. Its interior boasts a network of diverse corridors and two grand halls, known as the Hall of the Knights and the Bedroom, alongside two smaller chambers.

Sitting at an elevation of approximately 125 meters above the Prądnik valley, the cave’s formation can be traced back to a time when the stream water maintained that level. Discovered during the late 19th century, the cave revealed an abundance of bear bones and evidence of human presence. During the tumultuous period of the First World War, it served as a refuge for the local population. Today, King Łokietek’s Cave offers visitors a chance to marvel at the magnificent work water has sculpted over the centuries, such as the spectacular stalactites and stalagmites.

The cave’s name is linked to a captivating legend involving the Polish King Władysław Łokietek, who is believed to have sought refuge here when the Czech King Wenceslaus II invaded Poland between the 13th and 14th centuries. The entrance to the cave was obstructed by an enormous cobweb, compelling the Polish king to descend using a rope. As a result, the Czech troops were misled into thinking the cave was uninhabited, as they noticed the cobweb remained undisturbed.

For a period of six weeks, the King concealed himself within the cave, aided by the support of the local population, who provided him with food, water, and crucial updates on the unfolding events. This history has also bestowed the cave with the alternate name The Royal Grotto.

Throughout the year, the internal temperature of the cave remains relatively stable at 7-8 °C, making it advisable to bring a jacket when visiting during the summer months. The cave is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with an entrance ticket priced at 26 PLN (reduced rate: 13 PLN).

Hercules Club and Kraków Gate

Ojców National Park is famous for its rock formations, some of which are quite famous for the locals. Among these, the most important are certainly the Hercules Club and the Kraków Gate.

The Hercules Club, about 25 meters high, represents the highest formation in the National Park and takes its name from the shape of the rock that resembles a stick. It is located in the Prądnik Valley and there is a rocky terrace of about 10 meters.

The Kraków Gate consists of two pillars of 15 meters in height and represents a real gateway to the Ciasne Skałki Gorge, a narrow canyon between high rocks and surrounded by thick vegetation that creates a very cool microclimate, and which leads to the Prądnik Valley with an altitude difference of about 90 meters.

Castles of Pieskowa Skała and Ojców

Pieskowa Skala Castle is one of the most beautiful castles located in the heart of the Ojców National Park, and one of the most important in Poland. Its architecture is typically Renaissance, and thanks to the maintenance works carried out over time, it is preserved almost intact and today it can be completely visited.

It houses an important section of the Royal Museum of Wawel Castle, with the display of wonderful collections of Polish art and traditional Polish crafts.

In the park you can also see Ojców Castle, which was once an important bulwark in defense of the southern border of the Kingdom of Poland.

Today the fortress is completely in ruins, but in its still intact Gothic tower there is a small exhibition that tells its history. The castle is open from Monday to Friday from 9.00 to 16.00 and on Saturday and Sunday from 9.00 to 17.00. The entrance ticket costs 18 PLN (Reduced 9 PLN).

Both castles are part of the Trail of the Eagle’s Nests fortresses and castles, built during the 16th century by King Casimir the Great to be one of the most important defensive lines. The Trail of the Eagle’s Nests is now one of the most beautiful tourist routes to visit in southern Poland.

Ojców

The village of Ojców, from which the national park takes its name, is absolutely worth a visit. Despite its small size, it exudes a charming and picturesque atmosphere. One of the must-see attractions is the spectacular wooden chapel known as the Chapel On the Water or Chapel of St. Joseph the Worker, located at the foot of a rock formation suspended over a small river. This unique positioning on the water is linked to the historical decree of Tsar Nicholas II, which prohibited the construction of sacred buildings on land.

The chapel itself takes the form of a cross and measures 11 meters in length and 5 meters in width, featuring a small turret. Its exteriors showcase Swiss-style Alpine architecture, while the interiors boast the fashionable Zakopane style from the twentieth century. In addition to the Chapel on the Water, the village is dominated by the impressive Gora Zamkowa Castle, offering visitors a breathtaking view of the surrounding park.

Over the years, Ojców has become a popular tourist destination, leading to the development of numerous restaurants and cafes where visitors can savor the delightful regional cuisine. It’s the perfect opportunity to take a break, immerse oneself in nature, and enjoy the pleasant rural atmosphere of the village.

Natural History Exhibition

At the entrance to the park you will find the visitor center, where the interesting Natural History Exhibition is located. This small museum tells the history of the park in an interactive and multimedia way, also suitable for children.

Thanks to 3D films and models, it is told how the valley, the caves and the incredible rock formations that characterize the park were formed. There is also an exhibition of some archaeological finds that were found in the park.

Hikes and Walks around Ojcowski National Park

The Ojców National Park offers a wide range of hiking trails, totaling almost 50 km, from the easiest to those for more experienced and adventurous people.

The routes are well marked and allow you to visit the main attractions of the park. There are 5 recommended itineraries, identified by colors, which allow you to safely explore the different areas of the park and discover its natural wonders. The details of the routes can be consulted on the park’s official website.

How to get to Ojców National Park from Krakow

Ojców National Park is just 30 km from Krakow and is easily accessible by car. There are two paid parking lots near the park. It is advisable to park at the one called “Pod Zamkiem”, because the other one, called “Złota Góra” is located in the village of Ojców and is almost always full.

There are also convenient guided day tours from Krakow, which include round-trip transport, entrance fees (including a visit to Pieskowa Skala Castle and Lokietek Cave), and licensed English-speaking guide.

The park can also be reached by UNIBUS buses from the ‘Nowy Kleparz’ stop (ul. Kamienna 8), located on the outskirts of Krakow. However, the rides are infrequent and you risk wasting a lot of time: it runs every 2 or 3 hours and the journey takes about 40 minutes.

The Wooden Churches of Southern Małopolska are a remarkable testament to the rich history, architecture, and cultural heritage of Eastern Europe. Built between the 14th and 16th centuries, these churches showcase the unique craftsmanship of the region, combining traditional wooden construction techniques with Gothic and Byzantine influences. Located in the picturesque countryside of southern Poland, these structures are not only significant for their religious and artistic value but also for their harmonious integration into the rural landscape, reflecting the deep connection between faith, architecture, and nature in this part of Europe.

Today, the Wooden Churches of Southern Małopolska are considered one of the most extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Poland, having survived nearly a millennium virtually intact. They offer visitors a glimpse into the past and a chance to experience the architectural ingenuity that has been preserved through generations. These historic gems can be easily explored on a day trip from Krakow, making them a must-see for anyone interested in Poland’s rich cultural and architectural legacy.

What are the Wooden Churches of Southern Małopolska?

Małopolska, as the region of Southern Poland is called, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful regions in Poland, and is famous for being rich in natural and historical wonders. This is the region where Krakow is located, but also where most of Poland’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites are located.

But there is a truly hidden gem in Małopolska, which few people know, but which is really worth a visit: in this area surrounded by the Carpathians and the Tatra Mountains, it is still possible to see over 250 examples of ancient wooden architecture dating back to the Middle Ages.

Of great importance are the wooden churches, known as the “Wooden Churches of Southern Małopolska”, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which represent an extraordinary and wonderfully preserved heritage of medieval wooden churches belonging to the traditional culture of the Roman Catholic Church.

This particular style of wooden churches began to spread towards the end of the Middle Ages, around the sixteenth century, with Gothic influences and details that recall the Greek-Catholic and Orthodox presence in the region.

The churches were built using the “horizontal trunk technique” and the tower structure with uprights and beams, building techniques very popular in the Middle Ages in Northern and Eastern Europe.

The Wooden Churches of Southern Małopolska are Gothic buildings that have survived in their original form and are still today completely authentic even in their function, as they are places for traditional festivals and religious ceremonies.

The Małopolska Region in 2001 established a 1500 km tourist route called Wooden Architecture Route, which includes 252 most valuable historical wooden buildings, including Roman Catholic, Greek-Catholic and Orthodox churches, historic houses and parks.

The route is well signposted throughout the region thanks to more than 600 information panels and frequent signs that allow tourists to correctly follow the itinerary and visit the sites. On the official website of the Wooden Churches of Southern Małopolska’s Route you can find all the details of the attractions of the route.

In addition to the incredible heritage of Roman Catholic churches, in the area there are also some wooden Tserkvas, small wooden Orthodox churches (some are Eastern Catholic churches, affiliated for example to Greek or Byzantine Catholicism, but almost all today are transformed into Roman Catholic churches), which are inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage lists with the name of Wooden Tserkvas of the Carpathian Region in Poland and Ukraine.

Among these, the Virgin Mary’s Care Tserkva in Owczary, the St. James the Less Tserkva in Powroźnik and the Mother of God Church in Chotyniec are definitely worth a visit.

Discovering the Wooden Churches of Southern Małopolska

Since 2003, six wooden churches of Małopolska have been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

• St. Michael Archangel’s Church in Binarowa
• All Saints Church in Blizne
• St. Michael Archangel’s Church in Dębno
• Assumption of Holy Mary Church in Haczów
• St. Leonard’s Church in Lipnica Murowana
• Saints Philip and James Church in Sękowa

St. Michael Archangel’s Church in Binarowa

St. Michael Archangel’s Church (Kosciol Sw. Michala Archaniola) is located in the village of Binarowa about 150 km from Krakow.

It dates back to 1500 and is one of the oldest churches in the region. Inside it preserves a precious mural painting representing some scenes from the New Testament, the figure of the Madonna carved in wood dating back to the fourteenth century and carved seats.

All Saints Church in Blizne

All Saints Church is located in the village of Bliznie, about 180 km from Krakow. It is located right on the main street of the city, so it is very easy to find it.

The church dates from the mid-15th century and was built in a Late Gothic style. It is located on a small hill, surrounded by an ancient and suggestive forest. It is bordered by a wooden fence that includes four masonry chapels, added later.

The interiors are characterized by elegant ornaments on the walls and a beautiful organ gallery. A decoration with vegetable and grotesque motifs enriches the interior. The oldest paintings in the church date back to the 15th century, among them the painting of the Passion of Christ and the scene of the Last Judgment are noteworthy.

St. Michael Archangel’s Church in Dębno

St. Michael Archangel’s Church is located in the small village of Dębno, 90 km from Krakow, near the Dunajec Gorge, and dates back to the 15th century.

It is one of the best preserved wooden churches in Poland and is internationally recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of Poland.

The peculiarity of the church is that it was built without any nails, but right with the use of wooden dowels. Despite this, it has been perfectly preserved over time.

At the beginning of 1600 a tower with a pyramidal dome was added. Its interior is famous for being polychrome, which makes it the oldest polychrome wooden work in Europe.

St. Michael Archangel’s Church in Dębno features paper and leather paintings and floral, geometric and animal motifs can be seen on the walls. One of the oldest elements is the cross, dating back to 1380, which according to legend was brought there by the waters of the Białka River.

The church can only be visited in spring and autumn, it is kept closed in winter to protect it from humidity.

Assumption of Holy Mary Church in Haczów

The Assumption of Holy Mary Church in Haczów is located about 200 km from Krakow and stands along the bank of the River Wisłok in the center of the town.

It is the largest medieval wooden church in Poland and one of the largest in the world, as well as the oldest in the nation. It dates back to 1388, when the King of Poland Władysław Jagiełło decided to establish a parish in Haczów and so the first Gothic church was built.

Over the years the church was renovated and enlarged several times, with the addition of the tower, windows in the nave, the sacristy and more space for the faithful.

The interior decorations are very old, and date back to around 1494. The church also houses precious representations of the Passion of Christ, the Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the assassination of St. Stanislaus and St. Michael the Archangel.

St. Leonard’s Church in Lipnica Murowana

St. Leonard’s Church is located in Lipnica Murowana, about 50 km from Krakow. The church as it can be seen today dates back to the 15th century, but this was built in place of an older church, dating back to 1143.

It has a single wide nave and according to tradition the windows are only on the southern side, with the doors located to the south and west of the Church. The church originally did not have a tower, but a bell tower was added in the 17th century.

It is located inside a cemetery, which creates a very suggestive and particular atmosphere.

Inside, the decorations are mainly in the Baroque style, while the ceiling decorations date back to the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. The church can only be visited in spring and summer.

Saints Philip and James Church in Sękowa

Saints Philip and James Church is located in Sękowa, a village located about 140 km from Krakow, near the Slovak border, and is one of the most impressive wooden churches of Southern Małopolska.

It was built in 1520, with a curious oval-shaped plan. The tower with the dome, the small bell tower and the large external arcades were added in the 18th century.

During the First World War, the church suffered considerable external and internal damage, and only in the 90s was a major renovation and restoration work carried out that brought the church back to its original appearance.

The interiors are less impressive than the other churches, due to the destruction, but still houses a beautiful 17th-century altar decorated and carved in a late-Renaissance style and a late-Gothic stone font from the 1500s.

Behind the church, the Sękowa river flows, which makes the view very picturesque. Visits are open all year round.

How to visit the Wooden Churches of Southern Małopolska

The Wooden Churches of Southern Małopolska can easily be visited on a day trip from Krakow, or you could stay a few days in the area and also visit the many wonderful things to see in the area, such as the Dunajec Gorge and the beautiful town of Zakopane.

The best way to visit the area and follow the Wooden Churches of Southern Małopolska tourist route is by car. If you don’t have your own car you could rent one in Krakow. Car rentals in Poland are quite cheap and of good quality, here you’ll find all information about the best car rentals in Krakow.

Alternatively you could book a guided tour from Krakow: an expert guide will pick you up at your place in Krakow, take you to see the main wooden churches of Southern Małopolska, show you the wonderful landscape of the area and take you back to your accommodation in the evening.