Krakow is a unique place that offers visitors endless attractions. For many people, it is a magical and unique city to which they will return at every possible opportunity.
One of the things that gives it such incredible appeal is its location. The city is surrounded by a plethora of historical, worthwhile sites that attract millions of tourists from all over the world.
If you’re going on a vacation to Krakow, be sure to plan excursions outside the city that will help you discover amazing sites.
Krakow is a unique place that offers visitors endless attractions. For many people, it is a magical and unique city to which they will return at every possible opportunity.
One of the things that gives it such incredible appeal is its location. The city is surrounded by a plethora of historical, worthwhile sites that attract millions of tourists from all over the world.
If you’re going on a vacation to Krakow, be sure to plan excursions outside the city that will help you discover amazing sites.
Excursion to Auschwitz-Birkenau
Auschwitz-Birkenau is a unique historical museum, located in Oswiecim (about 70 km from Krakow), which everyone should see at least once in their lifetime.
It is a UNESCO-listed memorial site and a symbol of the horrors of World War II, the Holocaust, dehumanization and bestiality of Nazi ideology.
During your trip to Auschwitz, a local guide will show you around the two parts of the former concentration camp (Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau), where more than 1.1 million people perished.
Shocking exhibits showcase both numerous reconstructions of the camp buildings and many original buildings and ruins, including the remains of the gas chambers and crematoria.
There are daily tours from Krakow to the Auschwitz museum, which include personal pick-up, convenient private transportation and museum tickets.
Wieliczka Salt Mine
The 13th-century salt mine attracts more than a million tourists from around the world each year. Located just 15 km from the center of Krakow, it must be on the list of anyone who wants to see the city’s most important neighborhoods.
When you visit the Wieliczka mine, you will discover an underground salt world that is literally breathtaking. 20 impressive salt chambers, including shrines, an armory or a salt lake, are just a few of the attractions on the tourist route.
A visit to the mine, through which you will be guided by a professional guide, is an unforgettable experience and an extremely interesting history lesson.
This picturesque village is an ideal place to relax in the bosom of unspoiled nature and take an active trip outside Krakow. It is located about 50 km from the city center and you can easily get there by bus, agglomeration transport or private car.
Lanckorona impresses with its wooden architecture from the 19th century, historical monuments (including the ruins of the castle, Antoni Krajewski Museum and St. John the Baptist Church), and above all with its beautiful mountain landscape.
This is both a great option for a family day trip and a hiking trip in a unique setting.
Zakopane and the Tatras
The winter capital of Poland is worth seeing at any time of the year. This beautiful town is located about 90 km from Krakow and is one of the main attractions of southern Poland.
Surrounded by the impressive Tatra landscape, it offers a multitude of attractions to visitors. In Zakopane, you can take a hike on one of the tourist trails, which vary in difficulty.
It is worth visiting Gubalowka, to which the famous cable car leads, and climbing the most famous Tatra peak – Giewont.
On the main street in Zakopane – Krupówki, you will be able to stock up on unique souvenirs (handmade by local artists) or regional delicacies (fresh oscypki).
If you’re visiting Zakopane in winter, you’ll have a chance to take advantage of the ski lifts in amazing scenery. You can easily get to Zakopane with daily transfers from Krakow to Zakopane.
Ojców and Pieskowa Skała
Prądnik Valley is a unique place, characterized by an extraordinary fairy-tale landscape. It is located about 20 km from the center of Krakow.
On its territory you can visit Ojcow National Park, Pieskowa Skala Castle, Chapel on the Water, numerous 16th century ponds, Lokietek Cave or the famous Hercules Mace.
This beautiful area attracts numerous hikers, offering a plethora of historical sites that have been created by nature.
You can also stay in one of the hotels or guesthouses in Ojcow itself and spend a wonderful weekend in the Valley.
Transportation from Krakow
You can go on trips to the Krakow area in various ways. The most popular destinations are usually reached by buses and vans departing from the main railway station.
You can also get to places like Auschwitz or Wieliczka by train. However, one of the most convenient and reliable means of transportation are organized tours with transit from Krakow: https://cracowcitybreakers.pl/en/tours/visit-auschwitz-birkenau-museum-krakow-bus/.
They provide personal pick-ups, private guides and comfortable transfers in both directions. If you are willing and able to travel by your car, you will also have no problem getting there quickly and parking at tourist sites.
