Best Places to Visit Near Krakow

Krakow city is the second-largest in Poland and offers a variety of tourist attractions.  The city is home to historic Old Town architecture, traditionally Jewish districts, green forested parks, castles, and stunning bridges. But if you truly want to experience Poland then you must consider venturing out for a day’s trip from Krakow.

During the Krakow tours you will be able to explore important cultural destinations, religious and historic landmarks, explore mountain towns, and national parks. In fact, there are several places to visit from Krakow that you can get to and from within a single day.  So, as you plan your next trip to Poland, be sure to include the best places to visit near Krakow in your travel itinerary.

 

1. Auschwitz-Birkenau

Set out on a half-day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau from Krakow and learn about the shocking events that took place in this German Nazi concentration camp during the Second World War. It’s here one million people were killed with Hitler’s call for Final Solution to the Jewish Question.  

The place of Oswiecim has several camps, of which two are the most important Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. Once you reach the destination, you will first explore Auschwitz I, which was built to house political prisoners of the time. Your guide will lead you to several blocks where you will discover permanent exhibits explaining the atrocities committed in this camp. Next, you will head to the only remaining gas chambers and crematoriums, which the Nazis could not destroy due to their hasty departure. During the visit, your guide will give you a detailed history of each building.

After a short break, you will be led to the second camp: Auschwitz II-Birkenau. This camp was built in 1941 as a death camp where about 1.3 million people were sent during the following years. During the tour, your guide will lead you through the train tracks, the barracks, the latrines, the deposit of ashes, and the remains of the crematoriums and gas chambers which were demolished by the German Nazi troops before leaving. After visiting both camps, your tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau ends and you will head back to Krakow. 

 

Recommended Tour:  Skip-the-Line Auschwitz-Birkenau Camp Tour with Transport

 

Getting there: Auschwitz-Birkenau is 47 miles (75 km) west of Krakow.  If you are looking for the best private tours of Auschwitz then it’s strongly recommended you book a tour with Rosotravel. The whole tour lasts up to 7 hours.

A visit to Auschwitz is not easy. Being one the most popular tourist sites in Europe (with more than 2 million visitors each year), getting an opening or securing tickets on your own can be a challenging task. Further, to fully understand the history and events which occurred at the concentration camps you must be accompanied by an expert guide. This tour is different and can be emotionally taxing, hence we recommend booking your tour with us.

 

2. Wieliczka Salt Mine

Located at a half hour’s drive, the Wieliczka Salt Mines is one of the most popular excursions from Krakow. The mines have been declared a World Heritage Site since the 1970s and are famous for their richly carved salt halls and a network of tunnels that spans more than 186 miles (300 km).

As you reach the site, follow your expert guide down 350 steps and into one of the oldest salt mines in Europe. Here you will discover over 20 salt-chiseled rooms, some of which are beautifully decorated during the 2.1 miles (3.5 km) walking tour, as well as underground lakes, the tools, and utensils used by the miners, and curious salt-made sculptures and low reliefs. As your guide explains how the site was transformed into a charming ‘underground village’, discover the main attraction the Chapel of Saint Kinga, a startling 54-meter temple decorated with large salt chandeliers and a beautiful altar.

During the tour, you will also learn about the salt extraction process that has been used in the mines since the Middle Ages. You will also learn about the weather conditions at a depth of 1000 feet creating a unique underground microclimate that is ideal for people suffering from respiratory conditions.

According to the regulations of the salt mine, tours are conducted in groups and with one of their registered guides. So, enjoy and don’t worry as your local guide will wait for you outside of the mines until your tour has finished.

Getting there:  The Wieliczka Salt Mines is located 10 miles (16 km) from the city center of Krakow. 

You can easily book a private tour with Rosotravel from Krakow and includes round-trip transport, a skip-the-line ticket, and a full guided tour with an expert guide in the language of your choice.

 

Read More: From Krakow to Wieliczka Salt Mine – The Three Routes

 

3. Warsaw

A trip to Poland cannot be complete without a trip to its capital city – Warsaw. During a day’s tour you will get a chance to explore a wide variety of attractions like historical sites, monuments, museums, medieval castles, and the mansions of the Polish nobles.

As you reach Warsaw, your tour begins immediately. You will see the most important landmarks of the city like the Old Market Square, the Royal Castle, the Palace of Culture and Science, the Barbican, the beautiful Lazienki Park, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Monument of the Warsaw Uprising, and much, much more.  Soon after your guided tour you can enjoy other activities like shopping or doing some sightseeing on your own.

During the tour, your guide will talk about the history, culture, life, society, business, and everything you want to know about Poland.

Getting there : There are two ways you can reach Warsaw from Krakow. The first option is by taking an intercity train and the journey lasts a little under 2.5 hours, while the second option is by a private car and the journey lasts about 3.5 hours.

Now you might think that day’s tour is too short to even get a glimpse of what Warsaw has to offer. We will change your mind and you can trust us on this, as our Warsaw tour is packed with sightseeing and excitement, all at a reasonable price. The whole tour lasts up to 15 hours.

So, don’t wait and book your Warsaw tour with Rosotravel today!!

 

4. Wroclaw

There is so much to talk about Wroclaw; it’s the largest city of Lower Silesia and also the capital of this region. Just like other cities in Poland, Wroclaw also has a complicated history. At different stages of its history, it belonged to the Kingdom of Poland, Bohemia, the Austrian Empire, Prussia and Germany. 

In present times, it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Poland, full of stunning architecture with one of the biggest squares in the whole country. The Town Hall, the Cathedral Island with Tumski Bridge – all these sites are popular with visiting tourists. Wroclaw is also home to numerous unique attractions that are listed on the UNESCO list – Centennial Hall and the most popular residents – the Wroclaw’s dwarfs hidden in the alleys of the city. All these highlights of this beautiful city can be explored during a full day excursion from Krakow. After the guided tour, you will still have some free time for shopping and discovering the city on your own. 

Getting there : Wroclaw is a long but worthwhile day trip from Krakow. There are two ways you can reach – the first option is by taking an intercity train and the journey lasts a little under 3.5 hours, while the second option is by a private car and the journey lasts about 3 hours. The whole tour lasts up to 13 hours.

We offer a full day private tour with an English-speaking driver and a local guide in your chosen language in Wroclaw.

So, don’t wait and book your Wroclaw tour with Rosotravel today!!

 

5. Zakopane Town and Tatra Mountain National Park

Escape the bustle of the city life, and set off on a unique full day trip from Krakow to Zakopane. This is Poland’s most famous winter town, and here you will discover the stunning views and untouched landscape of the Tatra Mountains, also known as the ‘Polish Alps’. After a two hour drive, you will reach Tatra County, home to popular winter sports town Zakopane and its striking Tatra mountain ranges.

Once in Zakopane, you will be accompanied by your expert guide to the hill funicular, which climbs the Gubalowka Mountain. At the summit, there is a large terrace where you will enjoy breathtaking panoramas of the Tatras towering over picturesque valleys. Here you will also find a number of tourist trails with different levels. After reaching the summit you can choose which trail interests you the most. Each trail will take you through spectacular landscapes.

Later you’ll return to Zakpone and enjoy a walking tour around the historic center, discover the old cemeteries, the Tatra Museum, the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Krzeptówki and the Jaszczurowka Chapel. Next at your own leisure you can relish Polish mountain food, stroll through the scenic streets and do some souvenir shopping on Krupowki Street.

Your day will conclude with a drive back to Krakow. On your way back you can stop at Chocholow, a pretty village which has typical nineteenth-century wooden houses.

Getting there : The picturesque town of Zakopane is 100 km from Krakow and takes under 2 hours to reach by car on a private tour. The whole tour lasts up to 11 hours.

 

Book your tour to Zakopane from Krakow with Rosotravel today!!

 

6. Ojców National Park

Quit city life for the day and surround yourself with the beauty of the Ojcow National Park. This is the smallest and the most attractive national park in Poland. The park is famous for its rich history, varied landscape and several legends that surround this special place.

After an hour’s drive from Krakow, on arrival your guide will give you instructions, a detailed timetable, map and directions to all the attractions. You can explore the park at your own pace. Begin by walking along the stream to the famous Krakow’s Gate enjoying the views of numerous limestone cliffs, rock formations, caves and ravines. 

Next, visit the ruins of medieval Ojców Castle or hike through the woods and visit the Lokietek’s Cave or Ciemna Cave. Explore the Chapel on the Water or just go for a leisurely walk and relax as you admire the beauty of nature. After a few hours of exploring, you can take a much needed break and enjoy a tasty lunch at a local restaurant. The park is family friendly and you can choose to go for a hike with your little ones or leave them to play as you discover other areas of the park. After 6 hours of adventure in nature, it is time to drive back to Krakow.

Getting there : The Ojcow National Park is 13 miles (20 km) from Krakow. After a 40 minute drive suddenly you find yourself in a completely different world. The whole tour lasts for about 5 – 6 hours, and depending on your interest, your tour can be longer or shorter. 

Rosotravel offers private tours with an English speaking-driver and will pick you up from your hotel at chosen time.

Book your tour to Ojcow National Park from Krakow with Rosotravel today!!

 

Summing up, these are the best places to visit near Krakow and there are plenty more to look forward to. Krakow is definitely a great city to base yourself and explore Poland.