Places worth visiting within a 300km radius of Krakow.

Posted on March 24, 2023March 24, 2023 by Krakow Guide

Krakow is located in the southern part of the country and is a popular tourist destination. The city has a rich history and fantastic architecture. As a result, Krakow has plenty to offer visitors. However, many other exciting destinations within a 300km radius of Krakow are worth visiting. In this article, we will explore some of the top destinations within easy reach of Krakow if you want to see more than just Krakow.

Zakopane

Located just 110km south of Krakow, Zakopane is a popular destination for those looking to experience the natural beauty of the Tatra Mountains. This charming town is known for its traditional wooden architecture and is a hub for winter sports enthusiasts. Visitors can go skiing, snowboarding, or sleigh rides in the winter months. Summer hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing are popular activities. Don’t forget to try some of the local smoked sheep’s cheese, Oscypek, while you’re there.

Wroclaw

Wroclaw is a vibrant city located 270km west of Krakow, and is the fourth-largest city in Poland. Known as the “Venice of Poland,” Wroclaw is famous for its network of canals and bridges that criss-cross the city. Visitors can take a boat tour of the city, visit the famous Market Square, or explore one of the city’s many museums. One of the highlights of a visit to Wroclaw is visiting the colorful Wroclaw Dwarfs, a series of over 300 small bronze statues scattered throughout the city.

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

Located just 70km west of Krakow, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in learning about the atrocities committed during World War II. The former concentration camp is now a museum and memorial to the millions of people who lost their lives there. Visitors can take a guided tour of the camp, view the exhibitions and collections, and pay their respects at the memorial.

Prague

While not technically in Poland, Prague is just 280km south of Krakow and is a popular destination for those exploring Central Europe. The Czech capital is known for its stunning architecture, including the iconic Charles Bridge and the Prague Castle. Visitors can also explore the city’s many museums and galleries, or simply stroll through the charming Old Town. Be sure to try some of the local beer and traditional Czech cuisine while you’re there.

Wieliczka Salt Mine

Located just 16km southeast of Krakow, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is a UNESCO World Heritage site that attracts over 1 million visitors annually. The mine has operated for over 700 years and is now open to the public for tours. Visitors can explore the underground chambers, chapels, and salt lakes, and learn about the history of salt mining in Poland.

In conclusion, many destinations within a 300km radius of Krakow are worth visiting. Whether you’re interested in exploring the natural beauty of the Tatra Mountains, learning about the history of World War II, or experiencing the vibrant culture of Central Europe, there is something for everyone within easy reach of Krakow.

Auschwitz will be closed for visitors because of the Coronavirus!

Posted on March 12, 2020March 12, 2020 by Krakow Guide

The Polish government has decided to close all cultural institutions, museums, schools, and universities in the period between March 12th and March 25th, it will be impossible to visit Auschwitz Concentration Camp in the mentioned period.

As of now, we do not know if the museum will open again after March 25th or they will be forced to keep it closed for a longer period of time.

Would you like to know more about Auschwitz? Are you planning to trip to Auschwitz later? You can read more about Auschwitz Concentration Camp in the following article.

How much time is needed for an excursion to Auschwitz from Krakow?

Posted on August 2, 2019November 9, 2022 by Krakow Guide

Would you like to go to Auschwitz on a day excursion from Krakow? How much time is needed for such a visit? Is it a full-day program, or can it be combined with other activities on the very same day?

As you might know, we can easily help you arranging day-trips to Auschwitz from Krakow with groups on English. This is one of the most popular programs in Krakow, and it is one nobody visiting the city should be without. Maybe you don’t want to visit Auschwitz (which is fully understandable), after all, it is a brutal and terrible place. But still, we are all drawn to the place, and it is such a dark place from the history of man, that we still need to see it and remember it. And yes, that is why visiting Auschwitz is something everyone should do, even if they like the idea of it or not.

But, how much time is needed in Auschwitz?

Most groups tours going to Auschwitz from Krakow last for around 6 hours. This is including the transportation day from Krakow with a bus to the Auschwitz 1, then to Auschwitz 2, before heading back to Krakow once the program is finished. As a result, you spend around 3,5 hours in the actual camps. This is ideal if you come with a group as it will take you through both camps and you will get to see the most important places.

But, if you are heavily interested and want to discover the Concentration Camps on your own, you might want to spend even more time in the camps. How come? If you want to really look carefully at the places, while reading in a local guide book, and taking a deep dive into this dark spot in human history, more time is simply needed. Maybe you should count on spending around 5 hours in both camps.

It all comes down to how much time you would like to spend in the camp, and for how long time you can ponder upon the place and stay in its atmosphere.

But, if you come with a group, you will most likely spend a total of 3-4 hours in the actual camps, and the rest of the time will be spent traveling from Krakow to Auschwitz and back.

But, how old should one be before visiting the Concentration Camps? That is a brilliant question and I will write more about it in another article sometimes soon. But, my private opinion is that as people start to learn about it in school, and/or start meeting with anti-Jewish propaganda around the world, that is when time is getting ready for paying this place a visit!