Do you live in Krakow or have you already been to the city of kings more than once? Do you have the impression that you already know almost every corner? Have you seen Wawel Castle, the Cloth Hall, the Wawel Dragon, and you’ve already walked the length and breadth of the Market Square 10 times? Underground Market Square doesn’t impress you anymore? Have you also been to Kazimierz and Podgórze? Do you honestly think that nothing can surprise you positively anymore?
From place to place
That’s why during my last stay in Krakow I decided to see Krakow from different sides. I present you the most interesting places that are worth seeing in the vicinity of Krakow. You can get to them even in less than an hour! I, using the services of JTP.Group, travelled by comfortable Mercedes with my chauffeur. Thanks to this, I didn’t have to worry about getting lost and the driver always gave me a lot of knowledge about the places I was visiting.
A short trip out of town
I have some interesting suggestions for you, which you can do in one day. I myself am quite an original traveler and I don’t like to discover places that everyone knows…because what is the discovery? Getting to these places will take you maximum one hour.
Lanckorona
Lanckorona is supposedly the most famous Polish “town of angels”. This is where the famous hand carved angels are made. The town is located in an extremely charming area and on a small hill, where you can admire the surrounding valleys, richly covered with trees.
In the town you can also see beautiful old houses and the ruins of a 14th century castle.
Tenczyn Castle
I know, I know, there are castles everywhere…but contrary to appearances, each one is different! The castle in Rudno is a ruin included in Eagle’s Nest Trail. I have heard that there are many legends connected with this place, e.g. during moonlit nights on “Nawojowa Tower” in the middle of flames you can see a figure of crying woman and hear the clang of iron. On the other hand, great treasures are buried deep in the castle dungeons. These riches are guarded by devils in the form of big dogs. You can only steal them on 2 days a year: at night on Christmas and Easter. However, beware of the shadow of a mysterious knight who roams the castle at night, because the one who sees him never comes back.
Bledowska Desert
The Bledowska Desert, located in the Krakow-Czestochowa Upland, is the largest desert in the country. It is 10 km long and about 4 km wide. You can go to the viewing platform or hike the tourist trail from Błędów to Klucze.
Energylandia
Energylandia is one of the biggest amusement parks in Europe, located in Zator, only 40 minutes drive from Krakow.
The park has attractions for all ages, including roller coasters, numerous carousels and extreme equipment, as well as restaurants, bars, and souvenir stores. However, the whole area is constantly being expanded and enlarged. You can enjoy the adrenaline rush as well as the water area with pools for the whole family. You can read more about an organized trip to this place here: https://krakowdirect.com/krakow-airport-krakow-transfer/.
Wadowice
Wadowice is the hometown of Polish Pope John Paul II, located 52 km from Krakow. It is famous mainly for the best papal cream cakes and is the destination of many organized pilgrimages following the footsteps of Karol Wojtyła.
The Miniature Park “The World of Dreams”
The Park of Miniatures “Dream World” in Inwałd is a place thanks to which we can go on a journey around the world and see the biggest and the oldest monuments of the world in miniature. Among other attractions, you will also find here: a hedge maze, Egypt Horror Show and 5D cinema.
Tyniec
Tyniec is best known for its Benedictine Abbey, located on a high limestone hill. The monastery was probably founded in the 11th century, making it the oldest of all Polish monasteries.
In addition, you can be sporty and cycle there from the city center.
The Tyniecka Trail, as a part of the national project of the Vistula Cycling Route and the Amber Trail, and stretches along a specially prepared cycling route, running along the flood banks of the Vistula River. A great advantage of this path is its attractive location. On one side we are accompanied all the time by a beautiful view of the Wolski Forest.
Przylasek Rusiecki
Przylasek Rusiecki is located in the eastern part of Nowa Huta, a side district of Krakow. Recently a water reservoir located there has been put back into use. A promenade, installations necessary for relaxation by the water, viewpoints, sports fields and a playground were built there.
Pieskowa Skala and Ojcow
Pieskowa Skala is best known for its historic Castle, located in the Ojcow National Park, as well as the nearby Hercules Mace, a huge limestone rock. When visiting the beautiful Ojcow Park you can stroll along the trails there and enjoy some delicious smoked trout.
Niepołomice
Niepołomice is a small charming town located just outside Krakow. It’s worth seeing the Royal Castle, which by many is called the second Wawel Castle. I promise this is the last castle I’ll mention 😉 Near this town there is also a huge Niepołomice Forest and a bison breeding center.
Zatorland
Zatorland is a huge amusement park, mainly for kids. Mainly due to the fact that it is Europe’s largest moving dinosaur park. You can also find here Mythology Park, Insect Park, Lunapark and Museum of Skeletons and Fossils.
Wieliczka Salt Mine
Just 13 km from Krakow is Poland’s most famous salt mine. The visitor route is about 3 km long and consists of 20 chambers. The deepest one is located at a depth of 135 meters. There are organized numerous trips for tourists from all over the world, but also for children from Polish schools. There are many attractions, and nearby there is a large park, a pond and tennis courts. If you are willing to such a trip I recommend to look at this website: https://krakow.wiki/krakow-airport/.
Medieval Stronghold in Inwałd
This is a castle modeled on a medieval fortress from the 15th century and adjacent buildings, stretching on the area of 2500 m2. The whole building makes a really big impression. It is as if you were transported back in time to the Middle Ages! You will find here a viewing tower, a castle, craftsmen’s huts, an armoury, a torture chamber, a Dragon Moving Park, a Laser Arena, an archery range and medieval billiards. It’s worth adding that the castle often hosts living history lessons for children. I think you can spend the whole day here and you certainly won’t be bored!
