Best Day Trips from Krakow

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Kraków is a city with a fascinating history, a fairytale old town and a vibrant energy. But if you have the extra time, the city's surroundings hide some of Poland's most impressive sights. From spectacular natural sites to places steeped in history, there are day trips to suit all tastes. Here's a selection of the best day trips you can take from Kraków, with details of transport, duration and approximate prices.

One of the most impressive destinations to visit from Kraków is the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, which has been converted into a memorial and museum in honour of the victims of the Holocaust. Most tours include transportation by bus or minibus and a guided tour in English or Spanish. The total duration of the tour is 6-7 hours and includes a visit to the two main camps: Auschwitz I and Birkenau. The price is around €40-€50, depending on whether extras such as an audio guide or lunch are included.

Just 30 minutes from Krakow, the Wieliczka Salt Mines are a true underground gem and a World Heritage Site. On this tour you will descend to a depth of 135 metres to explore tunnels, salt chambers and the impressive Chapel of St. Kinga, carved out of pure salt. Tours are usually guided and include bus transport from Krakow. Total duration is 4-5 hours, and the price varies between €40 and €50 depending on the type of ticket.

If you are short on time and want to visit both sites on the same day, many agencies offer a combined tour to Auschwitz and the Salt Mines. The day starts early with a guided tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau, followed by a transfer to Wieliczka to tour the salt mines. The total duration of the tour is 10-11 hours, including transport, entrance fees and guide. The price is usually around €80-€100, depending on the services included.

For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, a trip to Zakopane is a great option. Situated at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, this town is known for its wooden architecture, alpine atmosphere and local produce market. The tour usually includes transportation by bus or minibus, a visit to the Gubałówka viewpoint and free time to stroll along the lively Krupówki Street. The total duration is 8-9 hours and the price is around €60-€80, depending on whether the funicular or a typical meal is included.

If you need a day of relaxation, the Chochołów Thermal Baths near Zakopane are an ideal choice. This modern hot springs complex offers outdoor and indoor pools, saunas and whirlpool areas with views of the Tatra Mountains. The tour usually includes bus transport and entrance to the hot springs, with a total duration of 6-7 hours. The price ranges from €50 to €70, depending on additional services such as massages or access to VIP areas.

For those interested in history and religion, Wadowice, the birthplace of Pope John Paul II, is a fascinating excursion. The tour includes the House Museum of John Paul II, the church where he was baptised and other key places of his childhood. The tour usually takes 4-5 hours by minibus with an English or Spanish speaking guide. Prices are around €40-€60, depending on whether tastings of kremówka, the Pope's favourite cake, are included.

For nature lovers, the Ojców National Park is one of the best excursions from Kraków. This park, the smallest in Poland, is famous for its rock formations, caves and medieval castles. Excursions often include visits to King Łokietek's Cave and Pieskowa Skała Castle, as well as hiking trails through the valley of the Prądnik River. It can be reached by car or by organised excursion with minibus transport, with a total duration of 6-7 hours. The price varies between €50 and €80, depending on the activities included.

If you like postcard-perfect scenery, a trip to Niedzica Castle in southern Poland will surprise you. This 14th century fortress is situated next to a reservoir surrounded by mountains, creating a fairytale setting. Many tours combine a visit to the castle with a boat trip on Lake Czorsztyn and a stop at the ruined Czorsztyn Castle. The duration is 8-9 hours and the price is around €60-€90, depending on the extras included.

Tarnów is one of the most beautiful cities in Poland and, surprisingly, still little visited. Its old town is full of Renaissance architecture, cobbled streets and an enchanting atmosphere. The tour usually includes a visit to the market square, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and the Ethnographic Museum, famous for its collection of Gypsy artefacts. The tour lasts 5-6 hours and costs between €40 and €60.

From historically charged sites such as Auschwitz to natural wonders such as Zakopane and Ojców National Park, Kraków is the ideal starting point for discovering some of Poland's most impressive sights. If you want to explore the country's history, Auschwitz or Wadowice are a must. If you prefer nature, Ojców and Zakopane will surprise you. And if you're looking for a different experience, the Salt Mines or the Chochołów Thermal Baths may be just what you need. Which of these excursions will be your next adventure?