One day trips from Krakow

How do you fancy a day trip out of Krakow? The whole region has so much to offer, with both incredible natural attractions and also fascinating historical monuments. Below is a list of some of the most interesting places that will hopefully offer something for everyone.

1. OJCÓW – NATIONAL PARK 30 MINS FROM KRAKOW

The first thing to mention about this natural park is that it has a stunning and unique landscape. It offers plenty of attractions for visitors – from magnificent views and stunning rock formations to medieval ruins. The park’s proximity to the city makes it the perfect destination for a day trip.

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2. BŁĘDÓW DESERT – MYSTERY NEAR KRAKOW

No, it’s not a mistake – there really is a desert near Krakow! Although not as big as it once was, it is still an unusual natural phenomenon. But how was it formed? Legend has it was the Devil’s work. In reality, however, geologists have found that the sand was carried from the coast by amelting glacier. But having a large amount of sand in this area, which was actually a primeval forest until the Middle Ages, wouldn’t have been enough to create a desert. It’s the additional effect of human activity. The trees in the forest were cut down, which resulted in the water table being lowered to such an extent that the land could no longer support plant life. This created a desert area of more than 150 square kilometres (five times larger than today). Even mirages could sometimes be seen!

3. CASTLES ALONG THE TRAIL OF THE EAGLES’ NESTS

This is a real treat for enthusiasts of the medieval period! A trail covering 163.9 km that takes in 17 picturesquely situated castles and ruins. The route, starting at Wawel Castle and ending at the Jasna Góra Monastery in Częstochowa, is a popular attraction among history lovers. It showcases the best-preserved castles, like the ones in Pieskowa Skała, Korzkiew, Będzin and Bobolice. Even though some sites are more in ruins, they are still extremely interesting as they are beautifully situated. While wandering around the castle walls in Tenczyn or Olsztyn it’s really easy to feel the power that they once represented.

4. LANCKORONA – BEAUTIFUL AND CHARMING

Lanckorona is a lovely village located approximately an hour’s drive from Krakow. It is sometimes called the city of angels as the local artists there are famous for making images of them from a variety of materials. Lanckorona’s unique feel is a result of its medieval layout, spacious cobbled market square and tight streets creating narrow alleyways between the traditional cottages. There is also a regional museum and some castle ruins that you can visit.

5. ZALIPIE, VILLAGE IN BLOOM

This is another beautiful and charming village on the list. It has actually become known worldwide due to its wonderful tradition of having painted houses. The women of Zalipie started decorating their cottages over 100 years ago, in order to make their soot-covered walls look nicer. As the practice became more popular, they started to paint also the facades, wells, and even dog kennels. Nowadays, this place has flowers in bloom all year round – and it truly is a masterpiece of folk art!

6. MOUNTAINS – NOT ONLY THE TATRAS

The majesty of the Tatra Mountains may seem hard to beat. But it’s well worth giving other mountain ranges a chance as well! The Beskid, Gorce and Pieniny Mountains all offer very different views and experiences. Since they are not so challenging, you can focus on just relaxing in nature rather than the actual trekking itself. Babia Góra, the highest peak in the Żywiec Beskids, is a true classic. Another mountain worth visiting is Mogielica – which has a lookout tower where you can admire the vast natural landscape. Or there’s Lubomir Mountain, which has an astronomical observatory located on top.

7. NIEPOŁOMICE – BEAUTIFUL VILLAGE NEAR KRAKOW

This small town near Krakow offers plenty of interesting tourist attractions! The pearl is undoubtedly the royal castle. It was once considered a favourite by many of the Polish rulers, while the Gothic church in the market square, the oldest building in the town, is also well worth a visit. Niepołomice has an interesting museum of photography, Grunwald Mound, an old Jewish cemetery and an old town hall. Nature lovers, meanwhile, will be happy to know that Niepołomice Forest is located nearby. It’s a primeval forest that is a home to many endemic species.

8. SALT NOT ONLY FROM WIELICZKA

Not many people know that there is also a second salt mine near Krakow – in Bochnia. Just like the one in Wieliczka, it was established in the 13th century. It also is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although there are no underground lakes or crystal chandeliers, the interiors are equally memorable. There is also the option of crossing the flooded adit (the entrance to the mine) by boat! Another huge plus is that it’s much less crowded than its more famous neighbour, which really makes the atmosphere of the place even more magical.

9. SILVER, BESIDES SALT

Just a 90-minute drive from Krakow is Tarnowskie Góry (in the Silesian voivodeship). There are a number of attractions worth seeing – like the historic silver mine that became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can wander through the tight corridors to get a true feeling of the atmosphere of the mine. And later, at the end of the walking route, travel along an underground river. And if you find that boating in an underground tunnel is for you, there is also the Black Trout Adit. It’s located only about 5 km from the mine in Tarnowskie Góry.