Krakow (Cracow) Travel Guide

Day Trips

Tatra Mountain: these mountains are Alp-like in nature and comprise the highest range in the Carpathian mountain chain. Thousands of caves permeate the mountainous area, especially in the southern Tatra region, making this a popular place to visit for anyone interested in caving. The range here is from the easily-accessible to those which are more like deep, narrow fissures in the earth.

Auschwitz and Birkenau: the notorious Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz is located just 40 miles from Krakow, making it an essential daytrip - if you have the time and desire. The preserved buildings of the camp offer a sober perspective of the last days of the million or so victims of the Nazi horror.

Royal Salt Mine at Wieliczka: is a UNESCO World Heritage listed site that’s located around 6 miles southeast of Krakow. This is more than a salt mine and, in fact, is a vast town built below ground, dating to the 13th century. Guided tours are offered, which take visitors through a series of underground chambers filled with carvings and statues created by the salt miners over many hundreds of years.

A highlight of the tour is the 17th century chapel, which features bas-relief scenes from the New Testament and salt-crystal ‘chandeliers’ hanging from the ceilings – creating an unusual, yet attractive, effect.