Top 5: Daytrips from Krakow, Poland

A visit to Poland’s well-preserved and former medieval capital of Krakow offers days of history, culture and pounds of pierogies, a local dumpling filled with meat, potatoes and spices. But just outside of Krakow lies a handful of destinations worth exploring when not meandering through the Old Town or climbing up to the centuries-old Wawel Castle. Here are the best daytrips to take from Krakow.

Wieliczka Salt Mine

Underneath the beauty of southern Poland is an extensive network of salt lakes, chapels and tunnels that can only be seen to be believed. The salt mines are just a half-hour outside Krakow, and advance ticket purchase is recommended.

Zakopane

Approximately two hours south of Krakow on the Slovak border sits Poland’s winter wonderland, also known as Zakopane. The ski resort clamors with locals in the winter, but summer is a pleasant time to visit as well, as fewer crowds descend upon the small mountain town.

Wroclaw

While a bit of a stretch for only one day, Wroclaw is only three hours away by an efficient bus or train, and makes a decent daytrip for those short on time. Travelers may opine that seeing the multicultural city in just one day is doing it a disservice, but, for early risers who don’t mind a jam-packed day at the crossroads of multinational history, Wroclaw is worth the long day.

Some travelers debate the importance of visiting the remains of a concentration camp, but the argument lies in learning about history so as not to repeat it. Organized daytrips to Auschwitz are available from Krakow (about one hour away).

Ojcow National Park

Hire a car and drive 30 minutes northwest of Krakow to this natural reserve where hiking paths and peaceful scenery abound, and where crowds are scarce.

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