Arrive Krakow day 1 2nd day - Full day for touring Krakow 3rd day - Full day for touring Krakow 4th day - Full day for Auschwitz 5th day - Full day for Zakopane
6th day - Wieliczka Salt Mines/ tour Krakow Leave Krakow Is this too much time in Krakow? Should I go to Zakopane? I didn't see anything from RSteves about Zakopane in the Eastern Europe book or Poland snapshots. How do I get there? Train/bus/rental car? How much time should I plan for in Zakopane? Should this be a two day or more trip to Zakopane? Is it worth going there? Where to go once we arrive in Zakopane? What to see? Thank you for your help!!
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
We visited Krakow in September & decided against a day trip to Zakopane because of the travel time involved. We were told it's a 2-3 hour bus ride from Krakow, and surprisingly even longer by train - as much as 4-6 hours. I guess the train is super-slow. That being said, you are definitely NOT allowing too much time in Krakow. The city is full of interesting things to see and do. Auschwitz will definitely take the better part of a day, as will the incredible Wieliczka salt mine. Auschwitz is about a 90-minute bus ride from Krakow and Wielickza about a 30-minute train ride. I don't think anyone visiting Krakow should miss either of those places.
Posted by
Newburyport, MA
683 posts
We were in Zako in 2006. It is an ok town but the surounding mountains are fantastic. We stayed at a small hotel call Dom Wycasowa ( which means, we think, "vacation house") in the neighborhood above the city, called Cyrlla. THe experience was unforgettable. It was like being in a very small town w lots of farm animals and very friendly people. The views from Cyrlla were gorgeous. The Tatras are not to be missed. There are tours to the salt mine from Krakow which, we agree, deserves more than 2 days. If you must leave out a place, we'd recommend not going to Auschwitz and enjoying both Krako and Zako fully.
Posted by
Rolling Meadows, IL, USA
9 posts
Not to rain on your parade, but you're probably going to have to cut out Zakopane. The reason being is just pure logistics. To get to Zakopane from Krakow, you need to take a bus, or rent a car and drive along the one lane "zakopianka" highway which is the true definition of "hell on earth". Basically, it's one lane one way, and one lane the otherway. If you are stuck behind a tractor, you may never be able to pass, and your trip may take 5 hours. Basically, you will need to allow about 3.5 hours to get to Zakopane. Therefore, it seems like a little bit too much hassle to go for just one day. I'd say skip Oswiecim, (Auschwitz) and take one more day for Zakopane. About Zakopane: Zakopane is a fantastic place just in general. Most of the tourists will be Polish, who are trying to capture a little nature. The town is small and compact, with great pensions and restaurants. The main draw is the mountains, with fantastic hikes and great places to go. I would recommend: Kasprowy Wierch. (Take a gondola up to the mountain, great fun, huge lines, you can also consider just climbing it to the top instead) Gubalowka Hill (All the Polish Families will be there) and of course Morskie Oko and the surrounding areas. Before you go, you NEED, NEED, NEED to educate yourself on the "Highlander Culture" or in Polish "Gorale/Goralska Cultura" Without this, the whole experience will be lost. I would recommend talking to some Poles about this, just tell them you're going to Zakopane and want to learn about "Gorale". Their style of life and culture are the reason many Poles visit. (After the Mountains, of course!) Plan for 2 days in Zakopane, and you won't be disappointed!