Hi, I will be in a small northern Czech town in July - about 45 minutes from Oswiecimiu or Auschwitz. Interested in going there and then a few days in Poland or Czech. We are exploring Brno and Lednici(castle) before heading back to Prague (probably via train). Questions? Any other must do things to include on my 3-4 days of open travel before heading back to Prague? I will have a college student and a 10 year old with me. Car or train? Housing near Auschwitz or in Brno?
THank you!
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
106 posts
I would suggest staying in Krakow. You can easily do Auschwitz as a day trip from Krakow. The salt mines in Krakow are also spectacular (as long as you aren't claustrophobic). Both of these activities would require you to either have a car, or pay for a tour to take you there. Krakow itself has lots to do and see. The main square itself is beautiful. You can also easily walk from the main square to Wawel Castle. We also did a very interesting walking tour of the Jewish district in Krakow. It included seeing the current Jewish Quarters, as well as what was previously the Jewish ghetto and Schindler's factory. The tour runs daily, I believe, and is free - you just decide how much you want to tip the guide at the end. http://freewalkingtour.com/art/pokaz/130
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
Just a correction to Christine's post. I haven't been to Krakow, but Rick's Eastern Europe and Snapshot: Kraków, Warsaw & Gdansk books have directions for getting to Auschwitz and the Salt Mine on public transit, if you won't have a car.
Posted by
San Francisco
14507 posts
Diana, Christine is correct that going to Auschwitz can be done as a day trip from Krakow. Ask at your hotel in Krakow. There is a tour to Auschwitz that meets at the bus stop in front of the big Grunwald Monument, the decisive Polish victory at the Battle of Grunwald in 1410.
Posted by
Columbus, OH, USA
2026 posts
I too would consider Krakow if it is within your capabilities as it is beautiful and easy easy to walk. We really liked the Hotel Wielopole. (Found on tripadvisor) for proximity, price, and friendly staff. Great breakfast,too. We never take tours, but this hotel did arrange a door to door tour for Auschwitz that was so rewarding and convenient that we signed on for another tour to the salt mines the next day. I don't think we paid much more than if we'd arranged these tours with the countless vendors you'll see in Krakow, but it was too easy to pass up and never really figured the price difference precisely. I would suggest both, the latter especially I think your 10 year old would love.