Wieliczka

Legend has it that we owe the establishment of the salt mine in Wieliczka (12 km from Kraków) to Hungarian Princess Kinga, wife of Boleslav the Shy, Kraków Duke from the Piast Dynasty.

Ojców

The picturesquely situated village (resort with healing springs) is the central point of the Ojców National Park (24 km from Kraków). It can boast of a castle built on a steep rock by Casimir the Great.

Korzkiew

In the small village at the end of the Prądnik Valley there is the first southernmost stronghold of the Eagle Nests Trail. Today this 14th century knight's castle and the surrounding 19th century park are slowly returning to their former glory.

Pieskowa Skała

This unique castle built in the 14th century by Casimir the Great hangs over the Prądnik Valley. Situated at the edge of the Ojców National Park it lies within the distance of about 30 km from Kraków.

Wierzchowska and Nietoperzowa Caves

The 1-kilometer-long Wierzchowska Cave is situated at the Kluczwody Valley. The Będkowska Valley is the location of the Nietoperzowa Cave which is 300 m long.

Tarnów

Only an hour's drive from Kraków, in the heart of Galicia, there lies the extraordinary city of Tarnów. Measured by the oldest town hall clock in Poland, time flows differently there. A walk through the quiet old town where the medieval corners, defensive walls and towers are adjacent to the 'pearls' of the Renaissance architecture becomes a kind of time travel.

Rabka

One of the most important health and holiday resorts in Poland (70 km from Kraków). it is situated in the Raba River Valley between Gorce and Beskid Wyspowy mountain ranges.

Niepołomice Forest

It used to be the favourite hunting place of kings, and today it is a vast protected area (European bison reserve near Proszów). The rich flora and fauna, fresh air and the climate of primeval forest enable rest.

Wadowice

District town situated about 50 km south-west of Kraków. It was here that in 1920 Karol Wojtyła, later Pope John Paul II, was born. Tourists coming to Wadowice most frequently visit the family house of the Holy Father located near the main market.

Oświęcim

Situated within the distance of about 70 km from Kraków, this town has the history of over 800 years. During the Second World War the Nazis organised here the largest extermination camp, KL Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Krynica

Situated at the slopes of Beskid Sądecki, the Krynica health resort attracts patients, tourists and skiers all year round. There are lots of boarding houses, small hotels, lodgings and treatment facilities.

Szczawnica (Dunajec Gorge rally)

Situated at the foot of Pieniny mountain range, Szczawnica (about 120 km south-east of Kraków) is a well-known health resort with healing mineral waters. In the summer one can meet here patients and tourists, and in the winter it is visited by skiers.

Zakopane

The highest situated Polish town (750-1100 m above sea level), winter capital of Poland, cradle of the Podhale highlanders' land, destination for artists, writers and art creators, favourite resting place of the Polish elites.