Attractions of Malopolska - interesting and unknown places worth seeing | PolishTrains

At a glance

• Malopolska has the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites of any Polish voivodeship
• Krakow's historic centre and Wawel Royal Castle are among Poland's most visited landmarks
• Both the Wieliczka and Bochnia salt mines hold UNESCO status and are accessible by train
• A train from Krakow to Zakopane takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours
• The Velo Czorsztyn cycling route around the Czorsztyn reservoir covers 27 to 40 km
• Gorce National Park features the Crown of Polish Mountains peak Turbacz at over 1,200 metres

Gorce

Malopolska is a land of mountains, and one of its ranges, located within the Gorce National Park, is the Gorce. These are unique mountains, less frequented, with a lively sheep grazing culture that is preserved here. It is worth climbing the viewing tower located on the Gorce, a peak more than 1,200 metres above sea level, offering a wide panorama of the entire area. Similar vantage points can be found on Lubań, Magurki and Gorc Troszacki. Be sure to also visit the highest peak of the Gorce Mountains, Turbacz, included in the Crown of Polish Mountains, where you can take a break at the famous PTTK mountain hostel. Next to the hostel, there is a small Museum of Culture and Mountain Tourism PTTK, introducing the figure of the writer Wladyslaw Orkan. A convenient base for exploring these mountains is, for example, in Rabka-Zdrój, which can be reached by train from Cracow.

Orthodox churches and churches

Did you know that the Małopolska region boasts the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Poland? There are many churches and Orthodox churches on it, which form an interesting trail worth discovering. In total, there are as many as eight unique, beautiful churches: churches in Dębie Podhalański, Binarowa, Sękowa and Lipnica Murowana, and Orthodox churches in Powroźnik, Kwiatoń, Brunary and Owczary. It is worth noting that these wooden buildings, some built even without the use of nails, have Lemko roots. Their interiors are equally magnificent, often preserved in very good condition. You absolutely must see them live to fully appreciate their beauty and historical significance.

Dobczyce

About an hour's drive from the centre of Cracow is the small but charming town of Dobczyce. There is no direct train service, but you can take the train from Cracow to Wieliczka, and there change to a bus to this town. Dobczyce lies in the Wieliczka Foothills, on the shores of the artificial Dobczyce Lake, created as a result of the construction of a dam on the Raba River.

An undoubted attraction of this Małopolska town is its medieval castle, which offers a view of the entire area, including the river. History buffs will enjoy the Open Air Museum of Folk Architecture, where you can see what life was like for the former inhabitants of the Foothills. It is also worth climbing the dam and taking a walk along the promenade around the lake. Dobczyce is an ideal destination for a short break away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Wygiełzów open-air museum

What is the most beautiful open-air museum in Małopolska? The one in Wygiełzów deserves to be called the leader. It has existed for over 50 years and allows you to see with your own eyes what life in the countryside was like over 200 years ago. You can take a look inside a cottage, barn, granary and even a burgher's house. Everything is prepared with attention to detail, so a visit here feels as if you are actually visiting a village where people still live. It is certainly one of the most interesting places in the Małopolska region that you should not miss. Additional advantages are the beautiful, green surroundings of the open-air museum and the dedicated staff, who are able to capture the attention of younger travellers with their stories.

Magura National Park

Are you looking for a place suitable for a cycling trip with historical attractions along the way? Or maybe you prefer untrodden mountain trails? You will find it all in the Magura National Park - one of the smallest national parks in Poland. It is a space for lovers of nature and history. Scattered throughout the mountain valleys are remnants of Lemko villages, where you will find ancient buildings of wooden huts and Orthodox churches. The most beautiful of these, which even made it to the UNESCO World Heritage List, is the Orthodox Church in Kwiatoń.

The Magura National Park and its surroundings also hide war cemeteries, monuments and other symbols of history. Near the park is a little-known attraction - Poland's smallest spa in Wapienny. Thanks to EU funding, the village has been revitalised: a new spa house with a pump room, spa parks, a health fountain and walking paths along the Napoleon Promenade have been built.

This is one of the most interesting places in Małopolska, where you will fall in love at first sight. Its many attractions will certainly make you want to return here more than once!

Cracow

The royal city of Cracow is not to be missed on the map of your wanderings in Małopolska. This city, which is the capital of the region and one of the largest in Poland, offers countless attractions. You can get here comfortably by train, even from abroad. Kraków Główny train station is close to the characteristic Market Square, and Wawel Castle is a little further away, putting all the main attractions within walking distance. Visit Kleparz and Kazimierz, buy local souvenirs in the Cloth Hall, climb Mount Kosciuszko Mound, listen to the bugle call from the Tower of St. Mary's Church or have a look at the Obwarzanka Museum. You won't be short of attractions in Cracow even on subsequent visits to the city. If you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, take a stroll through the revitalised Zakrzówek Park on the site of a former quarry or go to the Bielany-Tyniec Landscape Park.

Pieniny National Park

Pieniny National Park is another mountainous attraction in the Małopolska region. The place is famous for its easy trails, also accessible to children, where you can test your strength before setting off to the higher Tatras. You can admire the surroundings from such peaks as Trzy Korony, Sokolica, Wysoka or Sokola Perć. In the Pieniny, spectacular pine trees, arranged in fanciful shapes, are an attraction. This is influenced by difficult mountain conditions, such as strong winds and barren soil. Apart from that, you will find other attractions here, including the most important one: rafting down the Dunajec river on a raft. Here you will feel like the rafters of old, floating timber, while admiring the beautiful mountain peaks and listening to stories told by highlanders, for example about the robber Janosik. Fans of more extreme experiences can go rafting and mountain kayaking here. It is also worth going to the Homole Gorge located in Mały Pieniny with its beautiful high limestone walls.

Szczawnica and Czorsztyn are excellent starting points for exploring the Pieniny National Park. Szczawnica is a well-known spa town with numerous hiking trails, while Czorsztyn is famous for its picturesque castle on Czorsztyn Lake. And how to get there? You can get from Cracow to Szczawnica or Czorsztyn by private transport.

Tatra National Park

Attractions in Małopolska are, above all, the beautiful mountains, with the Tatra Mountains at the forefront. To enjoy these magnificent views, it is worth starting your journey from Zakopane. You can arrive in the city by train, which is a convenient solution as there are train services from many corners of Poland. Moreover, the train station is located in the very centre of Zakopane, which makes it easy to get to your chosen accommodation. Those who do not want to waste time and go to the mountains straight away can also take advantage of the offer of one of the eight mountain huts located in the Tatra Mountains.

The Tatras offer more than 275 kilometres of marked trails. Here you will find both very demanding trails with ladders and chains, for which you need the right equipment, and trails suitable for walking with children. These mountains are very diverse in this respect. The highest and most difficult peak in the Tatras (and Poland) is Rysy (2503 m), while the lowest with a much easier ascent is Nosal (1206 m). What's more, the beautiful views, mountain lakes and contact with nature attract crowds of people here, and most tourists return every year to conquer new peaks.

The most popular places in the Tatras are Dolina Pięciu Stawów, Giewont, Gęsia Szyja, Dolina Małej Łąki, Wodospad Siklawa and Cave Mylna. You can also find lesser-known nooks where, especially in the morning, you will only meet individuals.

Krynica Zdrój

Do you like the charm of old spa towns? Then you will fall in love with Krynica Górska! This town is worth visiting not only for the spa holiday, but also for its unique atmosphere. There is a Spa Park, mineral springs and many treatment facilities. Krynica Górska is an old-style spa resort, not yet destroyed by commercialisation. In many places , beautiful wooden architecture has been preserved, which harmonises with the high mountains all around. Additionally, figures such as singer Jan Kiepura and painter Nikifor Krynicki, who often immortalised the local architecture in his paintings, are associated with the town.

In the centre of Krynica Górska, there is a railway station, which makes visitors like to come here by train. As a result, there are fewer fumes and traffic jams in the town, and strolling through its charming streets becomes a real pleasure. If you are planning a visit to Krynica Zdrój, it is worth using our app, which makes buying train tickets easy. When booking a train connection, you can use all the discounts you are entitled to, including those for seniors.

What is there to see in Krynica in Lesser Poland? Take the cable car to Góra Parkowa or the gondola lift to Jaworzyna Krynicka, from where you will see beautiful views (sometimes you can even see the Tatras from here). There is also a wooden spiral tower hidden among the trees here, giving you a real foretaste of "walking in the clouds". From this town you can also set off on the numerous trails of the Beskid Sądecki.

Beskid Sądecki

If you like mountain panoramas and prefer mountains lower than the Tatras, head for Beskid Sądecki. More precisely, to the peaks such as Radziejowa, Wierchomla, Eliaszówka or the already mentioned Jaworzyna Krynicka. Walking on these mountain trails is worth starting from one of the local bases. It is best to choose towns which are accessible by train, which will make the logistics easier. Krynica Zdrój, Muszyna, Piwniczna Zdrój and Żegiestów Zdrój are ideal examples. Not only local lines, but also long-distance trains stop there.

Each of these towns boasts interesting historical sights and a spa character. However, you will certainly want to spend most of your time on the mountain trails, if only because you can conquer Radziejowa alone in as many as 10 ways! The slopes of Beskid Sądecki are overgrown with old forest, but above its line you will find viewing points, such as the "Snail" in Barcice or the tower in the Gardens of the Senses in Muszyna, which you will certainly want to climb.

Niepołomice

A few kilometres from the centre of Cracow is one of the best tourist attractions in Lesser Poland - Niepołomice, a picturesque town surrounded by a huge forest. It was here, due to its proximity to the royal city of Cracow, that a castle was built centuries ago, which often served as a backup stronghold for the court, for example in case of a plague. Today, the castle houses a museum with an exhibition of sculptures, paintings and historical objects. Also worth a visit in Niepołomice are the beautiful gardens of Queen Bona and the oldest church of the Ten Thousand Martyrs. Thanks to the forests in the Niepołomice Forest, it is also a great place for a bike ride.

Lipnica Murowana

Lipnica Murowana is worth visiting especially around Easter. The small town is famous above all for its competition of beautiful, richly decorated Easter palms. It is an old-style town with cobbled streets and many churches. The most important church is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of St. Leonard's Church.

Lipnica is also a good destination for nature lovers. There is no shortage of attractions and hiking trails in the area. For example, we recommend the viewing tower on Szpilówka, which offers a view of the Wiśnickie Foothills. It is also worth visiting the Brodziński Stones nature reserve, where you can admire fanciful rock formations.

How to get here? The best way is to take the train to Bochnia, and then use the local buses that run regularly to Lipnica Murowana.

Zalipie

What to visit in the Małopolska region? Poland's most beautiful and colourful village - Zalipie - is certainly worth a visit. It is a village located in the Dąbrowa Powiśle region some 30 kilometres north of Tarnów. It is famous for its wooden houses, which are regularly decorated with colourful drawings by their owners. There is a symbolic competition between the inhabitants as to whose house is the most beautiful. It has to be said that the results often exceed expectations! There is no shortage of floral patterns derived from the folk culture of these lands. The quiet streets, in spite of the large number of tourists, make you feel as if you were in the old Polish countryside - idyllic and angelic. The House of the Painters and Felicja Curyłowa's Homestead are also worth a visit.

Stary Sącz

Looking for one of Małopolska's unique attractions for the weekend? The small town of Stary Sącz will certainly meet your expectations! This charming town, associated with the figure of St Kinga, is the backdrop to many legends concerning this Hungarian princess. Among the town's attractions are the Poor Clares' Monastery and a footbridge high in the treetops, offering a beautiful view of the mountains. What's more, two well-known rivers flow through the town: the Dunajec and Poprad, and such Beskid Sądecki peaks as Radziejowa and Przehyba are nearby. In the natural enclave Bobrowisko, located in Stary Sącz, you can also come face to face with friendly beavers. You can get to the town by direct train from many places in the Małopolska region, and from the station you can take a pleasant walk combined with sightseeing.

Olkusz

If you only have one free day, use it to explore Olkusz and its surroundings. Located near the town, Rabsztyn Fortress with its massive walls is one of the most interesting strongholds on the Trail of the Eagles' Nests. Olkusz itself has been connected with silver mining for centuries, which is why it is sometimes called the "silver town". The history of the local ore mining can be explored along the Trail of the Mining Guards - an educational and historical trail within the Olkusz Old Town. The heart of the town remains the market square, which has recently been revitalised. Traces of a medieval town hall have also been discovered there and two walls of this building have been reconstructed. Nearby there is also a tower, unoriginal but faithfully reflecting the character of the medieval buildings. If you are looking for an answer to the question of where to go for a day trip in Małopolska, Olkusz is one of our recommendations.

Wieliczka Salt Mine

The Salt Mine in Wieliczka is a place crowded with tourists every year, who want to admire the beautiful underground corridors and chambers in person. Did you know that it is also one of the Małopolska attractions for young people and children? Younger visitors can take advantage of trails dedicated to them and tickets to visit the mine are available at lower prices upon presenting a school ID card. It is also good news that Wieliczka is easily accessible by public transport. Getting off at the "Wieliczka Rynek Kopalnia" railway station, you are only a few steps away from the monument. Remember that there are concessions for train travel, such as a 37% discount for children and schoolchildren. You can take advantage of all promotions, including those such as the family ticket, in the PolishTrains app.

Velo Czorsztyn

Where to go for a day trip in the Małopolska region? If your family enjoys cycling, take them on the most beautiful cycling route in Poland - Velo Czorsztyn. The route offers two variants:

• The longer one - with a length of 38.5 kilometres - is more mountainous.

• The shorter one - at 27.5 kilometres - leads along a marked cycle path around the lake.

During the ride, you will be able to admire picturesque mountain panoramas. Between the castles in Niedzica and Czorsztyn you have to take a ferry, which is an additional attraction. Velo Czorsztyn is an excellent choice for a day trip in the area. Access is very convenient - for example from Nowy Targ, you can get there by train, which allows you to carry your bicycles.

Skamieniałe Miasto (Petrified City) in Ciężkowice

Ciężkowice is a town easily accessible by train from Cracow or Tarnów. You may not have heard of this town, but there is a unique attraction there for both young and old - Skamieniałe Miasto (Petrified City). It is a reserve of huge rock formations with fanciful shapes that stimulate the imagination, encouraging you to guess what each sculpture resembles. This is a great idea for a trip with a child, as the trail is interesting but not too difficult, so the younger generation will definitely not get bored. You will discover formations such as the Witch, the Gypsy, the Inferno, the Badger and the Pyramid. In the Petrified City, there is also the entrance to the Witch's Gorge, where a picturesque waterfall hides.

The best trail to get around all the attractions is called The Bat. We recommend it because of its good signposting and the fact that it leads through the most interesting parts of the reserve. In addition, there are wooden viewing terraces, allowing a better view of the surroundings. This is definitely an unknown place in the Małopolska region that you must visit!

Bochnia Salt Mine

We have already mentioned the Wieliczka Salt Mine, but the one in Bochnia also deserves special attention. Salt mining here lasted from 1251 to 1990, so it started earlier than in Wieliczka. There are many antique but still technically sound mechanisms in the mine, such as the steam engine serving the lift in the shafts. It is also worth mentioning that the Bochnia mine has been inscribed on the UNESCO list, highlighting its historical and cultural significance. Currently, there are three tours available: a tourist route with a multimedia exhibition, a nature route and an expedition to the Old Mountains. Visitors can also take a boat trip through the flooded chamber and attend a shepherd's mass held in the St Kinga Chapel. Underground, there are also sports competitions, including shooting, volleyball and even a 12-hour relay race.

Amusement parks

In the Lesser Poland Voivodeship there are numerous attractions for children and young people in the form of amusement parks. The best known is Energylandia in Zator, offering extreme rollercoasters and plenty of fun for young and old alike. The park is constantly evolving, with new attractions appearing every year - there are currently around 120 - and it is worth noting that it is here that the world's tallest wooden rollercoaster is located. In addition to Energylandia, in Zator you can also visit Zatorland, Europe's largest park of moving dinosaurs. Meanwhile, in Inwałd, between Wadowice and Andrychów, there is Inwałd Park, consisting of five theme parks: Miniature Park, Dinolandia, Fairytale Warren, Pony Mini Zoo and the John Paul II Garden.

Ojców National Park

What is worth seeing in the Małopolska region? Ojców National Park is an excellent choice for a day trip to discover the beauty and history of the region. It is the smallest national park in Poland with an area of only 22 square kilometres, so all its highlights can be seen in a few hours. Of course, it is recommended to spend more time here to fully appreciate its charm.

Ojców National Park is famous for its fanciful, massive rock formations, which are the remains of organisms that fell to the bottom of the sea that once covered the area. Among them you will find well-known landmarks such as Hercules' Maczuga, Deotymy's Needle, Glover's Glove and Brama Krakowska. There are also 500 caves in the park, including the Lokietek's Grotto and the Dark Cave, where you can meet numerous bats.

Traces of human interference can also be seen here in the form of two famous castles: Pieskowa Skała and Ojcowski. Both castles belong to the Eagles' Nests Trail. Pieskowa Skała is a branch of the Wawel Museum, where a permanent exhibition of the collections is available. Ojcowski Castle is in a slightly worse condition, but the park is making efforts to revitalise it. Part of it is already open to visitors.

Babia Góra National Park

Majestic Babia Góra is a solitary peak that definitely stands out in the area. Often hidden in mists, it is a place of great natural significance - the Babia Góra National Park was established here. It is the highest point not only in Beskid Żywiecki, but also in the whole Beskid Mountains, reaching a height of 1,725 metres above sea level. It is important to know that this place is famous for its capricious, often changing weather, so climbing the peak requires appropriate preparation.

A good starting point is the town of Sucha Beskidzka, where you can also visit the local castle. By the way, the interesting Orava Ethnographic Park is worth a stop along the way. On the other hand, a stop at the shelter in Markowy Szczawiny offers a chance to visit the small Museum of Mountain Tourism. The good news is that there are trains to Sucha Beskidzka, including InterCity, which makes planning a trip to the Queen of the Beskids considerably easier, and reduces the need to take a longer holiday.

Nowy Wiśnicz

There are many buildings competing for the title of the most beautiful castle, and one of the main contenders is the castle in Nowy Wisnicz. This small town, located in the heart of the province, boasts a majestic 14th century building rising on a hill above the town. The castle is one of the outstanding monuments of Lesser Poland. Over the years, it has undergone many reconstructions in Renaissance and Baroque styles, making it difficult to discern its Gothic roots today.

The site also became famous because of a dispute over its ownership between the State Treasury and the Lubomirski family. Eventually, by a court ruling, the State Treasury was recognised as the owner of the building. Despite numerous damages, it was possible to rebuild the castle, preserving its original character. Inside, visitors can admire a collection of furniture from the 19th and 20th centuries, models of other castles, and visit the crypts, which contain sarcophagi. Visitors are most impressed by the plafond hall with its gilded ceiling.

Not far away is the Koryznówka manor house, which houses a small museum dedicated to Jan Matejko. On the other hand, if you fancy a walk, the Wiśnicko-Lipnicki Landscape Park offers peaceful and picturesque hiking areas. The easiest way to get to this part of Malopolska is from Bochnia, which you can reach by train, and from there it's a short bus or taxi ride to Nowy Wiśnicz.

Poprad Valley

The Poprad Valley is a romantic area where you will find several picturesque villages spread along the Poprad River. These include Stary Sącz, Rytro with its picturesque castle ruins, Muszyna, Zegiestów and Piwniczna. These places have a spa character and are conducive to mountain tourism. The Poprad Valley, with its springs on the Slovakian side, invites you to discover its charms on two wheels. It is a great idea to organise shorter or longer trips with family or friends. You can travel between the individual villages by bike, and many of them can also be reached by a regional train from Cracow. You can also easily transport your bike by rail in specially adapted carriages. You can find and buy tickets for transporting your bike on the train via the PolishTrains app.

Podhale

At the foothills of the Tatra Mountains and the Gorce Mountains lies a unique landscape and culture known as Podhale. On their way to the mountain trails, tourists rarely stop in this area, which is a pity as it is one of the most beautiful places in the Małopolska region. Here you will find plenty of historic churches, manor houses, castles and get to know the rich highland tradition. Podhale offers many attractions and its capital is Nowy Targ, which can be reached by train, including long-distance trains.

What is worth visiting in the area? Firstly, the peat bog Bór na Czerwonem, a place ideal for admiring the peat vegetation without damaging it, as wooden footbridges have been laid over the area. Next, you can head to the traditional Manor House in Łopuszna, which resembles a postcard landscape and adds to the charm of the place. From there, it is easy to get to Dębno Podhalański, where there is a wooden church that has been serving the faithful since the 15th century and, importantly, has been preserved in excellent condition. Also noteworthy is the mountain river Białka, especially its gorge, which is a great vantage point and one of the most photographed places in Podhale.

You can discover the attractions of Małopolska by public transport, including buses and, above all, trains. Many places are accessible directly from different parts of Poland, as long-distance trains arrive here. What is more, such a journey can be spontaneous, thanks to the special PolishTrains app, where you can purchase tickets and take advantage of discounts and promotions offered by PKP. This is a great opportunity to compare different offers and dates in order to choose the most attractive proposal.

What is worth visiting in Małopolska? This is an area that offers many possibilities - the attractions presented here are just the tip of the iceberg. The region's rich culture attracts history lovers, and ethnographic museums showcase its traditions. The royal past of Malopolska is visible at every turn, from the majestic Wawel Castle to the charming towns. Among the beautiful peaks of the Tatra Mountains, the Gorce Mountains, the Pieniny Mountains or Beskid Sądecki, you will find ideal places to relax, and in the area of lakes and rivers you can rest by the water. Each visit is a chance for new discoveries and unforgettable impressions. Younger tourists also have no shortage of attractions, including the well-known Energylandia theme park. Be sure to visit Malopolska - this region will delight you every time!