Cracow - what to see and visit | PolishTrains

At a glance

• Energylandia in Zator features three zones for children, families and teenagers
• Western Camp amusement park recreates a Wild West atmosphere with a pool and animations
• Zatorland hosts Europe's largest park of life-sized moving dinosaurs
• Wieliczka Salt Mine is located just 15 km from Krakow, reachable in 20-25 minutes by train
• Oswiecim and the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum are accessible from Krakow in 60-90 minutes by rail
• Bochnia Salt Mine offers underground overnight stays in addition to its standard guided tours

Zator - Energylandia and ZATORLAND!

The surroundings of Kraków are a treat for entertainment lovers! A lot of credit for this goes to Zator, which is home to the cult Energylandia and the themed amusement parks Western Camp and ZATORLAND Dinosaur Park.

There are 3 attraction zones at Energylandia - for children, families and youngsters. Among the many attractions are spectacular rollercoasters, water attractions and themed carousels for the little ones.

Western Camp is entertainment in the atmosphere of the Wild West. Animations, a swimming pool, Indian playgrounds and a chillout Relaxation Zone await visitors. Zatorlandia is home to Europe's largest park of moving dinosaurs. The prehistoric reptiles are life-sized and make very realistic noises. Strong impressions guaranteed!

What's around Cracow? For sure the Salt Mine in Wieliczka

Wieliczka is located just 15 km from Cracow. The town is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed salt mine. The underground galleries and pits comprise as many as 300 km of corridors on 9 different levels, where tourist routes have also been prepared. During the tour you will see, among other things, brine lakes and underground salt chambers. The tourist route, as this is the name of the part described above, is about 2 km to walk. It is worth spending about 2 hours on the tour. Lovers of stronger sensations can choose the more extreme Mining Route in the oldest preserved Regis shaft. Working clothes, helmets and torches are provided for the tour! It takes about 3 hours to complete the tour. The organisers request that you arrive at the site 15 minutes before the tour starts.

Above-ground attractions in Wieliczka include the Żupny Castle, the salt graduation tower and the 17th-century Franciscan monastery. It is best to get off the train at the Wieliczka-Rynek-Kopalnia railway station.

Bochnia - medieval town and salt mine

Staying within the circle of mines and charming towns, Bochnia is definitely worth paying attention to. The small town impresses with its medieval, historic architecture, remembering the times of Casimir the Great. At its heart is the Market Square with its characteristic St. Nicholas Basilica and wooden bell tower. The town's biggest tourist attraction is the Bochnia Salt Mine on Solna Street. The underground corridor at a depth of 300 m is traversed one way in carriages and back on foot. Multimedia presentations along the route give an insight into the past of the mine and the town. There is plenty to see, as Bochnia was granted town rights as early as 1253!

For those seeking a moment of relaxation and, especially in summer, a respite from the heat, we recommend the Ważyn Chamber. This 248-metre-deep space hollowed out in the Bochnia mine is an excellent place to stay longer in the mine's unique microclimate. Breathe in. There is a playground, a ball field and a relaxation area with deckchairs. The average duration of a mine tour including a stay in the Ważyn chamber is 3 hours. It is also possible to extend the stay in the chamber itself or even spend the night.You leave the train at the Bochnia railway station.

Auschwitz - not only WWII

Oświęcim is also a popular destination for tourists from Cracow. The town is mainly associated with the Second World War and the Auschwitz** concentration camp established on its grounds. Although the subject is difficult and hardly a holiday destination, it is certainly a place worth visiting. Few people realise that Auschwitz itself has much more to offer. The town is over 800 years old and was once an important**Piast stronghold*. At the beginning of the 20th century, it was also a transfer station for emigrants from Poland who were planning to travel to America by ship! You can learn about this interesting history by visiting the museum at*Oświęcim Castle** and the historic tunnels under the town. The medieval market square and surrounding monuments, such as the Town Hall and St. Jack's Chapel, also await visitors. To start the tour, exit the train at Auschwitz train station.