Małopolska winter holidays 2026 - when are they and what's worth seeing? | PolishTrains

At a glance

• Malopolska winter holidays 2026 run from 2 to 15 February, coinciding with five other voivodeships
• Zakopane is known as the winter capital of Poland, with ski slopes at Kasprowy Wierch (1,987 m) and Gubalowka
• The cable car to Kasprowy Wierch offers panoramic views of both the Polish and Slovak Tatra Mountains
• Morskie Oko is a must-see lake destination for hiking enthusiasts visiting the Tatras in winter
• Skis and snowboards packed in a bag travel free as hand luggage on PKP Intercity and POLREGIO
• Direct trains to Zakopane run from Krakow in roughly 1.5-2 hours and from Warsaw in about 5 hours

According to the timetable announced by the Ministry of National Education, the winter holidays in Małopolska are from 2 to 15 February. It is one of the regions that is starting its holidays in the second round. Children and young people from the Dolnośląskie, Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Łódzkie, Zachodniopomorskie and Opolskie voivodeships will be on holiday at the same time .

Małopolska offers numerous and varied attractions for the holidays. The region is famous for its excellent conditions for winter sports, but also for its rich culture, tradition and cuisine. If you decide to go during the winter, you certainly won't complain about boredom!

Zakopane, known as the winter capital of Poland, is a place that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. Whatever the date of the holidays, this city offers an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Attractions in the Tatras

Zakopane is primarily associated with the Tatra Mountains, a mountain range with several interesting attractions. If you are in the area, be sure to take the cable-car up to Gubałówka (1123 m). We especially recommend such a trip on a sunny day, as you can then admire the panorama of the city and mountains from the top. Looking for more ambitious activities? Take the cable car to an even higher point, Kasprowy Wierch (1987 m). From this location you will gain the most beautiful views of both the Polish and Slovak Tatras. For hiking enthusiasts, on the other hand, a trip to Morskie Oko will be ideal.

Winter sports

Winter sports can also be enjoyed in and around this town. For those wanting to test themselves on the slopes, we recommend:

Kasprowy Wierch - a place for experienced skiers, offering challenging runs and deep snow.

Gubałówka - ideal for beginners and families with children, with gentle slopes and good infrastructure.

Harenda ski lift - the biggest advantage is the artificial lighting of the slope, which attracts skiing enthusiasts in the evening.

What to visit in Zakopane?

In addition to sporting and natural attractions, your list should include a few more points of interest to explore the culture and flavours of the region. Our suggestions are:

Krupówki, Zakopane's main pedestrian street, bustles with life at any time of the year. It is a place where you can feel the real highlander atmosphere, buy local souvenirs and taste traditional dishes.

The Tatra Museum allows you to get to know the rich history of Podhale and the Tatra Mountains. The facility will especially appeal to those interested in culture.

Willa Koliba, the museum of Zakopane style, is a must for architecture and art lovers.

Attractions for children

In addition to the above-mentioned attractions, ideal for the whole family, we also recommend entertainment such as:

Snowlandia - a snow park with a maze and ice sculptures, guaranteeing unforgettable fun.

Papugarnia - a facility where you can admire and learn about these exotic birds.

Zakopane Thermal Baths - thermal pools, slides and saunas, a place that is an attraction for the whole family.

Sleigh rides - traditional horse-drawn sleigh rides - the easiest to organise if you are going in a larger group.

How to get there?

Zakopane is well connected to the rest of the country by rail links. From Warsaw you can take a direct train in around 5-6 hours. From Cracow, on the other hand, the journey takes about 3-3.5 hours. On the other hand, if going to the area from Gdańsk, we recommend looking for an overnight train, as the journey will take about 12 hours. Importantly, the Zakopane railway station is less than a 15-minute walk from the city centre.

Other ideas for the holidays? Cracow and its surroundings! This is the ideal place for your holidays in Małopolska if you want to experience a bit of urban atmosphere. Here you can count on typical big-city entertainment such as the cinema, ice rink, trampoline park, museums, galleries and many cultural events for people of all ages. What's more, it's an excellent starting point for other attractions, such as the Wieliczka Salt Mine or the papal town of Wadowice.

Attractions in Cracow

Cracow is a city full of monuments and attractions that can be enjoyed all year round. It is worth starting your visit from the Main Square, a place full of historical corners and atmospheric restaurants. Strolling through the Old Town, you will marvel at the unique architecture and atmosphere. Particularly noteworthy is the Wawel Castle - the former seat of Polish kings, which today houses museums. In turn, the castle hill offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area. In addition, we recommend visiting other museums within Cracow, such as the National Museum or the Market Underground.

Best attractions for children:

Holidays at the Wawel Castle

Cracow offers cultural attractions for children during the holidays at Wawel Castle. Every year there are special workshops for children from 9 to 15 years old. As part of a series of classes), participants can learn more about the history of the castle and Polish kings, as well as the works of art located at Wawel. The price of a single class starts at around PLN 50**(one guardian can enter for free with each child**). Why is it worth it? This is an excellent way to learn about Polish history in a slightly different, more interesting way. It will certainly appeal to children interested in history and stories from the past.

Holidays in the Cracow Museum

Cracow has prepared another attraction for the holidays in the museum. The facility will host activities for children and young people during the Lesser Poland holidays, including museum meetings and talks, as well as arts and crafts workshops and interactive games. Cost from approx. PLN 20/activity (free entry for one guardian). Why is it worth it? This is an opportunity not only to explore the world of art and history, but also to try new forms of artistic expression and develop your creative skills.

Festival of Children's Theatre on the NCK Stage

During the Malopolska holidays, there will be daily theatre performances for children, and on selected days also ceramic, art and graphic workshops. The cost depends on the specific event. Why is it worth it? Participation in workshops and performances can inspire children to love art and inspire them to further discover its beauty and diversity.

Winter sports

Although Cracow is not a typical winter sports centre, it offers two interesting possibilities for active leisure:

Ice rinks - there are several ice rinks in Kraków during the winter season, including at Galeria Krakowska and the Cracovia ice rink at Siedleckiego Street.

Cross-country trails in Wolski Forest - ideal for cross-country skiing enthusiasts.

What to visit in the vicinity of Cracow?

After visiting Cracow, it is worth going to its picturesque surroundings, which also offer many interesting attractions in winter. Extremely popular places include:

Wieliczka Salt Mine - a unique monument where you can admire underground lakes, salt sculptures and learn about the history of the place.

Wadowice - the hometown of Pope John Paul II, where you should visit a modern museum dedicated to the pope and taste the famous kremówki.

Ojcow National Park - in winter it delights with its picturesque snow-covered landscapes. It is home to unique rock formations, such as the famous Maczuga Herkulesa, and the Pieskowa Skala Castle.

Attractions for the whole family

Cracow and its surroundings are a great place for winter holidays in the Lesser Poland region. There is no shortage of attractions for the whole family, which will put a smile on every child's face. We recommend a day trip to:

Energylandia in Zator - although most attractions are closed in winter, the park offers special attractions including an ice rink, winter funfair and interesting illuminations.

Water Park in Cracow - an excellent alternative to winter sports, offering water attractions for children and adults.

How to get there?

You can get to Cracow comfortably by train from any region of Poland. The train journey from Warsaw will take about 2.5-3.5 hours, and from Wrocław about 3-4 hours. You can check available connections and ticket prices at PolishTrains. On this platform, you will also immediately purchase a ticket for selected journeys. However, do not wait until the last minute to book! When the 2026 Małopolska holidays begin, interest in travel will be high and the number of available seats may already be severely limited. Therefore, it is best to buy tickets even 30 days before the train departs.

Cracow itself, on the other hand, has an extensive public transport network, including trams and buses, which makes it easy to move between attractions.

When planning your holidays in the Małopolska region in 2026, look out for the mountainous surroundings, especially the Pieniny - a picturesque mountain range located on the border between Poland and Slovakia. It's an ideal destination whether you're looking for interesting ski slopes, relaxing thermal waters or just want to hike on scenic trails.

Attractions in Pieniny

The Pieniny Mountains offer a range of attractions, with mountain hiking being the most popular. In winter, with favourable weather conditions, you can also enjoy this form of activity. Among the places worth visiting, the following stand out:

Trzy Korony (982 m above sea level) - a majestic peak providing a panoramic view of the Pieniny and Tatra Mountains.

Sokolica (747 m) - famous for its characteristic pine tree at the top and a breathtaking view of the Dunajec Gorge.

Wąwóz Homole - a winter oasis where you can admire fairy-tale snow formations and ice-capped waterfalls.

Winter sports

The Pieniny Mountains provide excellent conditions for winter sports. The Palenica ski station in Szczawnica has slopes of varying difficulty, ideal for both beginners and advanced skiers. On the other hand, for cross-country skiing enthusiasts there are numerous picturesque trails in and around Szczawnica.

What to visit in the Pieniny?

Want to learn about the history and culture of the region? Be sure to visit the most important monuments in the area. Some of the interesting places include:

Niedzica Castle - a medieval fortress with a rich history and a view of Lake Czorsztyńskie. Here you will see chambers, dungeons and numerous exhibitions about the castle.

The dam on Lake Czorsztyńskie - this structure is particularly important for the Pieniny ecosystem. It is worth seeing this structure with your own eyes and learning about the history of its construction.

Pieniny Museum in Szachtowa - this place presents the history and culture of the region, among the exhibits are items related to the life of the Pieniny highlanders, their traditions and crafts.

Pieniny National Park - this is an ideal place for hiking, with the Three Crowns peak located within its boundaries.

Attractions for the whole family

The Pieniny Mountains are an excellent choice for family holidays, if only because of the wide range of thermal complexes on offer. We particularly recommend:

Bania Thermal Baths in Białka Tatrzańska - this is a modern thermal pool complex with numerous water attractions. It offers both indoor and outdoor pools, slides, saunas and a relaxation zone.

Bukovina Thermal Baths in Bukowina Tatrzańska - this is one of the largest thermal facilities of its kind in Poland. In addition to pools with thermal water, there are extensive zones of saunas, jacuzzi and recreational pools.

Termy Szaflary - a place for those who focus on relaxation and biological regeneration. In addition to the thermal pools, you can enjoy a wide range of spa treatments and massages.

How to get there?

The Pieniny Mountains are well connected with the rest of the country, although most places cannot be reached directly by train. It is best to start your trip with a train journey to Cracow or Nowy Targ, and from there travel further by local buses.

Do you already know from when the Małopolska region has holidays, and what about other provinces? Below is the full schedule of holidays for 2026:

1st turn: 19 January - 1 February 2026: mazowieckie, pomorskie, podlaskie, świętokrzyskie, warmińsko-mazurskie,

2nd period: 2 February - 15 February 2026: Lower Silesian, Kuyavian-Pomeranian, Łódź, West Pomeranian, Lesser Poland, Opolskie,

3rd turn: 16 February - 1 March 2026: podkarpackie, lubelskie, wielkopolskie, lubuskie, śląskie.

Knowing the dates of holidays in other regions, you can plan your trip to Małopolska so as to avoid the biggest crowds and fully enjoy the area's winter attractions. Whether you head for the ski slopes, mountain trails or decide to visit charming towns and monuments, Małopolska is sure to delight you with its beauty and diversity.

What's more, thanks to us, you already know where to go on your holidays in Malopolska with your children by train, just remember to plan your trip in advance. You can buy tickets for regional and long-distance connections online at PolishTrains.

What means of transport are best for winter travel in the Małopolska region?

When travelling in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, make use of the offer of the regional railways and PKP Intercity. Every day, you will find several connections between Cracow and Zakopane or Cracow and Nowy Targ. On the other hand, if you want to reach smaller towns in the Pieniny, such as Niedzica or Czorsztyn, it is best to take one of the local buses passing through on these routes.

In addition, you can also comfortably get to Zakopane, Cracow or Nowy Targ for the holidays by train from many parts of the country. For example, there are trains to Zakopane from Gdynia, Poznań, Warsaw and Szczecin.

Is it worth booking tickets and accommodation for holidays in Małopolskie Voivodeship in advance?

Yes, booking accommodation and travel in advance is the best option, especially if you are going on a trip with children. Planning a minimum of a month in advance will give you the chance to find accommodation in a convenient location, so it won't take long to move between attractions. If you plan to start your sightseeing from Cracow, it is best to find accommodation close to a tram line, which will allow you to get to the centre or to the railway station quickly and without standing in traffic, from where you can travel to other places you plan to visit during your holidays in Lesser Poland.

It is equally important to book train connections in advance, especially those for trains from PKP Intercity, where you buy a specific seat together with your ticket. If you want your whole family to travel in one compartment, be sure to make your purchase about 30 days before the train departs.

Why spend your winter holidays in the Małopolska region?

Winter holidays in Małopolska offer plenty of attractions for the whole family, and above all a chance to spend time in a very varied way. Firstly, you can feel the big-city atmosphere and learn a bit about the history of Poland, and take part in events and workshops which will awaken new passions in your child and allow them to get to know the city from a completely different perspective. Secondly, you will try winter activities in the Tatra Mountains, e.g. skiing on the slope at Gubałówka, and in the evening you will visit Krupówki in Zakopane to get an even better feel for the highland atmosphere. Thirdly, you can relax in the surroundings of the picturesque Pieniny Mountains, where, in addition to mountain trails and historical sites, you will have a chance to relax and have fun at the thermal springs. So many attractions will certainly not let you get bored!

How to prepare for a trip and what to take on a winter holiday in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship?

Start preparing for your trip by creating a sightseeing plan, check available train connections and buy the necessary tickets in advance. If possible, also buy tickets online from the various venues, thus avoiding queues at ticket offices at the entrance (and they can be really big during the holidays!).

What you should take on your trip depends on how you want to spend your time:

• sightseeing in cities and historical sites - onion clothing and comfortable shoes are a must,
• mountain activities - you need a warm down jacket, thermal underwear and sports equipment. Remember that you can hire helmets, skis and poles on site,
• for relaxation in the thermal baths, you will need a bathing suit, towel and flip-flops,
• on any outing - take snacks, powerbank drinks, a first-aid kit with essential medicines and plasters, and documents (e.g. your child's school card which gives them discounts on rail travel).