Six Places Around Krakow that Are Worth Seeing
If you are looking for an inspiration for an unforgettable trip, here are our top 6 spots near Krakow that you should consider visiting! All of them recommended!
Ojców – the Treasure of the Polish Jurassic Highland
Full of beautiful landscapes, tourist attractions, and cultural property sites, the Ojców National Park is the local gem that was a must on our list! The heart of the place is the village of Ojców at the bottom of the Prądnik Valley, surrounded by numerous tourist trails, including one to the Casimir Castle, Łokietek’s Grotto, Dark Cave, Jonaszówka Rock, Diotima’s Needle, Krakow Gate, the Bludgeon of Hercules, or the Chapel on the Water. Walks among limestone outliers, gorges, karstic valleys and canyons are the perfect recipe for a wonderful weekend close to nature – you can get there from Krakow by car or take a bus from the Krowodrza Górka terminus.
The Krakow Valleys – Where to Go for a Walk in Krakow?
The Krakow Valleys located in a landscape park are some of the most beautiful places of this sort in Lesser Poland, so it is good to remember about them, when travelling to Krakow. Full of natural wonders, they are mysterious and surprising with diversity and original landscapes. The most interesting trails include one through the Bolechowice Valley with a beautiful waterfall and scenic viewpoints, the Mników Valley with the Półrzeczki Canyon, the Racławka Valley, the woodland Kluczwoda Valley, or the Eliaszówka Valley with the ruins of the Devil’s Bridge and the Elijah’s Spring.
Przylasek Rusiecki – Anglers’ Paradise and Swimming Area
If you love spending time near water, Przylasek Rusiecki, which was modernised two years ago, is a place that you should not skip during your time in Krakow. It is a complex of 14 reservoirs created after flooding gravel pits in the Nowa Huta district, and nowadays it is an enchanting enclave full of beautiful wooden platforms and footbridges over water. The visitors will find plenty of attractions here, including beaches, food zone, comfortable beach chairs, beach volleyball fields and playgrounds for children, making this a perfect spot for everybody.
The “Second Wawel Castle” in Niepołomice and the Incredible Niepołomice Forest
If you love visiting cultural property sites, one of the obligatory attractions 20 km from Krakow is the Niepołomice Royal Castle. Founded by king Casimir III the Great, in the first half of the 14th century it was a hunting base for the greatest rulers of Poland, but also an important defensive structure. The Renaissance seat, after being revitalised in 1991, includes a museum full of old paintings, hunting trophies and collections, a boutique hotel, and a restaurant. The greatest attraction of the town of Niepołomice is the old domain of Polish kings – the Niepołomice Forest, which encompasses six wildlife reserves, and tempts with the picturesque setting of the Black Lake. This place fascinates with the abundance of hiking, running, cycling, and – in winter – skiing trails.
Lavender Fields in Ostrów – the Lesser-Polish Provence near Krakow
Are you dreaming of a soothing fragrance and the hum of colourful French lavender fields? You do not have to go very far, only 40 km from Krakow, in the enchanting Ostrów, you can visit a truly magical garden. Hills covered by diverse lavender varieties (and other species) encourage to take walks and enjoy the abundance of lavender delicacies! Foodies are welcome to try lavender lemonade, coffee, syrups, biscuits and ice cream, and if you are into exquisite fragrances, you will enjoy oils, pendants and cosmetics. But remember! The lavender season lasts only from June to July, so plan you visit ahead!
Visit the Town of Angels – Lanckorona
When visiting Krakow, it is a must to go for a short trip to Lanckorona, which is only 30 km away. The small town captivates visitors with shingle-roofed cottages enveloping the market square, old castle ruins, a museum, the winter Angel Festival, and delicious pastries from the local bakery. You can also get an angelic fridge magnet as a souvenir!
