Arrival at Kraków Airport & Train to the City Centre

We arrive at Kraków John Paul II International Airport in the morning. After collecting our luggage, we follow the signs to the airport railway station, conveniently located just a short walk from the terminal. Trains depart regularly and take approximately 20 minutes to reach Kraków Główny, the city’s main railway station.

Travelling by train is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to reach the city centre. Once we arrive, we catch our first glimpse of Kraków before walking to our hotel located near the Old Town.

Travel time: approximately 20 minutes.

Hotel Check-in & Relax

After checking into our accommodation, we take some time to freshen up and prepare for our first afternoon in Poland. If our room isn’t ready yet, most hotels are happy to store our luggage while we begin exploring the city.

Walking Tour of Kraków Old Town

Location: Juliusz Słowacki Theatre (📍MAP)

We start our self-guided walk at the magnificent Juliusz Słowacki Theatre, one of the city’s most elegant Neo-Baroque buildings. Opened in 1893, the theatre has long been one of Poland’s leading cultural venues and provides a wonderful introduction to Kraków’s rich artistic heritage.

Location: Kraków Barbican (📍MAP)

From here we continue towards the impressive Kraków Barbican, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval defensive structures. The circular fortress once protected the northern entrance to the city and remains one of Kraków’s most photographed landmarks.

Location: Floriańska Street (📍MAP)

Passing through St. Florian’s Gate, we enter Floriańska Street, one of the oldest streets in the city. Beautiful townhouses, cafés, boutiques and local restaurants line both sides of the street, making it the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the atmosphere.

Location: Main Market Square (📍MAP)

Eventually we arrive at the spectacular Main Market Square (Rynek Główny), Europe’s largest medieval market square. Surrounded by colourful historic townhouses, lively cafés and street performers, it has been the heart of Kraków for over 700 years. Here we pause to take in some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the magnificent Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), the impressive Town Hall Tower, and the iconic St. Mary’s Basilica, famous for its beautifully decorated interior and the traditional trumpet call (Hejnał) played every hour from the tallest tower.

Location: Grodzka Street (📍MAP)

Leaving the Market Square, we stroll along Grodzka Street, one of Kraków’s oldest and most beautiful streets. Once part of the Royal Route used by Polish kings during coronation processions, the street is lined with elegant historic buildings, churches, cafés and small shops. Along the way, we pass several notable landmarks, including the magnificent Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, recognised by its impressive Baroque façade and the twelve stone apostles standing proudly in front.

Location: Kanoniczna Street (📍MAP)

Just before reaching Wawel Hill, we take a short detour along Kanoniczna Street, one of Kraków’s oldest and most picturesque streets. Lined with beautifully preserved Renaissance townhouses, ivy-covered façades and charming courtyards, it offers a peaceful escape from the busy tourist routes. Once home to cathedral canons and scholars, the street has retained its timeless character and is widely considered one of the most atmospheric places in the Old Town.

Location: Little Market Square (📍MAP)

Before finishing our walk, we make a point of visiting Little Market Square (Mały Rynek), a quieter square tucked behind St. Mary’s Basilica. Although much smaller than the Main Market Square, it provides a peaceful setting with excellent views of the surrounding historic architecture and is often overlooked by visitors.

Dinner in the Old Town

We wrap up our first day by enjoying dinner in one of the traditional Polish restaurants surrounding the Market Square. It’s the perfect opportunity to try local specialities such as pierogi, żurek soup or pork schnitzel before taking a leisurely evening stroll through the beautifully illuminated Old Town.

Walk Through Planty Park to Wawel Castle

Location: Planty Park (📍MAP)

After breakfast, we start our morning with a peaceful walk through Planty Park, the green belt surrounding Kraków’s Old Town. Built on the site of the former medieval city walls, the park stretches almost four kilometres and offers shaded pathways, fountains, sculptures and colourful flower gardens.

Location: Wawel Royal Castle (📍MAP)

Continuing south, we soon reach the magnificent Wawel Castle. For centuries this hilltop complex served as the residence of Polish kings and remains one of the country’s most important historic landmarks.

We take our time and explore the castle courtyards, admiring Renaissance architecture and enjoying panoramic views overlooking the Vistula River. If we want to see more, we can visit the Royal State Rooms, the Cathedral or the Crown Treasury.

Location: Dragon’s Den (Smocza Jama) (📍MAP)

Location: Wawel Dragon Statue (📍MAP)

Before leaving Wawel Hill, we make our way down to the famous Dragon’s Den (Smocza Jama), a limestone cave hidden beneath the castle. According to one of Poland’s best-known legends, a fearsome dragon once lived here, terrorising the local people until it was defeated by a clever young shoemaker.

At the cave’s entrance beside the Vistula River stands the iconic Wawel Dragon Statue, which breathes real fire every few minutes. It’s one of Kraków’s most popular attractions and a fun stop for visitors of all ages. During the warmer months, the Dragon’s Den is usually open to visitors, allowing us to walk through the cave and emerge beside the legendary dragon itself.

Walk to Kazimierz

Location: Kazimierz District (📍MAP)

Leaving Wawel Hill behind, we continue towards Kazimierz, once an independent town and today one of Kraków’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. Rich in Jewish heritage, Kazimierz is filled with beautifully preserved synagogues, historic courtyards, independent cafés and colourful street art.

As we walk through its narrow streets, we notice a completely different atmosphere compared to the elegance of the Old Town. Many scenes from the film “Schindler’s List” were filmed here, adding another fascinating historical layer to the district.

Try the Famous Zapiekanka

Location: Plac Nowy (Zapiekanka) (📍MAP)

We couldn’t visit Kazimierz without tasting Poland’s famous zapiekanka. Usually served from the food stalls around Plac Nowy, this toasted baguette is topped with mushrooms, cheese and a wide variety of additional toppings.

Crispy, inexpensive and incredibly satisfying, it has become one of Poland’s best-loved street foods and is the perfect lunch while exploring the neighbourhood.

Explore Kazimierz & the Vistula River

Location: Kazimierz District (📍MAP)

We We spend the remainder of the afternoon wandering through Kazimierz at our own pace, discovering hidden courtyards, local cafés, boutique shops and lively squares. Once the centre of Jewish life in Kraków, the district is now one of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, filled with historic synagogues, art galleries and traditional restaurants.

Location: Vistula River Boulevards (📍MAP)

From Kazimierz, we take a relaxing walk along the scenic Vistula River Boulevards, one of the city’s favourite places for an evening stroll. The riverside paths offer beautiful views of Wawel Castle, passing boats and the historic skyline of Kraków.

Location: Kładka Bernatka (📍MAP)

Continuing south, we cross the elegant Kładka Bernatka, a modern pedestrian bridge famous for its colourful love locks and impressive views over the Vistula River. The bridge connects Kazimierz with the historic district of Podgórze.

Location: St. Joseph’s Church, Podgórze (📍MAP)

A short walk brings us to the magnificent St. Joseph’s Church, one of Kraków’s most striking Neo-Gothic churches. Its towering spires and beautiful market square make it one of the most photogenic landmarks in Podgórze and a peaceful place to end the afternoon.

As evening approaches, we return to Kazimierz for dinner at one of the district’s excellent restaurants before heading back to our accommodation, ready for another exciting day of exploring Southern Poland.

Train Journey from Kraków to Zakopane

We start our day early and make our way to Kraków Główny Railway Station, where we board the morning train to Zakopane. The journey takes approximately two and a half hours and gradually leaves the city behind as beautiful countryside, rolling hills and charming villages begin to appear outside the window.

As we travel further south, the impressive peaks of the Tatra Mountains slowly come into view, providing the perfect introduction to one of Poland’s most spectacular regions. The comfortable train journey allows us to relax before our upcoming hiking adventures.

Journey time: approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.

Check-in & Explore Zakopane

Location: Zakopane Railway Station (📍MAP)

After arriving at Zakopane Railway Station, we walk or take a short taxi ride to our accommodation. Once we’ve checked in and dropped off our luggage, we’re ready to discover the charming mountain town.

Zakopane has a completely different atmosphere from Kraków. Traditional wooden houses, mountain lodges and local craft shops line the streets, while the surrounding peaks provide a stunning backdrop in every direction.

Walk Along Krupówki Street

Location: Krupówki Street (📍MAP)

Our first stop is Krupówki Street, Zakopane’s vibrant pedestrian promenade and the heart of the town. Filled with cafés, restaurants, souvenir shops and local markets, it is the perfect place to experience the unique culture of the Polish Highlands.

We browse stalls selling handmade wooden crafts, traditional wool clothing and regional delicacies before stopping for lunch at one of the many restaurants serving authentic mountain cuisine.

We also make a point of trying Oscypek, the famous smoked sheep’s cheese produced exclusively in the Tatra region. Served warm with cranberry sauce, it is one of Poland’s most iconic local specialties.

Cable Railway to Gubałówka

Location: Gubałówka (📍MAP)

After lunch, we walk to the lower station of the Gubałówka Funicular Railway. The short ride climbs steeply above Zakopane and quickly rewards us with breathtaking panoramic views across the town and the dramatic Tatra Mountains.

At the summit We take our time and explore the viewpoint, enjoying the fresh mountain air and capturing plenty of photographs. On clear days the views stretch across snow-capped peaks, green valleys and picturesque villages below.

The summit also features cafés, viewing terraces and local souvenir stalls, making it an enjoyable place to relax before returning to town.

Dinner & Prepare for Tomorrow’s Hike

Returning to Zakopane, we settle in for dinner before spending the evening preparing our hiking equipment for tomorrow’s adventure. We make sure our backpacks are packed with sufficient water, snacks, lunch, waterproof clothing and comfortable hiking boots.

Getting an early night’s sleep is highly recommended as tomorrow begins before sunrise.

Taxi to Kuźnice & Entry to Tatra National Park

Location: Kuźnice Trailhead (📍MAP)

Early morning we take a taxi from our accommodation to Kuźnice, the main starting point for many hiking trails within Tatra National Park. Since private vehicles are not permitted beyond this point, arriving by taxi or local bus is the easiest option.

Before entering the park, we purchase our entrance tickets and make one final equipment check before beginning the hike.

Blue Trail via Boczań Ridge

Location: Murowaniec Mountain Hut (📍MAP)

Our hike begins immediately with a steady climb through a peaceful beech forest along a wide stone path. The ascent is continuous but never overly technical, making it a pleasant introduction to hiking in the Tatras.

As we gain elevation, the forest gradually opens to reveal magnificent panoramic views from Boczań Ridge. The surrounding mountains become increasingly dramatic, providing plenty of opportunities to stop for photographs and short breaks.

Reaching Przełęcz między Kopami, we join the yellow trail before descending gently into the beautiful alpine meadow of Hala Gąsienicowa. Here we pass the famous Murowaniec Mountain Hut, a popular resting place for hikers before continuing along the blue trail towards our final destination.

Eventually the trees disappear and the crystal-clear waters of Czarny Staw Gąsienicowy come into view, surrounded by towering granite peaks. The scenery here is truly spectacular and easily one of the most beautiful landscapes in Poland.

Relax at Czarny Staw Gąsienicowy

Location: Czarny Staw Gąsienicowy (📍MAP)

We take plenty of time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings, admire the reflections of the surrounding mountains in the lake and enjoy our packed lunch while surrounded by some of Poland’s most breathtaking scenery.

This is one of the best locations in the Tatras for photography, especially during calm weather when the lake perfectly mirrors the mountain peaks.

Return to Kuźnice

After spending time at the lake, we retrace our steps back through Hala Gąsienicowa and Boczań Ridge towards Kuźnice. The return journey is considerably easier as most of the route is downhill.

Once back in Kuźnice, we take a taxi to our accommodation where we can finally relax after an unforgettable day in the mountains.

Visit a Thermal Spa

Location: Chochołowskie Termy (📍MAP)

After breakfast, we travel by bus or taxi to Chochołowskie Termy, the largest thermal spa complex in Poland. Fed by naturally heated geothermal water, the resort features indoor and outdoor pools, whirlpools, saunas and relaxation zones, making it the perfect place to unwind after exploring the Tatra Mountains.

Relax & Enjoy the Mountain Views

We spend the afternoon moving between the outdoor thermal pools, saunas and hydrotherapy areas while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The warm mineral-rich waters are known for helping tired muscles recover after long hikes.

We stop for lunch at one of the on-site restaurants or cafés before returning to Zakopane later in the afternoon.

Free Evening in Zakopane

Back in Zakopane, enjoy a relaxed stroll along Krupówki Street, browse local shops for souvenirs, or have dinner at a traditional mountain restaurant serving regional specialities such as oscypek cheese and hearty Polish cuisine before another peaceful night in the Tatras.

Travel to Palenica Białczańska

Location: Palenica Białczańska (📍MAP)

We leave our accommodation early and travel by taxi or local minibus to Palenica Białczańska, one of the main entrances to Tatra National Park. During the busy summer season, arriving early is highly recommended as the area quickly becomes crowded with hikers.

Before entering the park, we purchase our entrance tickets, make one final equipment check and begin another incredible day surrounded by the spectacular landscapes of the Polish Tatras.

Walk to Mickiewicz Waterfalls

Location: Mickiewicz Waterfalls (📍MAP)

We begin our adventure along a wide asphalt road that gently follows the Białka River through beautiful mountain forests. This section of the route is easy and allows us to enjoy the peaceful surroundings before the more demanding climb begins.

After approximately forty minutes we arrive at the beautiful Mickiewicz Waterfalls (Wodogrzmoty Mickiewicza), one of the most photographed waterfalls in the Tatra Mountains. The powerful cascades rush beneath a wooden bridge, making this an excellent place to stop for photographs before continuing deeper into the national park.

As we continue gaining elevation, the trail becomes rockier and more challenging. Wooden steps and natural stone staircases help us negotiate the steeper sections while providing fantastic views of the surrounding mountain scenery.

We soon arrive at Siklawa Waterfall, Poland’s highest waterfall, where water dramatically plunges more than 70 metres over a series of rocky cliffs. The impressive roar of the waterfall, combined with the surrounding mountain landscape, creates one of the most spectacular natural sights in the country.

From Siklawa, we continue for another 15–20 minutes to reach one of the highlights of the Tatra Mountains – the Valley of the Five Polish Lakes (Dolina Pięciu Stawów Polskich). Surrounded by towering peaks, this glacial valley is home to five crystal-clear alpine lakes: Wielki Staw Polski, Mały Staw Polski, Przedni Staw Polski, Czarny Staw Polski and Zadni Staw Polski. We take time to admire the spectacular scenery, enjoy our packed lunch and capture photographs before beginning the return hike back to Palenica Białczańska.

Relax Beside Siklawa Waterfall

Location: Siklawa Waterfall (📍MAP)

We make time to enjoy our packed lunch while surrounded by magnificent mountain scenery. The cool mist created by the waterfall provides welcome relief during warmer months and creates beautiful rainbows whenever the sun shines through.

We slow down and simply appreciate the peaceful atmosphere before beginning our descent back towards the valley.

Return to Palenica Białczańska

After a rewarding day in the mountains, we retrace our steps back through Roztoka Valley to Palenica Białczańska. The return journey is much easier as the route is mostly downhill, allowing us to enjoy the scenery from a different perspective.

Once back at the parking area, we board a local bus or taxi for the journey back to Zakopane. The remainder of the evening is perfect for relaxing, enjoying a hearty mountain dinner and reflecting on two incredible days spent hiking in the Tatras.

Train from Zakopane to Kraków

After breakfast, we check out of our accommodation and make our way to Zakopane Railway Station. We board the morning train back to Kraków, enjoying one final opportunity to admire the beautiful mountain scenery as the Tatras gradually disappear into the distance.

The comfortable journey takes approximately two and a half hours, giving us plenty of time to relax after two active hiking days.

Journey time: approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.

Hotel Check-in & Leisure Time

After arriving back in Kraków, we return to our hotel and check in before enjoying a well-deserved relaxing afternoon. Following the previous days of hiking, today provides the perfect opportunity to slow down and experience the city at a much gentler pace.

Explore Kraków at Our Own Pace

We keep the afternoon flexible. We can wander through the charming streets of the Old Town, revisit the Main Market Square, browse local boutiques or enjoy a coffee while watching street performers entertain visitors.

If we’re in the mood, we take a relaxing walk along the Vistula River, visit one of Kraków’s many museums, or simply spend time enjoying the city’s welcoming atmosphere.

Dinner in Kraków

We finish the day with another delicious Polish dinner before taking a leisurely evening stroll through the beautifully illuminated streets of the Old Town. As tomorrow’s visit to the famous Wieliczka Salt Mine begins later in the morning, we can enjoy a slightly more relaxed evening before our next adventure.

Travel to Wieliczka Salt Mine

Location: Wieliczka Salt Mine (📍MAP)

After enjoying a relaxed breakfast, we make our way to Kraków Główny Railway Station and board a regional train to Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia. The journey takes around 20–25 minutes, making this one of the easiest and most popular day trips from Kraków.

Alternatively, we may choose to join an organised guided tour, which includes return transport and entry tickets. Both options are convenient, but travelling independently gives us greater flexibility with our schedule.

Travel time: approximately 25 minutes from Kraków.

Begin the Underground Tour

Our adventure begins by descending more than 350 wooden steps into one of the oldest operating salt mines in the world. Mining began here in the 13th century, and for hundreds of years the mine played an essential role in Poland’s economy.

Throughout the guided tour we follow a network of tunnels stretching several kilometres beneath the ground. Along the route we discover underground lakes, enormous chambers, historical mining equipment and remarkable sculptures carved entirely from solid rock salt.

One of the highlights is learning how generations of miners lived and worked underground while hearing fascinating stories and legends connected with the mine’s long history.

St. Kinga’s Chapel

The absolute highlight of our visit is the breathtaking St. Kinga’s Chapel, one of the most spectacular underground churches anywhere in the world. Everything inside—from the altar and religious sculptures to the intricate floor and magnificent chandeliers—has been carved from salt by skilled miners over many decades.

Standing beneath the glittering chandeliers while surrounded by detailed salt carvings is an unforgettable experience and one of the most iconic sights in Poland.

Return to Kraków

After the tour, we make our way back to the surface via the mine lift before taking the train back to Kraków. The remainder of the afternoon is ours to enjoy at a leisurely pace.

This is an excellent opportunity to revisit our favourite places in the Old Town, browse for souvenirs, relax at a traditional café or simply wander through the charming streets one last time.

Farewell Dinner in Kraków

For our final evening in Poland, we enjoy a memorable dinner at one of Kraków’s traditional restaurants. It’s the perfect time to reflect on our journey—from medieval cities and royal castles to unforgettable mountain hikes and underground wonders.

Afterwards, we take one final stroll through the beautifully illuminated Main Market Square before returning to our hotel to prepare for tomorrow’s departure.

Breakfast & Hotel Check-out

We enjoy one last breakfast before checking out of our hotel. Before leaving, we double-check that we’ve packed everything and, if time allows, take a final walk through the nearby streets to soak up Kraków’s atmosphere one last time.

If our flight departs later in the day, many hotels are happy to store luggage, allowing us to enjoy a little more time in the city before heading to the airport.

Train or Taxi to the Airport

When it’s time to leave, we make our way back to Kraków John Paul II International Airport. The airport train from Kraków Główny is the fastest and most convenient option, taking approximately 20 minutes, while taxis are also readily available throughout the city.

Final Moments in Poland

As we wait for our flight, we take one last opportunity to browse the airport shops or enjoy a coffee while reflecting on an unforgettable eight-day journey through southern Poland.

From exploring the historic streets of Kraków and discovering the rich heritage of Kazimierz to hiking through the breathtaking Tatra Mountains and visiting the extraordinary Wieliczka Salt Mine, this trip has offered the perfect combination of history, culture, nature and adventure.

We board our flight home with wonderful memories, countless photographs and hopefully plenty of inspiration to return and discover even more of Poland in the future.