7 places to run away from Kraków

When you’re living in Kraków too long, sometimes you want to escape from smog, traffic jam, tourists… I know that feeling. But even if you’re in Kraków only for few days it’s worth to visit some of the places from the list below. Why? Because most of the is unique.

1.Tyniec

Benedictine abbey set on majestic limestones is great place to go by bike in sunny day. Only 12 km in straight line from Kraków and you can find wonderful view on Wisła river from XI century abbey. To get there you can use suburban public transport (zone II).

2. Picnic from the other side

If you already have been in Tyniec, you can try something else. Go to little village Piekary, find a way among houses to go down to the river and make a picnic with the view of Tyniec Abbey. So simple and so relaxing. To Piekary you can also come by suburban public transport, you can get out near a big complex of school.

3. Przegorzały Castle

Another place, still in boarders of Kraków, where you have beautiful view on Wisła River. Drink a coffee in restaurant there or … study there! There is a Institute of European Studies of Jagiellonian University. Students are sometimes an object of jokes – there is only one bus there, in wintes is really hard… Besides it’s far from every places. But the view! :)

4. Kryspinów

Perfect place to visit mostly at summer – come there by suburban public transport and enjoy a big lake. Beaches, bars and kite surfing. Every summer there is big festival of Beetle's cars and rock'n'roll music. What do you need more? And it’s only 14 km from Kraków!

5. Zakrzówek

Really close to the center of Kraków, you can find a place everybody are impressed by. Zakrzówek, artificial lake surrounded by limestone. Created in an old mined quarry it’s a hidden place for those who know how to get there. On the place you can find diving school, because on the bottom divers can find old machines, like bus and cars sunk there. Be aware – diving with the school it’s the only legal way to swim in Zakrzówek lake – other ways are prohibited, it’s too dangerous, because of high rocks, from which people like to jump. Better don’t do that. When you’re drinking there, like a lot of people do also, always take your trash back with you. How to find this magical place? I won’t tell you, because that hidden lagoon has to be discovered on your own :) My tip is to get out on Kapelanka stop, go to park Skałki Twardowskiego and…. Find a hidden passage, which is a hole in a metal fence and….

6. Zalew Nowohucki

Popular park in communism times, now restored place with a lot of events during summer. Nice spot to relax, but not to swim. It can be last point of your visit in Nowa Huta, which is not really popular neighborhood… But worth to see.

7. Wieliczka Salt Mine

Last one – probably some of you heard about this place. Besieged by tourists, one of must-see on your Kraków to do list. I went there for free, from my work for tourist information point (btw, if you don’t know how to go there, check SeeKraków tours – they will take you there). Before Wieliczka I have been in another salt mine, in Bochnia, which is much more interactive but smaller. Wieliczka, from which I haven’t expected a lot, surprised me. I still have a chandelier made by salt on my wallpaper, because it is a beauty in itself.

Right now, after writing this post, I would love to be far far away from crowdy Lisbon and go to one of these places...