Cracow is a top travel destination in Poland. It is the second biggest agglomeration in the country and the historical capital of Poland, and the seat of Polish kings from Medieval times. Cracow is a popular destination and was distinguished by UNESCO by enlisting it at the famous World Heritage List.

In this article, however, we want to show you a comprehensive list of all the must-see points in the area of Cracow when you plan to visit this part of Poland. ITS MICE Poland prepared the index.

Five unique attractions in the area of Cracow:

  • Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp Museum
  • Wieliczka Salt Mine
  • Zator Amusement Park
  • Zakopane
  • Traditional Dunajec Rafting

1. Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp Museum

It is a site enlisted at UNESCO World Heritage List and is connected with the darkest page in humankind’s history. It is a place where about 1.5 million people were killed during WWII in Nazi German Concentration Camp. Consisting in two units’ reality, one in Auschwitz and the other one in Birkenau, it was the largest concentration camp created by Nazi-Germans.

Nowadays, both units can be visited individually or with a guide. ITS MICE Poland advises all first-time comers to choose the guided option. The standard tour lasts 3.5-4 h. There are also longer sightseeing options available and workshops on selected more complicated topics.

1. Wieliczka Salt Mine

The mine in Wieliczka, along with Żupny Castle in Wieliczka (nowadays district of Cracow, formerly a separate town), are also enlisted at the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List.

The main tourist attraction is Daniłowicza Shaft and the standard two h route. The tourist route includes many multi-media presentations and shows, sightseeing of the underground salty lakes, numerous salt monuments and a visit to the most famous St. Kinga’s Chapel.

At the end of the tourist route, visitors can visit a tourist centre with a restaurant and other attractions or take an additional tour to Żupy Krakowskie Museum. ITS MICE Poland also recommends seeing Żupny Castle and brine graduation tower in Wieliczka resort park.

2. Zator Amuseument Park

Energylandia is the largest amusement park in Poland and only 1 h drive from Cracow. It has a multitude of attractions for children, youngsters and adults. It is impossible to get bored here. Energylandia offers several dozen of interests, which are located on a common area of 35 hectares.

Additionally, visitors can find here 25 interactive games and activities, nine spectacular scenes with a modern 7D cinema and Moya Planetarium, and of course, several dedicated shops for all those who like gadgets and souvenirs.

3. Zakopane

It is called the wither capital of Poland and is very close to Cracow. It offers magnificent alpine landscapes of Tatra National Park, of which Kasprowy and Gubałówka summits are just some more popular examples. Zakopane not only has mountains, but it also has unique folklore, music, architecture and cuisine.

Furthermore, Zakopane is rich in thermal waters, thanks to which tourists can find several super-modern thermal resorts around the town. ITS MICE Poland states that Zakopane is perfect for one-day trips from Cracow and an interesting destination for incentive and business trips.

4. Traditional Dunajec Rafting

It is one of the best-known attractions near Cracow and another Polish candidate to UNESCO World Heritage List. It is a cruise organized in Pieniny Mountain Range National Park at traditional wooden rafts with boatsmen wearing folklore outfits and entertaining tourists with highlanders’ jokes.

Usually, rafting starts in Sromowce Niżne or Kąty villages and ends in Szczawnica (2:15 h route) or Krościenko (2:45 h route). ITS MICE Poland recommends a shorter route as it offers the most magnificent views, and the long way may not be comfortable for the majority of tourists.

Summing up, Cracow has lots to offer to tourists, not only in the city itself but also in its vicinity. Staying in Cracow, tourists can choose from many attractions in the south-east and south-central part of the country.

The above-described attractions are just the top five by ITS MICE Poland. If any of these locations caught your interest, feel free to contact ITS MICE Poland group reservations specialists, and they will be more than happy to help you organize a memorable stay in Poland.