7 days in Krakow
May 21st, 2004, 02:42 PM
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7 days in Krakow
Any help would be appreciated. I am going with my 2 sons to Krakow. We plan to be there for 7 days and I wondered how long it would take to drive, to, say Prague, Dresden or Budapest. Naturally we will go to Warsaw for a couple of days. The Salt Mines etc are on our "to do" list but I was wondering about other places to visit. Many thansks.
May 21st, 2004, 10:00 PM
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By rail you are looking at a 9 1/2 hour trip to each of the 3.
I would recommend going to Zakopane and the Tatras (2-hour bus ride from Krakow). Depending on the age of your sons, Auschwitz/Birkenau are just 1 hour from Krakow. The city with the Black Madonna is nearby but the name escapes me right now. The city of Krakow is worth a day or two just exploring it. I was there 4 days and could have stayed longer.
I would recommend going to Zakopane and the Tatras (2-hour bus ride from Krakow). Depending on the age of your sons, Auschwitz/Birkenau are just 1 hour from Krakow. The city with the Black Madonna is nearby but the name escapes me right now. The city of Krakow is worth a day or two just exploring it. I was there 4 days and could have stayed longer.
May 22nd, 2004, 01:32 PM
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Thank you LindaW. My sons are in their 30s and it wasn't that long ago I was telling them what we would do but now they are calling the shots. I am sure we will really enjoy Krakow and the surrounding area. I was just wondering whether 7 days was too long and whether we should go further afield. We have been to Prague and really enjoyed that. It sounds from what you say that 7 days should be OK. Many thanks.
May 22nd, 2004, 05:46 PM
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Val,
Have you thought of seeing more of Poland? It's a beautiful country. I spent 9 days there last summer traveling between the northern city of Gdansk (my favorite city) and as far south as Krakow. I would highly recommend seeing Malbork Castle at the northern end of Poland. Happy travels.
Have you thought of seeing more of Poland? It's a beautiful country. I spent 9 days there last summer traveling between the northern city of Gdansk (my favorite city) and as far south as Krakow. I would highly recommend seeing Malbork Castle at the northern end of Poland. Happy travels.
May 22nd, 2004, 07:35 PM
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We went to Poland and spent 7 days in Krakow - was not bored with the duration. We did spend another 2 days in Zakopane (the Tatras via the bus as LindaW mentions). We also spent one of the 7 days traveling to the Black Madonna in Czechtochowa (sp), and another day at Auschwitz via a bus.
We went at Easter so were busy watching the customs and the town's celebration. We also did another side trip to Kalweria Debshadova (spelled phonetically) where they have a Passion Play every Good Friday. It was also close to the Pope's hometown but did not go there and the name escapes me.
We went at Easter so were busy watching the customs and the town's celebration. We also did another side trip to Kalweria Debshadova (spelled phonetically) where they have a Passion Play every Good Friday. It was also close to the Pope's hometown but did not go there and the name escapes me.
May 23rd, 2004, 01:23 AM
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Thank you all for your advice. My sons are in their 30s so I am not restricted in what to do and see. Am sure we will all have a memorable time and your replies are much appreciated.
Val
Val
May 23rd, 2004, 07:29 AM
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Poland welcomes you! Krakow welcomes you! Please spend some time at a library or bookstore and read about these venues. Zakopane skiing is good..spring and summer hiking is great...Theaters abound. History is everyplace. Try Shindler's List and such for places to see. Use the local busses and trams. Use the local trains. Read Norman Davies!
May 23rd, 2004, 04:44 PM
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GSteed - do you live in Krakow? I am thinking of going there this summer, and was wondering what kind of cultural scene (music, theatre, etc) is happeneing then. I am in Prague for about three weeks, starting in July,and the concerts are mostly tourist oriented. What is the scene like in Poland?
Thanks for any input from anyone who knows....
Thanks for any input from anyone who knows....
May 23rd, 2004, 05:40 PM
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These sites could get you started:
<b>http://www.explore-krakow.com/
http://www.krakow.pl/
http://www.krakow-info.com/</b>
You will love Krakow!
<b>http://www.explore-krakow.com/
http://www.krakow.pl/
http://www.krakow-info.com/</b>
You will love Krakow!
May 23rd, 2004, 07:28 PM
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Krakow is beauiful. For your sons, the Rynek Glowny (Main Market square) has lots of cafes/"beer tents" and street performers, lots of night life.
Oswiecim (the Polish name of the town nearest the spot that the German Nazis built the concentration camp called Auschwitz) is not far from Krakow. Be prepared. It is a very sad and moving place. You won't leave without tears in your eyes.
Wieliczka - the 700 year old salt mines - are definitely worth a visit. English language tours are available:
http://www.kopalnia.pl/english/index.html
Czestochowa - the monastery at Jasna Gora founded in 1382 - houses the most famous shrine of the Virgin Mary in Poland (the "Black Madonna"
. May not be too interesting for non-Roman Catholics.
Ojcow National Park and Pieskowa Skala Castle - interesting trails, rock climbing, scenery, plus caves and gorges that can be toured.
Wadowice - birthplace of Pope John Paul II.
Zakopane - mountain resort; teeming with tourists; some interesting "mountain" cuisine and music (we liked a "pub" called Bakowa Zohylina - great drinks and live mountain music; try the mountain goat cheese).
You can also take a raft ride down the Dunajec River - on a wooden raft!!!
Check out this English language website for more ideas and information on travel to Poland:
http://www.poland.pl/
Note that Polish is a very phonetic language; unlike English, the sound of each letter doesn't change. Once you know how each letter is pronounced, you'll be able to "sound out" the words.
"W" is always pronounced as English "V"
"Cz" is "Ch"
"Sz" is "Sh"
An "L" with a line through it is pronounced like an English "W"
"A" = "ah"
"E" = "eh"
"I" = "ee"
"O" = "o" as in the English word "lot"
"U" = "oo"
"Y" = "I" as in the word "it"
"C" = similar to "ts" (soft sound)
"G" = is always hard (as in great)
"J" = similar to English "y"
Some letters have accents, which changes their pronounciation slightly.
Good luck with your plans.
Oswiecim (the Polish name of the town nearest the spot that the German Nazis built the concentration camp called Auschwitz) is not far from Krakow. Be prepared. It is a very sad and moving place. You won't leave without tears in your eyes.
Wieliczka - the 700 year old salt mines - are definitely worth a visit. English language tours are available:
http://www.kopalnia.pl/english/index.html
Czestochowa - the monastery at Jasna Gora founded in 1382 - houses the most famous shrine of the Virgin Mary in Poland (the "Black Madonna"
. May not be too interesting for non-Roman Catholics.Ojcow National Park and Pieskowa Skala Castle - interesting trails, rock climbing, scenery, plus caves and gorges that can be toured.
Wadowice - birthplace of Pope John Paul II.
Zakopane - mountain resort; teeming with tourists; some interesting "mountain" cuisine and music (we liked a "pub" called Bakowa Zohylina - great drinks and live mountain music; try the mountain goat cheese).
You can also take a raft ride down the Dunajec River - on a wooden raft!!!
Check out this English language website for more ideas and information on travel to Poland:
http://www.poland.pl/
Note that Polish is a very phonetic language; unlike English, the sound of each letter doesn't change. Once you know how each letter is pronounced, you'll be able to "sound out" the words.
"W" is always pronounced as English "V"
"Cz" is "Ch"
"Sz" is "Sh"
An "L" with a line through it is pronounced like an English "W"
"A" = "ah"
"E" = "eh"
"I" = "ee"
"O" = "o" as in the English word "lot"
"U" = "oo"
"Y" = "I" as in the word "it"
"C" = similar to "ts" (soft sound)
"G" = is always hard (as in great)
"J" = similar to English "y"
Some letters have accents, which changes their pronounciation slightly.
Good luck with your plans.
May 24th, 2004, 09:47 AM
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While Poland welcomes tourists it is not tourist oriented. You will be welcome but you will be treated as a Pole! Not as some exalted and priveleged visitor. Poland welcomes visitors but does not cater to them!
May 25th, 2004, 09:50 PM
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Thank you for your replies, particularly GSteed and Borealis - the language hints are most helpful and I will be doing a considerable amount of reading up on Poland between now and when we leave. Am sure we will have a memorable time - can't wait to go.
Val
Val
May 26th, 2004, 08:01 AM
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Hello Val S,
We went to Prague and Krakow last fall and absolutely loved both places! In Krakow, make sure you spend time visiting the Wawel Castle and Cathedral. We had tours of both the Royal Apartments & some other Royal rooms (don't remember the exact names), one was self-guided and one was with a tour guide. Definitely visit St. Mary's Church. Small but stunning! Visit the Musueum of 19th century Polish Paintings in the Cloth Hall. We also rented a car for 2 days and drove through the countryside in southeastern Poland and stayed at the Krasiczyn Castle near the Ukrainian border. Be prepared for delicious food and inexpensive restaurants in Krakow! Definitely visit Auschwitz...sad, depressing but educational...something I think everyone should see. Really makes you aware of what the prisoners day-to-day lives were like before they were executed.
We went to Prague and Krakow last fall and absolutely loved both places! In Krakow, make sure you spend time visiting the Wawel Castle and Cathedral. We had tours of both the Royal Apartments & some other Royal rooms (don't remember the exact names), one was self-guided and one was with a tour guide. Definitely visit St. Mary's Church. Small but stunning! Visit the Musueum of 19th century Polish Paintings in the Cloth Hall. We also rented a car for 2 days and drove through the countryside in southeastern Poland and stayed at the Krasiczyn Castle near the Ukrainian border. Be prepared for delicious food and inexpensive restaurants in Krakow! Definitely visit Auschwitz...sad, depressing but educational...something I think everyone should see. Really makes you aware of what the prisoners day-to-day lives were like before they were executed.
May 26th, 2004, 08:54 AM
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Drive time from Krakow to Prague is much less than train time because the train routes are indirect and require a transfer except for one slow train that goes from Krakow to Prague (see www.eurail.com for details). Drive time may be as little as 4-5 hours. Don't quote me, I just looked into the train routes and timing.
Train time from Prague to Budapest on a direct intercity main-line route is more than six hours. Train time from Krakow to Budapest is 10.5 hours, also on a main-line route. Don't be deceived, these cities are not close to each other and there are no high-speed trains like a TGV or ICE in those areas of Europe.
Train time from Prague to Budapest on a direct intercity main-line route is more than six hours. Train time from Krakow to Budapest is 10.5 hours, also on a main-line route. Don't be deceived, these cities are not close to each other and there are no high-speed trains like a TGV or ICE in those areas of Europe.
May 26th, 2004, 02:02 PM
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Prague to Budapest or Prague to Krakow will be around same drive in hours (to krakow maybe bit less but not much)... My suggestion would be to either pick Krakow or Prague... Don's waste time for Warsaw other then maybe just a day.
If you choose Prague - then Also visit Wroclaw Poland, and it's old Town which is also nice and fairly big. Then from there you are close to Prague and Dresden ... South of Wroclaw pass Klodzko check Polish cities like Polanica, Duszniki and Kudowa as well as table mountains in that area by driving north from Kudowa to towards Radkow... You can then cross to Czech Republic around this area to continue to Prague...
or go more west (south/west) passing Jelenia Gora, and then going south to either Karpacz or SouthWast to Szklarska Poreba... Both very nice little Mountain cities - Karpacz and area has bit more attractions to offer - like very nice Lift then trail to Sniezka Peak. Both Cities also can be used to cross to Czech Republic. Or drive few km west and cross to Germany and then drive to Dresden and Saxon Switzerland region http://www.germany-tourism.de/e/6372.html
http://www.erlebnistouren-dresden-re...itzerland.html
http://www.festung-koenigstein.de/fk_or1_en.html
If your pick is Krakow, then besides SaltMines and etc. visit Zakopane or travel bit more east to less busy Pieniny Mts... although Zakopane is not all that busy since it has tons of trails with many just being less touristy then others. Just get a trail map sold all over... Then from this area you could cross to Slovakia
http://www.slovakheritage.org/Castles/castles_home.htm
http://www.slovakheritage.org/Unesco/spiscastle.htm
http://www.sacr.sk/index.php?p=26
http://www.sacr.sk/index.php?p=30
and then to Budapest.
7 days is bit tight for anything you do, so definitly pick a region and not waste time just driving...
If you choose Prague - then Also visit Wroclaw Poland, and it's old Town which is also nice and fairly big. Then from there you are close to Prague and Dresden ... South of Wroclaw pass Klodzko check Polish cities like Polanica, Duszniki and Kudowa as well as table mountains in that area by driving north from Kudowa to towards Radkow... You can then cross to Czech Republic around this area to continue to Prague...
or go more west (south/west) passing Jelenia Gora, and then going south to either Karpacz or SouthWast to Szklarska Poreba... Both very nice little Mountain cities - Karpacz and area has bit more attractions to offer - like very nice Lift then trail to Sniezka Peak. Both Cities also can be used to cross to Czech Republic. Or drive few km west and cross to Germany and then drive to Dresden and Saxon Switzerland region http://www.germany-tourism.de/e/6372.html
http://www.erlebnistouren-dresden-re...itzerland.html
http://www.festung-koenigstein.de/fk_or1_en.html
If your pick is Krakow, then besides SaltMines and etc. visit Zakopane or travel bit more east to less busy Pieniny Mts... although Zakopane is not all that busy since it has tons of trails with many just being less touristy then others. Just get a trail map sold all over... Then from this area you could cross to Slovakia
http://www.slovakheritage.org/Castles/castles_home.htm
http://www.slovakheritage.org/Unesco/spiscastle.htm
http://www.sacr.sk/index.php?p=26
http://www.sacr.sk/index.php?p=30
and then to Budapest.
7 days is bit tight for anything you do, so definitly pick a region and not waste time just driving...
May 28th, 2004, 11:49 AM
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Just to add to above post - although Title says 7 days in Krakow - post mention other cities. So just to be sure "Jama Michalika Cafe" as well few other cool places are in Krakow ;-)
http://www.krakow-info.com/michalik.htm
http://www.krakow-info.com/michalik.htm
Jun 1st, 2004, 06:53 AM
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Suggestions: ZABRZE - A coal mining museum and 90 minute underground tour.
ELBLAG CANAL- Maybe a boat ride?
WOJNOWICE - 16th Century moated palace near Wroclaw.
GIERLOZ - Site of "Wolf's Lair.
ELBLAG CANAL- Maybe a boat ride?
WOJNOWICE - 16th Century moated palace near Wroclaw.
GIERLOZ - Site of "Wolf's Lair.
Jun 3rd, 2004, 06:45 AM
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Just a brief response. I got back last week from Krakow. Spent four nights staying at the Hotel Pollera and found the city to be a delight. I second most of the recommendations of the other posts. My wife and I went to the Krakow philharmonic orchestra concert - it cost us $3.00 each and we saw a great performance. We drove from Krakow to Wroclaw. Took awhile as the roads are two lanes and packed with trucks. From Wroclaw to Prague was at least 4 - 5 hours due to two lane roads and lots of trucks. Be careful of the other drivers. They will pass you and others on a two lane road with traffic approaching or on a curve. You think they have a death wish. Have fun in Poland.
Jul 3rd, 2004, 07:08 PM
#20
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Thank you for all your replies. Am sure we are going to have a great time. A concert sounds like a great idea too - I would really enjoy that. Not long to go now - will soon be counting the "sleeps".
