jrudakas

Hi, I am taking my mother, who is 80 years old to Krakow. I am thinking of staying near the market square (in a hotel with a lift) to make it easier (walking wise). Are trips to the salt mines and Auschwitz possible or is there too much walking and stairs for a person who is 80? Any suggestions for places to stay as well would be appreciated.

Thanks,

JudyC

Krakow old town centre is quite compact,flat and walkable, it's hard to make any commend wihtout knowing your mother's condiction, but my parents are about the same ages, they didn't have any difficulty, including taking tours (I went by public transport) to salt mines and Auschwitz.

The publci transport in Krakow is very convenient, you could always hop on tram whenever your mother feels tired.

Last year I stayed at Holiday Inn off the ring roadm nxet to Post office, about 5 minutes walk to the square, the hotel is quite comfortable and convenient for trams.

Ozarksbill

Answering as someone in his late 70s. When there severfal years ago we skipped the salt mines partly because there is lots of walking. Auschwitz of course is a walking tour but leisurely and well worth the experience. As mentioned the old town and other areas are OK for walking...of course we all tire out don't we?

ozarksbill
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tower

>>>Krakow old town centre is quite compact,flat and walkable, it's hard to make any commend wihtout knowing your mother's condiction<<<

jrudakas:

Judy C. is absolutely correct...a person's age is not the sole indicator of a person's condition. I am 79 and know people in their 40's and 50's who are in overall abominable condition, yet I know both contemporaries and people in their 90's who are in amazingly top condition.

So, please describe your mother's physical condition...then Forum members can more accurately make suggestions accordingly.

I'm an old Krakow/Poland/Eastern Europe hand and I would be happy to answer with my personal suggestions after I know more about your mom's abilities to walk, walk stairs, hills, flats, how far and how long. Does she get easily winded? Is there a diagnosed medical condition that would prevent certain physical activity?

It is a relatively easy city to get about, and unless she is seriously debilitated, I see no insurmountable problems. She will have a grand time of it! Enjoy the trip!

Stu T.

jrudakas

Thanks for the response. She is 80 and her health is good, but stairs and distances are not great. My concern on the salt mines are too many stairs or walking of an hour plus. Is the salt mine tour are a problem for someone who is slowing down? Also can you recommend a hotel with an elevastor near the market square? My budget would be 250/night USD.

tower

Happy to hear that mom is in good health....what more can one ask at any age?
jrudakas:

I think Mom would like the Francuski, a venerable, historic place. We've stayed there on a few visits. It is just outside the ciy walls (The Barbican) and is a short three minute "flat" walk to Main Market Square...it has an elevator, restaurant, an elegant, sweeping 19th century staircase. Today it is part of a moderately priced chain, and has 4 Stars...roughly about 150€ per night...($226).

Stu T.

tower

http://piurl.com/7b

Try this address for the Frankuscki

Stu

tower

p.s. I would not suggest the salt mine....stu t.

lucy_d

Hi jrudakas, Yes, the salt mines require a lot of walking and stairs. Without knowing your mother, but from what you describe, I would advise against it. Some of the stairs are not only long but also quite narrow, winding and steep. I just wouldn't take the chance. One misstep, one slip, one twisted ankle...not a good situation for your mother.

Someone mentioned the Holiday Inn near the ring. I stayed there in 2003 and found it more than acceptable.

shandy

As said by others, your mother should be able to cope with Krakow as it fairly flat - albeit it does have a lot of cobblestones.

However, I would not attempt the salt mines with her as there is a LOT of walking involved and quite a number of stairs.

Afraid I can't help you with accommodation. Where we stayed is probably a bit too far away from the main square for your mother.

tower

Both of you would enjoy a tour out to Zalipie, the famous "painted village"...the hotel can probably arrange this for you...or they can find you a driver to take you out there...it's a half day visit. Very colorful and especially unique (see below)

stu T.

http://community.webshots.com/album/163509098QmMEAs

Judyrem

I just cliked on this thread, because I am interested in eventually going to Eastern Europe esp Poland. Thanks Stu for the link to the painted cottage. It looks wonderful! My husband is part Polish and I am 100% Lithuanian, and we are starting to think about E Europe. jrudakas, let us know about your trip and how your dear mother liked it .

hardwater

I could not agree more on the salt mine, far too many steps to descend into the mine and then long walks within and more steps. Tower's advice to see painted village Zalipie is excellent. Be sure to stop at Dom Malarek, the community center where local ladies paint various objects for sale. Superb folk art even though its history only dates to the early 20th century.

bilboburgler

Not sure what the air polution is like in Krakow now, does the steel works still light up the sky etc? If so elderly may have a problem. Salt mine has a lot of steps

BTilke

My mother is about the same age and has the same difficulties with walking long distances and stairs.
I would agree with everyone else about the salt mines--give those a miss.
As for Auschwitz and sights in town, have you discussed with your mother the possibility of renting a portable wheelchair for your visit (picking it up in Krakow)? If she doesn't need it, fine, but if she's feeling that the walking is too much, then it's an option. It depends on whether she's willing to accept being in a wheelchair--some people will, others won't.

My mother is coming to visit me later this year and we're planning a trip around Dresden, Leipzig, other parts of Saxony and maybe even Berlin. We will be bringing a portable wheelchair along, so if Mom is feeling tired or stiff, she can rest a while in the wheelchair. Some of the places we plan to visit have steep streets, so the chair will come in handy there as well.

If a wheelchair isn't an option for you, just plan frequent stops in cafes, etc. to let your mother rest. Make sure you suggest the stops periodically, don't leave it up to her all the time to tell you she's having trouble keeping up.