From famous cities like Krakow, the rugged peaks of the Tatra Mountains, to mysterious castles, caves and historical sites. Malopolska, or Lesser Poland, is one of the most diverse regions of the country and a destination that you should definitely visit. You will find the perfect combination of history, culture and nature. Curious? In this article I share 8 tips for the most beautiful places, things to do and and see and activities in the Malopolska region of Poland.
Malopolska is located in the south of Poland and borders Slovakia, with the Tatra Mountains as a natural border. The region covers approximately 15,000 km² and Krakow is the impressive capital. You will find six national parks, including the Tatrzanski, Pieniński, Ojcowski, Babiogorski, Gorczanski and Magurski, where you can go for beautiful walks. In addition to nature, Malopolska is known for its castles, unique UNESCO world heritage sites and small towns. I hope these tips will inspire you to visit Małopolska in Poland and get the most out of your stay.
Krakow is the capital of the Malopolska region, Little Poland, and for sure one of the most famous cities in the country. It is the oldest city and served as the royal capital of Poland for centuries, which is visible in the many churches, castles and universities spread throughout the city. Despite its difficult past during the Second World War, Krakow managed to preserve its historic center well, something that we as visitors can fully enjoy today.
Kraków is bursting with historical charm, from UNESCO-listed landmarks and medieval squares to picturesque streets and vibrant neighborhoods. It’s the kind of city where you can wander for hours. Beyond its rich history, Kraków is also a creative hub, home to festivals, street art, inspiring museums and countless cozy cafés and great restaurants. Curious to explore more? In the next article, I’ll share all my tips for discovering Kraków in Poland.
Less than an hour’s drive from Kraków, you’ll find yourself in a world of green forests, limestone rock formations and unique caves. Ojców National Park is located in the southern part of the Kraków-Częstochowa Uplands and extends over the Prądnik and Sąspowska valleys. A visit to Ojców National Park is a must, if you are in the Malopolska region of Poland. Not only because you can enjoy nature, but also because the park is rich in history. There are castles, rock formations and caves, each with its own story.
At 21.46 km², Ojców National Park is the smallest national park in Poland, which means you can see a lot in a short time. The park is best explored by bike, because you can visit different destinations. But it is also possible to go both on short and long hikes. Another option is to book a tour and visit the Ojcow National Park and the castles with a guide. In that case you will be picked up from your hotel and brought back at the end of the day. You can book a tour here.
.Do you want to read more about this national park? In the next travel guide you will find my tips for visiting Ojców National Park Poland.
One of the highlights in the Malopolska region of Poland is a visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mine. When I first heard about this mine, I wasn’t immediately convinced. I’ve already visited countless mines during my travels, so what would make this one special? Well, I found out during my visit.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the oldest salt mines in the world and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1978. Salt was mined here for over 700 years, until commercial mining ceased in 1996. Miners worked hard here every day, but over the centuries they also built special chapels, statues and reliefs, all carved from salt.
Nowadays, 1.2 million people visit the underground passages and chambers of the mine every year. However, the number of kilometers you cover in a few hours is nothing compared to its total size. The mine is huge with an underground network of more than 240 kilometers of passages and 2500 chambers. As a visitor, you walk less than 2.5 kilometers and see only a few chambers, which is less than 1% of the mine.
Highlights include the impressive Chapel of St. Kinga, with salt crystal chandeliers and detailed sculptures carved entirely from salt. There are also underground lakes that are so salty that they are more buoyant than the Dead Sea. There was even a ferry that sailed across the lakes. On top of that the mine counts with underground conference rooms and concert halls and there is even a room where you can bungee jump and take a hot air balloon ride. Just to give you an idea. And is all happening 130 meters underground.
Wieliczka is about a half hour drive from Krakow. You can rent a car and drive there yourself, or book a tour that includes transport and entrance. Tours from Krakow can be found here. Please note that the mine can only be visited with a guide. It is therefore recommended to book your entrance and time slot in advance. Also try to avoid weekends and holidays. It can be very busy then.
Did you know that the Małopolska region in Poland has grown into a renowned wine region in recent years? Something you might not expect from Poland. But thanks to its mild climate, chalky soils and good location, Małopolska offers perfect conditions for wine growing. Well-known ones include Solaris, Hibernal, Seyval Blanc for white wines, and Regent, Rondo and Cabernet Cortis for red wines.
There is even a Małopolska Wine Route that connects more than 50 vineyards, ranging from small family businesses to larger producers. And there is nothing better, for a wine lover, to take a look here for a tour and tasting
I visited Winnica Novi, during my stay in Malopolska, a small family business that has only been around for a few years, but can already count itself among the top wines from the region. They produce 15,000 bottles annually, including eight types of white and two types of red. During a visit, you will be given a tour of the vineyard and will learn more about the production process. It is nice to feel the passion for wine making of this family business. Afterwards, you can of course taste different types of wines.
Keep an eye on the Winnica Novi instagram page. They organize special days several times where you can help pick grapes and at the end of the day you are pampered with wines and delicious food. For that reason alone, I would definitely come back here
Are you in Kraków and looking to explore one of the nearby vineyards for a day? You can book a half-day tour that includes wine tasting and dinner. Prefer something more exclusive? There’s also the option to book a private tour.
You don’t have to travel to the other side of the world for adventurous hikes. One of the most beautiful areas in Malopolska are the Tatra Mountains, with its emerald green mountain lakes, high peaks and rugged valleys. Is it Central Europe’s highest mountain range after the Alps, located on the border with Slovakia.
The Tatra Mountains in Poland are a protected national park that attracts visitors year-round. But if you are into hiking, you definitely want to go here in the summer. The area offers more than 250 kilometers of hiking trails, with the town of Zakopane as the starting point. You can choose day hikes or multi-day routes, where you spend the night in comfortable mountain huts along the way. Popular hiking destinations in the Tatra Mountains include Morskie Oko, Rysy and the Valley of the Five Lakes, but countless itineraries and combinations are possible. Curious? In the next article you will find my tips for visiting the Tatra Mountains in Poland, including a two-day hiking itinerary.
Zakopane, located at the foot of the Polish Tatras, is located about 2.5 hours from Kraków, making it an easy destination for a short getaway. Renting a car is the most flexible option, but if you prefer not to drive, there are regular buses and shuttles that run between Kraków and Zakopane. You can also book a private transfer for extra comfort. Planning your journey is simple with platforms like Bookaway. Short on time? Then a day tour from Kraków to the Tatra Mountains might be just what you need. Many tours include stops at the hot springs, a scenic cable car ride, and even time for a short hike. You can explore several Tatra National Park tours through Viator.
Malopolska in Poland is known for its wooden architecture and you can admire this traditional architecture in several places in the region. That is why the Wooden Architecture Route was created, a 1500 kilometer long route that connects 255 wooden structures, such as churches, chapels and old Polish mansions. Eight of these structures are even included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. And many churches, both Catholic and Orthodox, are still in use.
It’s worth visiting a few of the wooden churches and buildings along the route to get a feel for the region’s culture and history. Don’t have much time? You can still enjoy a scenic day trip from Kraków, stopping at several highlights along the way. A guided tour is a great option if you want to make the most of your visit.
Tips: Also in Zakopane, the town located at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, offers two beautiful structures such as the Jaszczurowka chapel and the Willa Koliba museum.
Another route you can follow in Malopolska Poland is the Eagles’ Nests Trail, a marked hiking and cycling trail of approximately 163 km. This trail runs from Kraków to Częstochowa, through the Malopolska region towards Silesia, and connects a number of medieval castles and fortresses strategically built on high limestone cliffs. These fortresses, known as “eagle’s nests”, were built in the 14th century under King Casimir III the Great, with the aim of protecting the Kingdom of Poland from outside invasions.
Castles that are among the Eagles’ Nests and are part of the route include Wawel Castle in Kraków, Pieskowa Skała and Ojców located in the Ojców National Park, Mirów and Bobolice, Olsztyn Castle and the ruins of Ogrodzieniec, known from the series “The Witcher”. Along the route you can walk, cycle or just stop and enjoy the beautiful views.
You can easily visit several places along the route by car on your own. But there are also numerous tours offered from Krakow. During this cool tour for example you will visit several castles in one day. Do you have more available time? Then it is recommended to stay overnight somewhere halfway along the route.
Even though my visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum was many years ago, it is something that should not be missing from this list of things to do and see in Malopolska Poland. I still remember when I learned about it at school and later went there for the first time. A visit is a touching and moving experience, but unmissable, because it leaves a deep impression and makes you think again about the world we live in.
The former Nazi concentration and extermination camp is located in the city of Oświęcim, about 1.5 hours drive from Krakow and is one of the darkest chapters in history. More than 1.1 million people were murdered here during World War II. You will visit both Auschwitz I, where the original barracks, exhibitions and personal belongings of victims are on display, and the larger and more extensive Birkenau. In Birkenau (Auschwitz II) you will walk along the railway line, watchtowers and the remains of the gas chambers and crematoria.
First of all make sure you go with a guide who can explain the history in a clear and respectful way. It will definitely add to your visit. In addition, it is important to book your ticket or tour in time, as it is one of the most visited destinations in the Malpolska region. Several tours are offered from Krakow, such as this popular tour.
Tips: A visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum is often offered in combination with other sights in Malopolska. I would not choose a combination tour myself, but a specific Auschwitz – Birkenau tour, so that you can process the impressions after your visit.
Want to get a real feel for the Małopolska region in Poland? Then plan to stay at least a week. This gives you time to explore the city of Kraków, take a day trip to the surroundings, and head into the Tatra Mountains for some nature and hiking. You can also visit a few of the castles along the Eagle’s Nest Route. Only have a few days? Then go for a Kraków city break with one day trip into the Małopolska countryside. Have more time? Don’t miss the chance to plan a multi-day trek in the Polish Tatras.
The Małopolska region in Poland is best reached by a direct flight to Kraków. Affordable flights can be easily found and booked via Skyscanner. Once you have arrived at Kraków Airport, you can travel further through the region by rental car or bus/shuttle.
Did you enjoy reading this article about the best things to do in Malopolska Poland and do you want to read more about Poland? Make sure to have a look at the website of Malopolska and get inspired by more destinations in Poland in the next articles:
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As a travel reporter, producer and tour guide, I have been traveling around the world for the last 20 years, looking for the most scenic places and stories that are worth sharing. In Passport the World, I am guiding you along scenic and cultural places, cities, art, viewpoints, hiking trails and unique experiences. To help you get the most out of your travels or to just get to know a country and culture better!
