How to Plan Your Krakow Tour: From Krakow Auschwitz Birkenau and Salt Mine in One Day

Krakow is one of the most beautiful destinations in Poland, known for its Gothic architecture, charming streets, and historical landmarks. One of the popular things to do in Krakow is to take a tour of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum and the Wieliczka Salt Mine. These two UNESCO World Heritage sites are not only significant historical landmarks but also perfect examples of unique and stunning architecture. With the help of Amazing Krakow Tours, you can experience both of these popular destinations in one day trip!

Overview

This Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine tour from Krakow includes round-trip transportation with a professional English-speaking driver in an air-conditioned vehicle. During the tour, you will have the company of professional guides at the Salt Mine and Auschwitz-Birkenau, making it easier to learn about the history behind these two attractions of Krakow. The tour also includes admission tickets for both the places along with food and drinks. If you prefer a private guide for your group, it is also available as an add-on option.

What’s Included

• Professional guides in Salt Mine and Auschwitz-Birkenau
• Professional English-speaking driver
• Transfer in an air-conditioned minivan or minibus
• Food and drinks
• Admission ticket for Salt Mine and Auschwitz-Birkenau
• Private guide (optional)

Meeting and Pickup

The meeting point is Wielopole 2 in Krakow, which is also a tourist spot with a bus stop. If you are coming from the hotel or a different location, you can request a pickup from Amazing Krakow Tours before the tour. The pickup is available at several points within Krakow, giving you added flexibility in planning your trip.

Start Time

The tour starts at 08:00 AM, and you must be present at the meeting point 5 minutes before the departure time.

What to Expect

Wieliczka Salt Mine

The first stop on the tour is the Wieliczka Salt Mine. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the mine opened for visitors in the 19th century and has been a popular tourist attraction ever since. The mine is situated about 135 meters below the ground and boasts of centuries-old tunnels, sculptures, and underground lakes. The guides will walk you through the salt mine and give fascinating insights into the processes and techniques used to extract salt from the underground mines. You’ll also get to learn about the history of the mine and how it became successful.

Panstwowe Muzeum Auschwitz-Birkenau

After spending around 2 hours at the salt mine, the tour heads towards the second destination, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum. The guide will take you through the camp’s different sections, including the barracks, gas chambers, crematoriums, and other surviving structures. The tour aims to provide insight into the atrocities committed during World War II and offers a chance to reflect upon the dark history behind the camp. The guides at the site are professionals who have an in-depth knowledge of the events that took place in Auschwitz-Birkenau, giving a personalized and meaningful experience.

Additional Info

• Confirmation received at the time of booking
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible
• Infant seats are available on request
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• This tour has a maximum of 15 travelers
• Cancellation policy: You can cancel the tour 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

Conclusion

Taking the Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine tour from Krakow with Amazing Krakow Tours is an excellent way to experience two of Krakow’s most popular destinations while enjoying a relaxing day trip. With the professional guides, comfortable transportation, and admission tickets included, the tour offers a fantastic value for a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience. To book the tour, click here!

Most Frequently Asked Questions about Krakow

Krakow is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, located in southern Poland. It’s a beautiful city full of history, culture, and entertainment. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that people have many questions about Krakow. In this post, we’ll answer the most frequently asked questions about Krakow.

What is the best time to visit Krakow?

The best time to visit Krakow is during the spring or fall season. The weather is mild, and there are fewer tourists than in the summer. The summer season is the busiest time of year, and the crowds can be overwhelming. The winter season is cold, and the streets can be icy, making it difficult to walk around the city. However, visiting Krakow during winter offers a unique experience, and the city is beautifully decorated for Christmas.

What is the currency used in Krakow?

The currency used in Krakow is the Polish zloty (PLN). Euros are not widely accepted in Krakow, but many exchange bureaus and ATMs can exchange them for zlotys. Major credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops.

How do I get around Krakow?

Krakow has an efficient public transportation system that includes trams and buses. The tickets can be purchased at kiosks, newspaper stands or from the driver. Taxis are also available in Krakow, but it’s important to choose a reliable taxi company to avoid overcharging. Walking is also a great option, Krakow City Centre is quite compact and easy to navigate on foot.

What are some must-visit tourist attractions in Krakow?

Krakow is full of amazing tourist attractions, but some of the must-visit places include:- Wawel Castle: A stunning castle that sits on top of Wawel Hill and was the residence of Polish monarchs.- Rynek Glowny: This is the largest medieval square in Europe, where visitors can admire the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica, and the Town Hall Tower.- Kazimierz: The Jewish quarter of the city that was heavily damaged during World War II and now famous for its excellent restaurants and lively nightlife.- Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum: located a short drive from Krakow, this is an important place of remembrance for the victims of the Holocaust

What is the local cuisine in Krakow?

Krakow has a rich culinary tradition, and there are many dishes that visitors must try such as:- Pierogi: These are dumplings filled with meat, cheese, potatoes, or fruits.- Zurek: This is a traditional Polish soup made from soured rye flour.- Bigos: A hearty stew made with cabbage, different kinds of meat, and vegetables.- Kielbasa: Polish sausage that comes in many varieties and flavors.- Paczki: A sweet pastry similar to a doughnut that is usually filled with jam or cream.

Is Krakow considered a safe city for tourists?

Krakow is considered a safe city for tourists, but it’s important to take the usual safety precautions such as staying in well-lit areas at night and avoiding drunk and disorderly behavior. Theft might be an issue in some touristy areas, always pay attention to your belongings and never leave your bag unattended. Tourists traveling in Krakow should have no real safety issues.

What is the drinking age in Krakow?

The legal drinking age in Krakow, and Poland in general, is 18 years old. Bars, clubs, and restaurants will often ask for ID if they are unsure about a patron’s age, so it’s a good idea to carry identification with you if you plan to drink alcohol.

Do locals speak English in Krakow?

Many of the locals in Krakow speak English, especially those who work in the tourist industry. However, it’s still a good idea to learn some basic Polish phrases like “hello”, “please” and “thank you”. This shows respect for the locals and their culture and makes it easier for visitors to communicate in non-touristy areas.

What is the dress code for visiting religious sites in Krakow?

Religious sites that are visited widely in Krakow include the Wawel Cathedral, the St. Mary’s Basilica, and the Franciscan Basilica. Visitors should dress appropriately when visiting these places by wearing clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. Women are encouraged to bring a scarf that can be used to cover their heads before entering the church.

Conclusion

Travelling to Krakow can be an unforgettable experience, the city is full of beauty, history, culinary and cultural traditions to discover. Above are the most frequently asked questions about Krakow, knowing the answers to these questions before embarking on your travels will enable you to make the most of your time in the city while avoiding any potential problems. We hope this post has been useful, and we wish you a pleasant journey to Krakow!

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Krakow

Krakow is a beautiful Polish city with a long and fascinating history, architecture, and culture. As a tourist, it may seem overwhelming to decide what to see and do. This travel guide aims to help you plan your trip and get the most out of your time in Krakow. Follow these steps to have a memorable experience.

Step 1: Visit the Historical Center of Krakow

The heart of Krakow is its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here you will find charming market squares, cozy cafes, art galleries, museums, and boutiques. Begin your exploration of Krakow by starting in the Main Square. It’s one of the largest medieval town squares in Europe and is surrounded by impressive buildings such as St. Mary’s Basilica and the Cloth Hall. You’ll also find street performers and craftspeople selling their wares.Next, head to the Wawel Castle, situated atop a hill overlooking the Vistula River. The castle dates back to the 16th century and was the residence of Polish kings for centuries. You can take a guided tour of the castle to learn about its history and see the Crown Treasury and Armory.

Step 2: Explore Krakow’s Jewish Heritage

Krakow has a rich Jewish heritage that’s worth exploring. Visit Kazimierz, the Jewish Quarter, which was the hub of the Jewish community before World War II. Today, it’s a trendy neighborhood with cafes, restaurants, and bars but still carries the Jewish influence.The highlight of Kazimierz is the Remuh Synagogue, built in the 16th century. A memorable site in this building is the Jewish cemetery that surrounds it with many graves dating from the 16th to the 18th century. Moreover, you can go to Schindler’s Factory Museum nearby. The museum tells the story of Oskar Schindler, who saved over 1,000 Jewish lives during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories.

Step 3: Take a Trip to Salt Mines

Krakow is home to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, one of the oldest functioning salt mines in the world. It has been producing table salt for over 700 years and even has an underground chapel, salt statues, and saline lakes. Tours of the mine are available, and you can even taste the salt formations on the walls, which taste surprisingly sweet.

Step 4: Enjoy Polish Cuisine and Beer

Poland is known for its hearty, comfort food, and Krakow is no exception. Polish cuisine is a mixture of Slavic, German, and Jewish influences, creating unique dishes like pierogies, potato pancakes, and sausages. Head to the Old Town restaurants or visit the vibrant Jewish Quarter to sample the local cuisine.To complement the food, try some Polish beer, which comes in light and dark varieties. You’ll find many cozy pubs and bars throughout Krakow, with the most popular ones in the Jewish Quarter and the streets around the Square.

Step 5: Soak Up Krakow’s Arts and Culture Scene

Krakow is the cultural capital of Poland, and you’ll find plenty of opportunities to interact with its thriving art and music scene. You can visit the historical theaters like Juliusz Słowacki Theatre & Stary Theatre, galleries, and museums to see contemporary and classical art. For music, Krakow hosts various festivals throughout the year, ranging from classical music festivals to indie music festivals. At night, you can expect some live music performances in restaurants and bars throughout the center of Krakow.

Conclusion

Krakow is a gem of a city that has something for everyone. You can dive into its history, admire its architecture, explore its Jewish heritage, try its delectable cuisines, visit the salt mines, and indulge in its art and music scene. You can make the most of your time in Krakow by following the above steps and enjoying the local Polish culture. Don’t forget to take some time to relax and take in the atmosphere of this charming city.