Quiet places to visit outside of Krakow

Hi there, I'm sure this topic has been covered before, but I'm looking specifically for places that might be off the beaten track a little and unspoilt by tourists.

I fully abhor British louts (despite being a fellow countryman) and indeed I'm not keen on tourists in general (despite being one), however I've unfortunately had to compromise on going to Krakow at the end of July with friends, instead of my preferred time of September, so cannot avoid them. My aim is spend a couple of days around Krakow (incidently I have been before a few years ago) and then jump on a bus/train to some more remote less touristy places, even if I end up having to go by myself.

Where would you recommend I venture out to? I enjoy taking in urban landscapes and architectural wonders as much as rural countryside. Downsides, I speak no Polish (will try and learn some key phrases) and places need to be fairly accessible - although I don't mind walking!! I'm going as much for the culture and history as I am to just relax and have fun.

Thanks

rent a car in Kraków buy a map and go for a trip in the Polish Jura:
summitpost.org/polish-jura/679707
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krak%C3%B3w-Cz%C4%99stochowa_Upland
info.czestochowa.pl/portal/index_page.php?IdCss=0&IdLang=1&IdGroup=1244526707&IdBaza=1226055771&IdWpis=0&IdStr=0
- plenty of walking can be involved - starts just outside Kraków - some castles and palaces (at least one turned museum) , more romantic castle ruins - nice landscapes - some caves - not so many tourists

this is just a suggestion - there are other places to visit around Kraków (though Zakopane and Tatra mountains are very touristy)

Unfortunately neither myself nor anyone else in the group can drive, however thank you for the suggestions, I will have a look at them.

A bus from Krakow will take you to Tyniec. Tyniec is a historic village on the Vistula river, notable for its famous Benedictine abbey founded by king Casimir the Restorer in 1044.

Another place to visit is Ojców. Very famous for it's Eagle Nests Trail (Szlak Orlich Gniazd), there are ruins of a gothic castle and underground caves you can explore. Ojców National Park is the smallest of Poland's 23 national parks.

btw - there is less and less 'English louts' visiting Kraków in these day from what I have read here in the forum

Depends on how far you are willing to drive.

Very good propositions. However, they are a bit touristy while she desires something off the beaten track. But, indeed, it might be hard to find sth less touristy but still attractive.

You can get a bus to Ojcow, it's a beautiful area and won't be many foreign tourists at least.
Tarnow is a nice wee city a train trip from Krk, also has a beautiful market square.

I won't tell you my personal favourites in case too many tourists flood there :P

Not too many foreign tourists go there because it is less known. Most go to Wieliczka - the salt mines, which are very interesting and Oswiecim.

And it is not a "she"

Terrible assumption, just because he can't drive(: I would recommend some of the villages around Zakopane: Zab, Ciche, Ratlow, Koscielisko, Poronin, Czerwienne, Mientostwo etc.

Thank you for all the suggestions! I may end up exploring these places alone mind you, as the rest of my entourage may not be so willing to leave the confines of Krakow. Either way, it is good to know of these places.

Out of curiousity, what is Krakow like in July? I have been before but it was during April when all the Uni students (my sort of crowd) were still around and there were barely any tourists (especially during the week, it was pretty quiet). I have had to compromise on visiting in July, but worry everywhere will be swarmed by undesirables (i.e. my fellow countrymen!)

Also "she" or "he" it makes no real difference really, the internet provides opportunity to be whoever you wish to be =) (although, for clarification, I am a he!)

Merged: Where to go? Day-trips from Krakow

Dzień dobry,

I am visiting my girlfriend in Krakow for a few weeks. She has work and school for some of the days so I'll be myself for a good period of the time. I've already been to Krakow a few times before and seen most of what there is to see. So this time around I want to see the surrounding area. I've been to Auschwitz, been to Wieliczka, been to Jasna Gora- so no sadness, tourists, or pilgrimages for me this time around.

What are some good day-trips to take starting from Krakow to fit into a 4-8hr window? I'm up for anything..breweries, hiking..breweries, small towns with something to offer, etc.,etc. Dziękuję!

Hi
I would recommend Ojców National Park

It is just 15 km away from Cracow, beautiful place on Polish crast with many white limestone rocks

Here is many of tips: your travel pattern/ojcow-national-park

Merged: Can anyone recommend nice towns near Krakow to spend a few days in?

Hi. we will be travelling in Poland for 4 weeks in the Summer and will initially fly to Krakow but would like to visit some other smaller towns too. Can anyone recommend any nice places to spend some time outside of Krakow (within a few hours travel)? We have planned to visit Zakopane. Any other ideas? I need to be able to get there on public transport.

Sanok, which is an excellent base for exploring the Bieszczady region. You can visit charming towns from there such as Cisna and Ustrzyki Dolne, and Sanok itself is a wonderful little town. Depending on your preferences, you might want to spend a couple of days going round the so-called Bieszczady Loop via Ustrzyki Górne, or you might want to base yourself in Sanok and make daytrips from there.

Public transport in summer in Bieszczady is excellent.

airbus.com.pl/rozklad/1/SANOK/KRAK%C3%93W/

Here's the public transport timetable from Kraków to Sanok.