Quiet places to visit outside of Krakow

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May 11, 11, 12:42 #1

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

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Edited by: gumishu May 11, 11, 14:37 #2

darkhalls1983:

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.

rent a car in Kraków buy a map and go for a trip in the Polish Jura http://www.summitpost.org/polish-jura/679707 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krak%C3%B3w-Cz%C4%99stochowa_Upland http://www.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)

darkhalls1983Threads: 1 Posts: 2 Joined: May 11, 11 ♂	May 11, 11, 16:27 #3
gumishu: rent a car in Kraków Unfortunately neither myself nor anyone else in the group can drive, however thank you for the suggestions, I will have a look at them.

tygrysThreads: 2 Posts: 404 Joined: Dec 28, 07 ♂	May 11, 11, 16:46 #4
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.

tygrysThreads: 2 Posts: 404 Joined: Dec 28, 07 ♂	May 11, 11, 16:59 #5
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.

gumishuThreads: 17 Posts: 3,943 Joined: Apr 6, 09 ♂	May 11, 11, 17:13 #6
btw - there is less and less 'English louts' visiting Kraków in these day from what I have read here in the forum

GrzegorzK	May 11, 11, 22:56 #7
Depends on how far you are willing to drive.

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May 11, 11, 23:00 #8

tygrys:

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.

tygrys:

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.

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.

dtaylor5632Threads: 49 Posts: 4,459 Joined: May 2, 09 ♂	May 11, 11, 23:13 #9
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

tygrysThreads: 2 Posts: 404 Joined: Dec 28, 07 ♂	May 12, 11, 08:32 #10
pawian: 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. 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"

hague1cmaeronThreads: 21 Posts: 1,654 Joined: Mar 30, 10 ♂	May 12, 11, 08:48 #11
tygrys: 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 becuse he can't drive(: I would reccomed some of the villages around Zakopane: Zab, Ciche, Ratlow, Koscielisko, Poronin, Czerwienne, Mientostwo etc.

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May 14, 11, 00:29 #12

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!)

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