地域の町
Oswiecim
A small town, situated near the banks of the Sola river, Oswiecim can be found about 60km from Krakow. Commonly referred to as Auschwitz by foreigner visitors, the town is renowned for its gruesome history. Literally hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to Oswiecim each year to pay their respects to an abominable past that has been branded on the pages of our history books forever.
Established almost 70 years ago, Auschwitz’s primary business was the extermination of European Jews. Around 1.1 million Jews were murdered in the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps between 1940 and 1945. Today, one can learn about past atrocities at the actual camp museum as well as at the Auschwitz Jewish Centre.
Link: Oswiecim Webpage...
Nowy Sacz
Popular with tourists, hikers and skiers alike, the mountainous countryside around Nowy Sacz attracts a variety of visitors to the city. Therapeutic waters, magnificent scenery and refreshing air provide a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of the country’s culture capital Krakow.
After Krakow, Nowy Sacz has the largest market place in Poland. Historical must-sees include the medieval ruins of the royal castle, the Basilica of St. Margaret, Saint Roch, St. Helen’s church, the Great Synagogue and the Skansen museum.
Link: Nowy Sacz’s official webpage...
Wieliczka
Famed for its salt mine, Wieliczka lies 15km southeast of the city centre. Listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, the 700 year old salt mine is the town’s main tourist pull. A remarkable salt lake, a magnificent, but somewhat eerie, chapel with salt sculptures, and a stunning chandelier carved in rock salt are just some of the attractions you will encounter in the midst of this subterranean labyrinth of corridors, chambers and pits.
Up on earth, Wieliczka has its own small town charm. Although other “must-see” sights are scarce, it does have some beautiful architecture, trading arcades, in the style of Krakow’s cloth hall, and some historical military stables worth checking out. Wieliczka also offers a quieter and less expensive alternative to staying in Krakow.
Link: Wieliczka Salt Mines...
Zakopane
Winter sports enthusiasts flock to Zakopane, to enjoy its four major ski areas with more than 50 lifts, as soon as the first flurry of snow begins to lie. Nestled in a large valley between the Tatra Mountains and Gubalowka Hill, the town is a veritable tourist trap albeit with a chilled out charm. Just 90km from the buzzing metropolis Krakow, Zakopane is a fantastic option if you feel the need for some outdoor action. Not just for winter, Poland’s highest town offers some wonderful hiking and camping options for summer too.
Polish Link: Zakopane’s official webpage