Krakow
Destinations
Krakow
Just like other Polish towns, history is a huge part of visiting any major cities in Europe. The advantage? Poland is very dog friendly and you have plenty of places to explore... so what are you waiting for?
Destinations

Krakow

Krakow

After a week in Germany we were back in Poland for another few weeks to explore, chill with hot drinks and wait for the winter to show up! And it didn’t wait… the first snow dropped by unannounced. And boy was it fun for Abbie and Max. Even if it was snow dust, they were so happy… till they were soaked, cold and a little bit miserable.

Krakow is a charming city with vibrant culture and plenty of green spaces for exploring with your dogs. The city’s history is as colourful as the houses around. Krakow can offer so much more than walking and eating. You should start with the famous Old Town. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it stands out primarily for its Old Market Square/Main Square, and its expansive Rynek Glówny (Market Square). Well known for its well-preserved medieval core and Jewish quarter. Its old town – ringed by Planty Park and remnants of the city’s medieval walls – If you are visiting Krakow for the first time, I’d recommend a minimum of two days, but three days in Krakow will give you the chance to take things a little more slowly. Its architecture is pretty impressive, the Cloth Hall, located within the Market Square, allows you to feel the unusual atmosphere of a medieval marketplace. Look out for the questionable dagger!

Things to do in and out

  • Kościuszko Mound – This exhibition is dedicated to Tadeusz Kościuszko, and tells an interactive story about a Polish great defender of freedom, a man who dedicated his private happiness to service. His personal drama of unfulfilled youthful love, the journey to America and the war for independence in America, which turns the young man into a National hero.
  • Parkrun – doesn’t disappoint. Can be done with and without the dogs. While flat, it’s 2 rounds around the Blonia Park and might take your breath away, quite literally – dying but good fun!
  • Wavel castle: Entrance to the hill is free, but you have to pay to see the exhibition. The castle is divided into several exhibitions: permanent and seasonal, as well as temporary exhibitions. While the website is truly most complicated to book your tickets online, make sure you book ahead of time to avoid disappointment. Combined ticket will give you access to the Castle I and Castle II exhibitions. Sadly dogs are not allowed within the grounds but can visit the Dragon statue…
  • Wavel Dragon: a monument at the foot of the Wawel Hill/Dragon’s den is dedicated to the mythical Wawel Dragon. The statue is capable of letting out fire from its mouth on demand. Usually every 5 minutes. Fun note – you can also send a SMS.
  • Wavel cathedral: historic symbol of polish heritage, this Gothic masterpiece has witnessed royal coronations, weddings and burials.
  • Main Square/ Rynek Glowny: The largest in Europe, this vibrant medieval square, surrounded by iconic Cloth Hall, where you can watch street performers, people or simply sit back with coffee. You can also walk through a very touristy market.
  • Schindler Enamel Factory: The exhibition is primary a story about Krakow and Polish and Jewish inhabitants, during World War II and the brutal attack by Nazi Germans on Polish-Jewish citizens. Their personal dramas of individual people overlapping with the tragedy which affected the whole world.

When it comes to parks, the riverside is your friend. Along the Vistula river there are numerous green spaces. Your dog will love to play a fetch in Blonia or along the riverside…

  • Riverside walk along the Bulwar Kurlandski
  • Blonia
  • Henryk Jordan Park
  • Square Zbigniewa Wodeckiego
  • Planty

Rain or shine we have enjoyed our little adventure in Krakow. We might have eaten way too many pierogi and zapienkanki but who cares… they are delicious!

Don’t forget to include a day trip to Wielicka Salt Mines or Auschwitz.

Wielicka Salt Mine

Half an hour drive from Krakow you can discover the secrets of the underground world with more than 800 steps down into 135 m below ground. Fun note – this descent involves more steps than climbing the Eiffel Tower. You can book one of their English tours following the Tourist or Miner route – while tickets are not cheap, they are well worth it. The extensive tunnel network stretches almost 300 kilometers across nine levels, with the deepest point reaching approximately 330 meters below ground.

While visitors only get to explore a fraction of this labyrinth, the tunnel areas show the most important parts of the mine. You can admire landscapes that can’t be found on the surface – saline lakes and beautiful underground chambers, including the unique St Kinga’s Chapel.

Not goodbye but see you soon! Our next adventure is only a short trip or train ticket away. The snowy mountains are calling! Slovakia next!