Things to see: Suburbs and Vicinity of Krakow
Auschwitz (Oswiecim)
The town of Oswiecim is located 75km to the west of Krakow. Better known by its German name, Auschwitz, the now sleepy and nondescript city of Oswiecim is where the Nazis executed an estimated 1.1 million people during the Second World War, 90% of them Jews. Although a visit to the two camps in Auschwitz is often traumatic, it's also an opportunity to learn more about the worst human atrocity of the 20th century.
The first camp, Auschwitz 1, took in it's first prisoners in June of 1940. The sign above the gates at the entrance reads 'Arbeit Macht Frei' (work brings freedom), which was to be a gross lie for the thousands of inmates who slaved to build the camp and then lost their lives. A video of the liberation of the camp is shown after you enter the museum, and serves as a thought-provoking and graphic prelude to the rest of the museums exhibits. Groups of more than 10 can use the services of a tour guide, though the exhibits are clearly marked in different languages. Buildings in the compound are dedicated to the different nationalities that perished, and personal possessions such as suitcases, shoes and glasses are presented as testament to the sheer scale of the killing.
A second camp, Birkenau - or Auschwitz II - was added to the complex in 1942, and is 3km from Auschwitz I. Birkenau was to become the largest and most brutal of all the Nazi death camps. In comparison to the rather compact Auschwitz I, the size of Birkenau is staggering, comprising over 300 buildings. A large proportion of the prisoners transported by train to Birkenau were immediately sent to the gas chambers to be executed.
Auschwitz I is open daily from 8am-3pm and admission is free. It costs 2 PLN to see the 15 minute film. Birkenau is open daily from 8am-dusk and admission is free. Parents should note it is not recommended that children under 12 years of age visit the museum.
There are several ways to get from Krakow to Oswiecim. The bus service is frequent - the journey takes approximately 90 minutes and costs 10-15PLN. Two early trains take the same length of time and cost 7PLN.
Nowa Huta
Funded by the Soviet Union and constructed in 1949 , Nowa Huta (New Steelworks) is a fascinating suburb of Krakow. Stalin believed Krakow to be too cultural and artistic, so he decided to build a massive steelworks in the shadow of the city.
To accompany the steelworks, a new city was built. Nowa Huta lays claim to being only one of two completely planned Soviet socio-realist cities in the world. It is a perfectly planned proletarian city with all community facilities. To get to Nowa Huta from the city centre, take trams 4 or 15 from the train station, and about 20 minutes later you will arrive at Plac Centralny (Central Square). Crazy Guides (phone Michal on 888 68 68 71) run excellent tours to Nowa Huta using iconic East German Trabants.
Zakopane
A two-hour drive from Krakow, Zakopane is situated in the heart of the Tatra mountain range, and is Poland's most popular mountain retreat. The town enjoys a steady stream of (largely Polish) tourists year round. In winter, it is popular with skiers for the many slopes dotted around the vicinity of the town, whilst in summer, hikers of all ages come to climb the beautiful mountains.
A few kilometers from the town centre, a spectacular cable car takes tourists (and skiers) up to the summit of Kasprowy Wierch, where on a fine day, the views are incredible. This range forms the border with Slovakia, so don't be surprised to see border guards at the summit. About half an hour from Zakopane is Morskie Oko, a spectacular mountain lake. Mini buses leave from the bus station in Zakopane taking tourists to the many beautiful parts of the Tatra mountain ranges within close range of Zakopane.
Each year in January, Zakopane hosts a round of the World Cup of Ski Jumping on it's spectacular natural hill - the Poles come out in force to cheer on their favourite son, Adam Malysz.
Whilst not a large town, Zakopane is very much geared to tourists. There is a range of accommodation available, from private accommodation to hotels and hostels. It is possible to savour the unique Polish mountain culture in this wonderful town.
The easiest way to get to Zakopane is by private bus.
Two companies service the Krakow-Zakopane route, which takes about 2 hours (longer on busy weekends and during special events). These companies, Szwagropol and Trans Frej, both charge about 10 PLN for a one-way ticket.It is possible to see Zakopane on a day trip, but the area is so vast and full of beautiful attractions that several days is needed to do it justice.
Wieliczka Salt Mine
On the outskirts of Krakow, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is an amazing Unesco-listed underground world of wonders. The mine has been worked for 900 years, and used to be one of the largest salt mines in the world. It is comprised of over 200km of underground passages and 2000 caverns of various sizes.
Today visitors can take a guided tour of the mine, starting 64m below the surface and ending 135m below the surface. Highlights include a chapel carved entirely of salt, where Pope John Paul II once gave a service. Tours are conducted all year round in various languages. See www.kopalnia-wieliczka.pl for more information.
The best way to get to Wieliczka, which is on the outskirts of the city, is via a mini-bus. These buses leave from the corner next to the main post office (Poczta Glowna) and are clearly marked with Wieliczka Salt Mine. The fare is about 2.50 PLN and the journey should take no longer than 20 minutes.
