Cracking Krakow

An interest in visiting Auschwitz was the main reason for choosing to visit Krakow for our short break this year. Our flight from Heathrow to the small Krakow Airport took about two hours where we were met and transferred to our hotel in the city centre.

The hotel was very well placed close to the historic town centre and the main market square. The sun was shining and we ate a lovely meal of Polish dumplings outside in the sunshine, watching the world go by. Orientating ourselves to the city was easy as it seems most roads lead back to the main square.

We had a group tour to Auschwitz, which was exceptionally well organised. Whilst some people don’t wish to be reminded of the events which occurred during the war, there are many people, including us, who wanted to visit a place we had all heard so much about. All tours were escorted and we found the guides very knowledgeable.

In contrast, the Salt Mines in the nearby town of Wieliczka are a celebration of human achievement. The mines were originated in the middle-ages for their. dark salt, although today they are a huge tourist attraction. We were treated to a 2km walk through tunnels opening out into the most amazing spaces including three churches, still used even today. The intricate carvings in the rock are magnificent, well worth climbing down 800 steps for. Luckily we did get a lift back to the top.

Wawel Castle sits imposingly on the top of a small hill in Krakow. The home of Polish Royalty in the past, it now houses it now houses medieval artefacts and the Polish equivalent to the British Crown Jewels.

To sum up Krakow is a delightful place to spend a few days, the excellent food is very reasonably priced, and it’s a compact city – easy to get around on foot with lots of sightseeing.