Lesser Poland Panoramic Road Itinerary
Experience the beauty of Lesser Poland on a panoramic road trip from Cracow to Tarnów. This 134 km route will take you through the historical towns of Kazimierz, Wieliczka, Bochnia, Nowy Wiśnicz, and Lipnica Murowana. Along the way, you will be able to enjoy stunning landscapes, visit UNESCO Heritage Monuments, and immerse yourself in the history of the region. The best time to drive is during spring or summer when you can enjoy the lush green hills, blue skies, and vibrant colours of the countryside. The excellent road conditions make it suitable for every driver, and you can complete the route in two days, allowing you to take your time and really appreciate the beauty of Lesser Poland. With a fair budget, you can enjoy a very high level of experience and create some unforgettable memories.
2
number of days
140 km
route length
moderate
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
Krakow
Distance 140 km
Driving time 3.0 h
Pace: modest
36.5 kWh
Airports
KRK
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Cracow, situated in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship of southern Poland, is a fascinating and vibrant city that lends itself perfectly as the starting point of the Lesser Poland Panoramic Road. This road trip takes visitors through some of the most stunning countryside and picturesque villages in the region.
When in Cracow, visitors should not miss the opportunity to explore the spectacular Old Town and its historic market square, one of the largest in Europe, as well as the incredible Wawel Castle and Cathedral, a World Heritage Site. Other attractions that should not be missed include the Royal Route, the Jewish Quarter, and the iconic Cloth Hall.
For visitors travelling by air, the closest international airport is the John Paul II International Airport Kraków–Balice (IATA: KRK), located just 12 kilometres from the city centre. Car rental services are available at the airport, making it easy to start the Lesser Poland Panoramic Road journey.
Cracow is a must-see destination for anyone exploring the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, with its numerous historical attractions, colorful culture, and incredible natural beauty. It is the perfect starting point for the Lesser Poland Panoramic Road, offering visitors a wonderful opportunity to explore the region's stunning landscapes and captivating villages.
1
Krakow
- Kazimierz
Distance 19 km
Driving time 0.5 h
Pace: slow
4.4 kWh
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Itinerary
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Take a road trip from Cracow to Kazimierz! It's only 15km away and will take you less than an hour to get there. Along the way, you'll get to see some amazing sights, including some UNESCO Heritage sites. You'll be able to explore the historical sites of both cities, from the Wawel Castle in Cracow to the Remuh Synagogue in Kazimierz. Make sure to take a break and enjoy the beautiful views of the Vistula River in Cracow and the Old Town Square in Kazimierz. As this is just one of the stages of a larger tour, you can find more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Kazimierz - Poland - Europe - Scenic Drive - libreshot.com
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2
Kazimierz
- Wieliczka
Distance 12 km
Driving time 0.3 h
Pace: slow
2.7 kWh
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Embark on a 12 km road trip from Kazimierz to Wieliczka, two of the most beautiful cities in Poland. This journey will take less than an hour, and you will be able to explore some of the most interesting sites in the area. Along the route you will find some UNESCO Heritage sites, as well as some historical sites that you won't want to miss. Make sure to take a break and admire the stunning views of the countryside. During your journey, you will also have the opportunity to visit some of the local restaurants, cafes, and shops. When you arrive in Wieliczka, make sure to check out the famous Wieliczka Salt Mine, which is a popular tourist attraction. There are also plenty of accommodation options and campsites available in the area. So take your time and explore the area to the fullest. More information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Wieliczka - Poland - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
Wieliczka - Poland - Europe - Scenic Drive - www.flickr.com
Wieliczka - Poland - Europe - Scenic Drive - pixabay.com
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3
Wieliczka
- Bochnia
Distance 41 km
Driving time 0.5 h
Pace: fast
12.4 kWh
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Wieliczka to Bochnia! This 42 km journey takes less than an hour and is packed with exciting attractions. Start your journey in Wieliczka, where you can explore the historic Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From there, head to Bochnia, where you can visit the Bochnia Salt Mine, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Both of these sites are full of incredible history and culture, and are definitely worth a visit. On the way, you can also take in the beautiful scenery of the city, and take a stroll through the streets of both cities. So make sure to take your time and enjoy the sights along the way. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Bochnia - Poland - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
Bochnia - Poland - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
Bochnia - Poland - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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4
Bochnia
- Nowy Wiśnicz
Distance 8 km
Driving time 0.2 h
Pace: modest
2.0 kWh
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Bochnia to Nowy Wiśnicz? This 8km journey will take you less than an hour. Along the way, you will get to explore some of the most interesting places in the region.
In Bochnia, you can visit the Old Town Square and its historic church, the Bochnia Salt Mine, and the Bochnia Brewery. In Nowy Wiśnicz, you can explore its beautiful medieval castle, the Parish Church of St. Michael the Archangel, and the St. Barbara's Church.
As you drive, you can also admire the beautiful landscapes of the region. Don't forget to take some pictures!
For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Nowy Wiśnicz - Poland - Europe - Scenic Drive - www.needpix.com
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5
Nowy Wiśnicz
- Lipnica Murowana
Distance 13 km
Driving time 0.3 h
Pace: modest
3.5 kWh
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Embark on a 9km road trip from Nowy Wiśnicz to Lipnica Murowana, a journey that will take you less than one hour. On this short journey, you will have the opportunity to explore some of the most interesting historical sites in Poland, including the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you continue on your journey, you will also be able to admire the beautiful architecture of Nowy Wiśnicz Castle, the Gothic Church of St. Michael the Archangel in Lipnica Murowana, and the quaint wooden houses of the village. For a truly unique experience, make sure to stop at the Lipnica Murowana Museum of Folk Art, where you can learn about the traditional culture of the region. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Lipnica Murowana - Poland - Europe - Scenic Drive - - Wikimedia Commons
Lipnica Murowana - Poland - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
Lipnica Murowana - Poland - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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6
Lipnica Murowana
- Tarnów
Distance 47 km
Driving time 1.1 h
Pace: modest
12.2 kWh
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Welcome, road-trippers! Get ready for an amazing trip from Lipnica Murowana to Tarnów, a 49 km journey that will take you less than two hours.
Start your journey in Lipnica Murowana, a small town famous for its wooden churches, one of which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don't forget to visit the Museum of Lipnica Murowana, which offers an interesting insight into the history of the town.
Then, head to Tarnów, a city that is home to a number of historical attractions, such as the Tarnów Cathedral, the Old Town Hall, and the Baroque Church of the Virgin Mary. The city's Old Town is also a great place to explore, with its cobblestone streets and old buildings.
To make the most of your trip, you can also visit the nearby villages of Korzenna, Olszanka, and Łęki Szlacheckie. All of these places offer a unique insight into the culture and history of the region.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” of this stage. Have a great trip!
Tarnów - Poland - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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Tarnów
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Tarnów is a beautiful city in southern Poland, located at the end of the Lesser Poland Panoramic Road. This road trip takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes and attractions in the region, and is the perfect way to explore the area.
Tarnów is a great place to visit, with plenty of interesting attractions. For history lovers, there are plenty of monuments, churches and museums to explore. The main square is a great place to start exploring, with the Town Hall, the Renaissance-style St. Mary's Church, and the beautiful Town Hall Tower. There are also plenty of parks to explore, including the Botanical Garden and the Park of Culture and Leisure.
For those looking for something a bit more modern, there are plenty of restaurants, bars and cafes to enjoy. Shopping enthusiasts can explore the numerous boutiques, as well as the Galeria Tarnów shopping center.
For those who are arriving by air, the closest international airport is John Paul II International Airport Kraków–Balice (KRK), located about 50 kilometers from Tarnów. The city is easily accessible by car from the airport, making it an ideal destination for those wanting to explore the area by car.
No matter what your interests, Tarnów is sure to have something for everyone. So why not end your Lesser Poland Panoramic Road trip here, and explore all this beautiful city has to offer?
Lesser Poland Panoramic Road at a glance
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Start:
Krakow
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End:
Tarnów
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Distance:
140 km
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Stay:
2 days
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Getting there:
Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Set off on an enchanting Road Trip from Kraków to Tarnów, navigating through 134 kilometers of Lesser Poland's captivating countryside, interspersed with towns brimming with historical significance and architectural marvels. This journey invites travelers to immerse themselves in the area's rich cultural tapestry and savor the splendor of its natural environs.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Kraków: Start your adventure in a city that was once the capital of Poland and is now a hub of culture, art, and history. Don’t miss the Wawel Royal Castle and the historic Jewish quarter of Kazimierz.
- Wieliczka: Explore the legendary Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its deep underground tunnels, intricate salt carvings, and chapels sculpted entirely out of salt by the miners.
- Bochnia: Visit another of Poland's salt mining gems, the Bochnia Salt Mine, which dates back to the 13th century and offers an underground museum and a subterranean boat ride.
- Nowy Wiśnicz: Marvel at the impressive Nowy Wiśnicz Castle, a well-preserved fortress with a mix of Renaissance and Baroque styles, offering insights into the nobility's lifestyle during the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
- Lipnica Murowana: Be sure to see the Church of St. Leonard, a prime example of the wooden Gothic architecture listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural and historical significance.
Best Time to Go:
Spring through summer is the most idyllic period for this Road Trip, allowing you to bask in the mild weather and the lush, vibrant scenery. These seasons also host various local festivals and outdoor activities that Roadtrippers can partake in.
Potential Risks:
Lesser Poland is a safe destination with well-maintained Roads, yet travelers should remain vigilant for common driving hazards such as sudden weather changes that might lead to slippery conditions or reduced visibility, as well as increased traffic during the high tourist season.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- Kraków’s Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) is one of the largest medieval town squares in Europe.
- The Wieliczka Salt Mine features a subterranean chapel named after St. Kinga, entirely carved out of salt, which even includes crystal chandeliers.
- Bochnia Salt Mine is the oldest salt mine in Poland, having continuously produced table salt from the 13th century until 1990.
- The route can be comfortably driven in about 2 hours, but dedicating at least two days to the Trip allows for ample exploration of each stop.
- For those who prefer not to drive, train and bus connections between Kraków and Tarnów are available, with potential stops in key towns along the way.
A good choice for:
Venturing from Kraków to Tarnów by Road promises a memorable escapade that weaves together the cultural and scenic highlights of Lesser Poland. Each stop on the itinerary offers a unique glimpse into the region's storied past and present, ensuring an immersive and fulfilling travel experience for Roadtrippers.
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