After checking into the Sheraton, we caught the tram nearby back to the central railway station which was about 10-15 minutes from the hotel. We decided our first place to visit would be the UNESCO listed Wieliczka Salt Mines about 30 minutes train ride away. We popped into the Galeria Krakowska before boarding the train and got ourselves a shish kebab which was only 10 zlotys (about £2). The salt mine is a short walk from Wieliczka Rynek station. The Wieliczka Mine was created by nature 15 million years ago. It contains numerous chambers with salt sculpture and carvings by previous miners who used it during its active years. The mine features 9 floors ranging down to 327 meters in depth. We purchased tickets and waited for the english tour which ran every hour. You had to go with a tour guide as individual visitors are not allowed inside without one. As it was Good Friday, the mine was fairly busy and so the tours moved very quickly through the mine. To get underground, we had to climb down about 380 steps. The tour took us through a series of chambers full of carvings, statues, two underground chapels, all completely made of salt, and the salt lake. The most magnificent chamber was one which contained 3 large chandeliers made of salt. It also contained a salt carving of the famous 'Last Supper'.
After visiting the mine, we caught the local bus back into town as we had no idea when the train would be coming. The bus stops back near the Galeria. We then walked to the Market Square (Rynek Glowny) which is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe and features historical sites including St Mary's Basilica. The Krakow Easter Markets were on in the square so we had a chance to walk around there. Most of the stores were already closed but we ended up finding our dinner for that evening at more of the stores selling potato cakes and different kinds of pierogi. These are basically dumplings filled with all kinds of fillings. We tried the cheese & cabbage; spinach; and cheese & mushroom.
On Easter Saturday, we visited the main square again to try and catch the Easter markets and pick up something to eat. Most of the stores were selling sweet cakes or cheese filled pastries. We walked around the markets as most of the stores were starting to open.
We then headed to the main train station like the day before but this time to catch the bus to the Auschwitz (Oświęcim) concentration camp. This was about 1.5 hours outside of Krakow. The bus was packed and we were glad to have pre-purchased tickets from the ticket counter prior to boarding as many in front of the queue did not have tickets and didn't end up getting on. They only run one bus every hour or so and so there was limited space on the bus.
The concentration camp is free to visit and the Musuem was closed on Sunday so hence we travelled there on Saturday.
Words can not describe the horror of Auschwitz (Oświęcim), a city where Jewish life and culture flourished for 500 years and which became a grave for more then 1.1 million people. The Memorial and Museum present the silent blocks, torture cells, belongings and photographs of many nationalities murdered here. There are two camps to visit of which Birkenau is much bigger. This is where the railway tracks led straight to the infamous gas chambers were many, many innocent people were murdered. This visit was eye opening and although it is a must-see when visiting Krakow, it really does give you a sense of realisation of how things have changed since then. The whole visit will take at least 3 hours.
As most of the shops were closed for Easter Saturday and Sunday we were glad the Easter markets were around as that kept us busy during the nights. After visiting the Easter Markets again, we went back to the hotel and had some nice desserts which included a nice polish apple pie.
On Easter Sunday, we joined the Free Walking Tour which meets outside the Main Square. It took us around to all the top sites around Krakow city. This included walking along the Royal Route starting at Florianska Gate, past the Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) and St Mary's Cathedral in the Main Square down ul. Grodzka passing the Church of St. Peter and Paul. The walk concludes at Wawel Castle. Wawel Hill where the castle sits on dates back 50,000 years ago and during centuries it was the seat of Polish Kings. The castle consists of numerous cathedrals (built by different kings during their reign), medieval tombs and the Wawel Dragon.
At the end of the walking tour, we went for lunch and then headed to the Jewish Quarter (or at least tried to). Never actually think we found it.
The whole trip was good and definitely think Krakow was worth visiting. The people were generally friendly and most spoke English (which helped alot). Not forgetting all the nice food we had (and cheap), I forgot to mention that the Polish bagels and pretzels are really good and there are little karts all over town which sells them. Same price for all of them.
Looking forward to our next trip.
Kat & Will
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