Winter isn't usually thought of as a good time to visit Kraków; In fact, many locals tend to leave for warmer latitudes once the tinsel and trinkets are packed away and the post-holiday hangover of true winter sets in. Kraków's temperatures are typically arctic at the start of the year, so it makes sense that "Poland" got its name because it has similar atmospheric conditions to other places called "Poles."
Ok, however the climes, they are a'changin,' individuals. People who miss the PRL era have a valid point of view to make: that during the communist era, when Moscow controlled the weather (just kidding? ), things were more consistent. also, the winters were essentially white and frozen from December for the rest of Spring. In the present warming environment you can't be sure whether the falling pieces will mean walkways canvassed in sheets of ice or a soupy slush (we favor the previous, by and by). In any event, dread not, bone chilling one. Kraków still has a lot to offer at this time of year, whether you want to go outside in a winter wonderland or stay inside in a sloppy sludgepool. Among our top recommendations are:
Why Should You Visit Krakow In December
Krakow is a brilliant winter city break objective, and, luckily, a large number of the exercises are inside. However, if you have to go outside, you can beat the cold by drinking zupa (soup) and kawa (coffee), as well as wearing very warm clothing. We should embrace Krakow in December I say!
Winter Things To Do in Kraków
Skate into the Culture
Despite the fact that sidewalks are often muddy, the city's ice rinks open in the middle of December and remain glassy until at least the end of February. Ice Park - the best ice arena in the city - highlights a 360m 'ice rear entryway,' and is only west of the Old Town in Jordan Park, which consolidates pleasantly with an excursion to the close by Public Gallery.
We would argue that winter is not the worst time to visit the stark, grey socialist realism monoliths of Nowa Huta, despite the belief of some that this is the case. Winter just enhances what makes the region fascinating in any case (its distressing seriousness?), Furthermore, a wintertime visit is made even more enjoyable by the seasonal ice rink outside the Nowa Huta Cultural Centre. NCK has it this season - food trucks, ice skating and the extraordinary symbolism of Zdzisław Beksiński (we're fans).
See the Szopki
One of Kraków's most particular Christmas customs is the famous production of 'szopki' or 'Christmas dens' as they are fairly strangely alluded to in English. Something of an odd cross between a nativity scene, gingerbread house, and dollhouse, these interesting designs more look like bright, foil-shrouded palaces or churches than dens, and are the peculiar consequence of a people custom tracing all the way back to the Medieval times. Cracovians of all ages compete each year to create the most amazing szopki, which are then displayed in Krzysztofory Palace from the beginning of December until the end of February. The majority of Kraków families make it a wintertime tradition to go to the szopki exhibition, and you shouldn't miss it. However, even if you are unable to fit it into your schedule, you might still be able to see some of the numerous szopki krakowskie that are displayed in public spaces throughout the city center; look out.
Take a Walk in the Woods
In the event that you're worn out on the slush and clamor of the city, barely any things are more quiet than a blanketed winter's stroll in the forest. Just 8km west of the Old Town, Wolski Timberland (Las Wolski) is a gigantic 422-hectare (1042 sections of land) safeguarded forest roosted over the city, which incorporates 35km (22 miles) of climbing trails and a crosscountry skiing course, yet additionally shields a few spots of interest along the courses, including the Kraków Zoo (open all year), Przegorzały Palace (a mountain ridge estate with Nazi insider facts, a café and bistro), Pilsudski Hill (a tall man-made earthwork with all encompassing perspectives), and the Camaldolese Cloister (a puzzling seclusion on Silver Mountain). We suggest taking a taxi or bus 134 from "Cracovia Stadion" to the Zoo for the perfect family excursion. After that, take a short hike to the historic Przegorzay Castle for dinner, hot drinks, and fantastic views of the valley below. Bus schedules can be found at krakow.jakdojade.pl.
Go For a Sq
The colder time of year option of a pony drawn carriage ride around Kraków's market square, a sled ride through the field is ostensibly more otherworldly and heartfelt, and makes for an incredible family or gathering outing. A traditional ride typically entails a large horse-drawn sled decorated with sleigh bells and flaming torches that winds through the stunning snow-covered valleys surrounding Kraków before ending with grilled sausages, tea, or warm honey vodka by a bonfire in the forest. It is possible to have it organized for you by a number of businesses; however, this will obviously depend on the weather.
Warm up with Hot Wine or...Beer?
A mug of mulled wine ('grzane wino') or a pint of its uniquely Polish cousin, 'grzane piwo,' which is spiced beer heated in the microwave, are the best known methods for coping with the winter in Poland. The first is sold at winter markets out of barrels, and both are available to order in most bars during the colder months. Regardless of whether you shiver at the prospect of warm brew, you need to attempt this variety something like once throughout everyday life. Na zdrowie!
Go Underground in Wieliczka
Kraków is strategically placed just 100km north of the Tatra Mountains, which include the line among Poland and Slovakia, and deal the nation's best skiing. Accordingly, you can undoubtedly get away from the city for the inclines by basically getting an early transport to well known ski objections like Białka Tatrzańska and Zakopane from Kraków's principal bus stop. Poland's ski resorts are family-accommodating, open late and fabulously modest contrasted with somewhere else in Europe. All things considered, it isn't the Alps, and master skiers might feel a piece unchallenged (the Clean Tatras just proposition one really elevated ski resort - Kasprowy Wierch in Zakopane).
Hit the Slopes
Kraków is conveniently located just 100 kilometers to the north of the Tatra Mountains, which offer the best skiing in the country and form the border between Poland and Slovakia. Accordingly, you can undoubtedly get away from the city for the inclines by basically getting an early transport to well known ski objections like Białka Tatrzańska and Zakopane from Kraków's principal bus stop. Poland's ski resorts are family-accommodating, open late and fabulously modest contrasted with somewhere else in Europe. All things considered, it isn't the Alps, and master skiers might feel a piece unchallenged (the Clean Tatras just proposition one really elevated ski resort - Kasprowy Wierch in Zakopane).
In spite of their closeness, note that it for the most part requires 2+ hours to arrive at the mountains because of unfortunate streets and thick traffic. Clean ski slants are pressed the entire winter, however on the ends of the week it's practically excruciating, so we prescribe staying away from end of the week outings to the mountains if possible. Anyway, you may be best off allowing the geniuses to be your escort and sort out your excursion.\
Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau
Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau in the winter for maximum gloom. Nothing hits harder than a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau in the winter. No matter what, an excursion to Auschwitz is something each guest to Kraków needs to consider and there are sure benefits to going in the colder time of year. For a certain something, the lower volume of guests makes being there somewhat more satisfactory, with more space for tranquil thoughtfulness, and a seriously fulfilling feeling of regard for the site's set of experiences. There's a shocking verse to Auschwitz in the colder time of year that just isn't as strong in the late spring. Winter - or if nothing else the non-traveler time of November 1 to February 28 - likewise provides you with the one of a kind choice of visiting all alone, free of charge, without an aide (however we truly think going on a coordinated excursion from Kraków and doing the authority gallery visit is genuinely the least demanding and most influencing method for encountering Auschwitz). In any event, weather conditions essentially shouldn't factor into your choice on Auschwitz in the colder time of year; in the mid year, it could actually.
Get to Know the City via its Museums
There could be no greater spot to find out about Kraków's set of experiences, culture and character than its historical centers, some of which are basically exceptional, while others are a day's excursion all alone. Explore the interiors of Wawel Castle, da Vinci's inspiration, the National Museum's diverse art collection, or Schindler's Factory, Kraków's wartime history, to avoid the elements. In the event that you're with the children, Rynek Underground and the Krzysztofory Castle are demonstrated champs. Visit our What's On section for current temporary exhibits in Kraków's museums.
Play Indoors
When the weather is bad, there are many fun indoor activities, such as water parks and escape rooms; from tossing tomahawks at an objective to possibly being the objective yourself. If you're in Kraków with kids, check out our top recommendations for indoor attractions here.
Relax in a Spa
Is this a vacation, or what? Why get pelted by snow when you can pamper yourself with a massage, hit the sauna or relax in a thermal bath?
Go to the Movies
This one is obvious, but you may not have considered the fact that you don’t need to speak Polish to hit the cinema. Unlike places such as Russia (ahem), and unlike on Polish television (the worst), Polish cinemas show international releases in their original language with Polish subtitles, not dubbing. The only exception to this is animated films, but even those can sometimes be found in the original language.
Kraków is honored with a shockingly huge number of free workmanship house films directly in the middle (first among them Unit Baranami), which offer different collections and take part in various movie celebrations; for the most recent Hollywood blockbusters, nonetheless, you'll need to visit one of the shopping center multiplexes like Film City in Galeria Kazimierz. Have fun!
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