Vacations are a time for spending quality time with family, going on special trips, and creating wonderful memories. There is no shortage of interesting tourist destinations throughout the country, including in southern Poland. What is worth seeing in Lesser Poland, the Subcarpathian Region, or the Podhale region?
Day trips to southern Poland – what’s there to see?
Whether you have older children or young ones, there is a wide variety of options for both longer trips and shorter, one-day excursions. It’s worth visiting at least one of the many unique, historic cities, such as Kraków, Tarnów, Zakopane, Przeworsk, Przemyśl, or Sandomierz. Southern Poland also boasts exceptional landscape and national parks, as well as impressive mountain peaks. You can explore interesting places in southern Poland on foot or by bike; there is no shortage of bike trails here, varying in length and difficulty. Southern Poland is a particularly interesting destination for both lovers of historical sites and nature enthusiasts.
Interesting vacation spots in southern Poland
The attractions of southern Poland include cities, parks, routes, trails, castles, and many other places that can be explored during both a day trip and a longer vacation. If possible, it’s worth planning a multi-day road trip during which you can explore and see the most interesting places in southern Poland, showing the youngest travelers the most fascinating locations in this part of the country. Interesting places in southern Poland include beautiful villages with a charming folk character—Zalipie, Muszyna, Lanckorona, and Wygiełzów. There are also cities rich in magnificent monuments, as well as vast landscape and national parks.
The observation tower in Krynica-Zdrój
One place definitely worth visiting among the attractions in southern Poland is the observation tower in Krynica-Zdrój. It is a unique spot—an extraordinary wooden structure nestled among the magnificent peaks of the Beskid Sądecki. Standing at an impressive height of nearly 50 meters, the tower offers a breathtaking, relaxing, and soothing view. A picturesque path about a kilometer long leads to the tower, which even the youngest visitors can easily navigate.
The Dunajec River and a kayaking trip
For those who enjoy active leisure, a kayaking trip down the Dunajec River is an excellent idea for a group vacation in southern Poland. This activity guarantees unique, unforgettable moments and wonderful memories. One of Poland’s most picturesque rivers—the Dunajec—is particularly popular among both experienced and novice kayakers alike. Families with children will also easily find the perfect trip for them, tailored to their preferences in terms of length and difficulty level.
Niedzica Castle
Southern Poland’s attractions also include numerous castles, preserved in varying states of repair—some in better condition, others in worse—some prominently displayed, and others tucked away in the depths of the forest. Among others, the castle in Niedzica, built in the first half of the 14th century, is worth noting. For years, the castle served a defensive purpose and underwent numerous modifications over the centuries. The historic site consists of the castle, a granary, and a coach house, and each of these places is worth visiting. The castle houses museum halls where you can admire unique collections and structures, such as the governor’s bedroom, the governor’s chamber, the guard room, the torture chamber, and various living quarters. After exploring the castle’s interior, it’s also worth visiting one of the observation decks, which offer stunning, impressive views of the surrounding landscape.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine
It’s hard to list interesting places in southern Poland without mentioning the Wieliczka Salt Mine. It features 9 levels and 245 kilometers of underground tunnels. The entire mine is incredibly extensive, though only a few percent of its area is open to tourists. Despite this, there is no shortage of extraordinary places there, such as the magnificent chapel located dozens of meters underground. The caves, long corridors, and chambers are also worth exploring with the youngest visitors to show them this unique place with over seven hundred years of history. After leaving the mine, it’s also worth visiting the Wieliczka Salt Mine Museum, which houses numerous historical collections, such as old tools used by miners, as well as antique salt shakers and tableware.
What to see in southern Poland? Castles, monuments, and other historic sites
Southern Poland is rich in unique historical sites that delight both adults and children. Among the most beautiful castles, it is worth mentioning Niedzica Castle, picturesquely situated on Lake Czorsztyńskie, and Wiśnicz Castle, whose history dates back to the 14th century. Also worth noting are the imposing fortress in Srebrna Góra and Ojców Castle, part of the Eagles’ Nests Trail. In addition to the castles, it is worth visiting the Nikifor Monument in Krynica-Zdrój, the Adam Mickiewicz Monument in Kraków, and the Sanctuary in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska—listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. While strolling through cities such as Tarnów, Przemyśl, Sanok, or Bielsko-Biała, you can admire the beautiful architecture of townhouses, town halls, and churches, which transport visitors back in time.
Where else is worth visiting with a child in Poland? The most beautiful places in Poland for a weekend getaway
Apart from southern Poland, many regions of the country offer excellent conditions for family weekend getaways. In Masuria, it’s worth visiting Mikołajki, taking a boat ride on the lake, or heading to the Wild Animal Park in Kadzidłowo. In Pomerania, the Słowiński National Park with its shifting sand dunes and the Rozewie Lighthouse are very popular, as is the Experyment Science Center in Gdynia. Greater Poland offers a trip to Rogów with its Arboretum and Railway Museum, while Lower Silesia invites you to visit the Gold Mine in Złoty Stok, Książ Castle, or Bear Cave. Every region of Poland hides gems that you can discover together with your children, creating unforgettable family memories.
Trips around Poland. Why is it worth traveling?
Traveling around Poland is not only a way to relax, but also an excellent opportunity to learn and strengthen family bonds. Exploring new places together fosters curiosity about the world, builds a sense of belonging, and allows children to better understand their country’s history, culture, and nature. Poland offers a vast array of landscapes—from mountains and lakes, through forests and valleys, all the way to the sea. What’s more, most attractions are affordable, and many of them are free. Traveling around Poland is also a great alternative to long and expensive trips abroad—short getaways let you relax without wasting time on long commutes. It’s the perfect way to spend an active and meaningful weekend with your family.
Why is southern Poland worth a visit? Above all, it offers great places to visit for a weekend getaway—and much more
What else is worth seeing when traveling to southern Poland? Rabka-Zdrój is an interesting destination, especially for children. It is a picturesque town located not far from Zakopane and Nowy Targ. The town is home to, among other things, Poland’s only statue of Saint Nicholas, as well as the modern Rabkoland amusement park, which is full of extraordinary attractions for children. At Rabkoland, both toddlers and older children will find interesting attractions to enjoy. The park features separate zones, divided by theme but also tailored to the age and abilities of visitors. In addition, Rabkoland also has food courts, as well as a circus and theater stages where professional actors regularly perform shows especially for the youngest visitors.
How can I plan a weekend with the kids in southern Poland? Where can we go for a weekend near Kraków?
Rabka-Zdrój is definitely a town worth visiting with children. You can come here for just a day, on your way to other towns, or stay for a longer visit.
Find out more about us and plan a visit to Rabkoland!
A fan of crime novels, especially by Jo Nesbø and Camilla Läckberg. She also enjoys watching mini-series of a similar genre. Loves going on weekend trips with friends—mostly around Poland. Professionally, she specializes in customer communication and cooperation with companies, schools, kindergartens, and travel agencies.
