Krakow in January

[InQuiresandplaceswheretheysing]

Would you go? Just got back from krakow, absolutely loved it. Planning a return trip, as I didn’t see everything wanted to see. Thinking of going in January. Anyone been then?

We went in February, it was amazing but my goodness it was cold. Krakow in the snow is beautiful though, I’d probably do it again.

i would say it is extremely cold

I loved it in the snow- all part of the atmosphere. The food tour was fun.
We even visited Auchwitz in the snow which added another level of horror to the experience.

We went in mid January (birthday treat) and it was gorgeous - like a fairytale. It was snowy and the Christmas decorations were still up. (don't take them down until February in Poland). We stayed in a fabulous hotel https://hotelwentzl.com which overlooked the square.

Good city for a winter visit.

It was great when we went. Snowy and cold yes, but they know how to handle it over there, lol, and roads, paths etc were all clear. Added another layer of beauty to the city. Just dress for the weather.

Yes go!! Prep for the cold with thermal, good boots, and gloves and you will love it, I went to Norway once in January and it was amazing. The snow was beautiful, and I very fondly remember sitting in cafes people watching and drinking hot chocolate.

Thanks. I figured that they would be better prepared for snow than the UK. I noticed that every building I went into last week was lovely and warm! So will invest in some thermals. Are the tours and things still running. My auchwitiz tour was cancelled so want to do that.

We are going next week! Any tips? We are booked to do auschwitz and salt mines. Paid a lot for auschwitz.

Be prepared for your Auchwitz tour to be cancelled and not be able to re book. However, I did the alternative tour, that takes you to sites in the ‘zone of interest’ and it was absolutely fascinating. I used Mr Shuttle for airport transfers and it was brilliant. Beautiful luxurious cars! The castle ticketing system is very complicated. But the grounds are free to enter.

I was very surprised to find a Caffè Nero round the corner from my apartment! It was a cut above the UK ones! Be careful of invisible steps and polished floors. I think they are on a mission to trip tourists up! The city is absolutely spotless. No beggars , no rough sleepers. It felt really safe. The toilets at Birmingham airport brought me back to earth with a bump!

Really, why was yours cancelled and who did you book it with. The other one sounds interesting but I hope we do manage to go as we struggled for a place hence why we spent a lot! Did you get a refund?

We went in January and it wasn’t especially cold. We had coffee outside one morning.

I booked through Get your guide. They cancelled as they hadn’t secured a guide to the camp. Apparently it’s very a common thing to happen. I tried to rebook a company that has guaranteed guides and it was 3 x the price. Couldn’t get independent tickets as it was fully booked at such short notice. I did the salt mines on the train and that was really easy.

Book Auschwitz direct. Booking with third parties often leads to cancellations.

@Youcantrustchocolate I’m presuming you can get the train to the city. (Can’t spell the polish name!)

Yes, it’s very easy. Main station is Glowny, ticket office staff speak English. Direct train. When you get off just cross the main road and walk straight up. There are signs. It’s about 20 minutes walk.

I think they meant the station at Oswiecim (Auschwitz) - can't answer the question for @InQuiresandplaceswheretheysing as we did an organised tour with a private pick up from our apartment

Yes! Was very cold but that added charm. Went snowmobiling in zakopane

Yes, you are right. I couldn’t remember the name, but very unlikely @InQuiresandplaceswheretheysing would need to get the traIn from anywhere other than Glowny. It’s the main station and only one I can spell 😉

I couldn’t believe the price of a train ticket from Krakow to The salt mine was about £2.50! I can’t get into my local town 1 mile away for that

Is there a site for Auschwitz direct guided tours, i.e. not third party. Thanks if anyone used this instead of booking with Get your Guide etc.

@leperolyes there is. I’ve booked a visit with a guide. Will get the train from Krakow. I should have done that in the first place. But never mind. The alternative tour was excellent.

Thanks, did you get your own guide via the tourist office or your hotel etc.? I'm not sure about GYGuide or similar, having been let down in Belgium this year when a tour of the WW1 battlefields was cancelled the day before. We got something from the tourist office instead.

I booked direct with the museum.

I also did that with the salt mines and got the train. The trains are unbelievably cheap!