We did the usual "tourist" things such as visiting the salt-mine and Wawel Castle and Cathedral. But just wandering around the narrow streets and coming across unusual shops and buildings was also enjoyable.

There were a couple of special events on while we were there. On Saturday the new Arch-Bishop of Krakow was enthroned. This man was Pope John-Paul's closest companion and private secretary for 27 years. The whole ceremony was full of pomp and colour . The actual enthronement took place at Wawel and then all the "great and the good" walked down to the Market square where an out-door service took place. Half the square was cordoned off for all the invited guests, but the ordinary members of the public could follow the proceedings on large TV screens in the rest of the square. I have never seen so many priests and nuns in my life!

There was also a folk market and a folk-dancing competition in the square on Sunday together with stands selling beer, sausages and other rustic food.

Here is a news report about the ceremony , As you can see I wasn't wrong about there being a lot of priests !
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2005/8/27/worldupdates/2005-08-27T202949Z_01_NOOTR_RTRJONC_0_-214146-1&sec=Worldupdates

Any info for planning our early December trip very welcome. Staying at Regent in Kazimierz area. Only have two full days there so must cram a lot in and any help appreciated thanks.

We're also going in December - between Christmas and New Year. Flights with SkyEurope from Manchester and staying in the Senacki Hotel. Also interested in any hints and tips. We particularly fancy the salt mines trip - what is the best way to get there?

Thanks, Maria

We booked our trip through the people we rented the apartment from. There were just us and another couple in a mini-bus with our own guide. It was a bit pricey (I can't remember the exact amount) but it was nice to have this personal touch. Because it was August we went at 5pm, which was after most tourist had been and gone.

There other ways to get there . To quote my guide book :-Wieliczka can be reached by coach from the main bus station, or take a train from the main railway satiation I am sure that if you enquire at the tourist office they can give you timetables.

The salt mines are well worth a visit. Wonderful salt carvings and the magnificent underground church , with everything, including the chandeliers, made of salt. The mine always stays a a very pleasant temperature, which might be a contrast a Poland in December.

Found this for some good info about the Salt Mines - works out much cheaper I believe going yourself rather than by tour companies. Enjoy!

http://www.kopalnia.pl/english/info_lokalizacja.htm

Also there are buses going to Wieliczka from Krakow. The bus for the salt mines goes from the corner of Sw. Gertrudy and Starowislna, opposite the main post office (Poczta Glowny) not too far from the old town. Cost of the journey 2.5 zl and drops you off in front of the mines.

I have just received an email from SkyEurope mentioning new flights to Krakow starting next summer. These are from Birmingham and Edinburgh. The downside is the somewhat inconvenient times. For instance, the return flight to Birmingham starts at 6 am and the outward flight from Edinburgh gets to Krakow at 1 o'clock in the morning. But they are cheap, quoting £80 (including all taxes) for a return flight next June

They are already flying out of Manchester to Krakow - I'm booked to go with them between Christmas and new year. Reasonable times too, I get there about 6pm and leave about noon.

They also fly direct from Dublin (but late at night!!) and Aer Lingus fly direct too now! I'm off week after next to Krakow!!

Right, I had intended going next Spring but being impatient, couldn't wait so off next Tuesday to Krakow. Have re-read all the posts but anyone want to add anything? We are staying at the Regent in the Kazimierz district so any family friendly restaurants welcomed!

I don't know if you saw the BBC Holiday programme this week but they featured Krakow in a report about getting cheap dental work. It must have been filmed fairly recently because there was snow on the ground. Made me wish I was back there. Still, I will be in Prague late January.

thanks didn't see the program but will keep that in mind for next visit as I just have two days there this time. Off this afternoon so will hopefully have reports on my return!

Has anyone flown with Skyeurope, I've booked with them for Bratislava next year?

Hi

There are a few posts on this subject HERE.

Pippy

Looking good then.

Thinking of going in half term (without the kids!). Does the excessive cold make it a big no-no?

Looking at the BBC forecast it certainly looks very cold at the moment! We were there between Christmas and New Year, my report is in the City Breaks section along with some other comments and links to some pictures - my report is at the bottom of this page:

http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=58687

We enjoyed it despite the cold, as long as you are well wraqpped up it shouldn't matter and there are lots of places to go inside for a warm. I suppose it depends how old your kids are too. If you go, don't miss the salt mine trip - it's a constant 14C in the mines summer and winter and it really is fascinating.

We were in Krakow last February and it was mind numbingly cold. It got down to minus 26 degrees C at night, and didn't get above minus 15 degrees C during the day.

Just make sure you wrap up in lots of layers, buy some thermals before you leave the UK (they were very expensive over there), and wear a really warm coat and hat!

It's a beautiful city....

U2fan

Going to Krakow in May, have booked an appartment for a week for the four of us.
We want to visit Salt Mines, Auchwitz/Birkenau,Odjkow National Park and of course see all the sites of Krakow. Zakopane might be on the itinerary too.
Would be grateful for anymore hints/tips on the area.
Many Thanks,
Jopa.