Krakow

I arrived in Krakow after an 1,5 hours flight from Eindhoven. It was another 30 minutes by train and a short walk before I could check-in in my hostel. I choose to stay in a hostel between the Krakow Old-Town and the Jewish District so I could easily walk all sites during my five days stay.

Krakow lies on the Wisla river and is Poland's second largest city. It is one of the oldest cities in Poland as well. Legend had it that it was build on the cave of a dragon that was slain by the mytical King Krak. The Second World War had serious impact on Krakow region and concentration camps were established near Krakow, including Auschwitz. Fortunately many buildings in the Old Town were spared from destroyance. Highlights in the historic Old Town are the Main Square, with the Town Hall Clock and St Mary's Basilica, and Wawel Castle.

My only day spend outside Krakow was during the tour to Auschwitz-Birkenau. The other days were spend mostly in the historic Old Town and the Kazimierz Jewish District.

On the day of my arrival there was an Easter market going on on the Main Square of the Old Town. I tasted some Polish fast-food and wandered around making my way to Wawel Castle Hill. I continued along the Wisla river to Kazimierz area with its Jewish District. I made it a regular walk during my days, while I also walked these areas on free (tips based) walking tours.

On my second day in Krakow I walked to the Krakus Mound in the Podgórze district (where the Jewish ghetto was located during Nazi occupation), south of the Wisla river. On top of this hill I got a beautiful overview over the Krakau area.