Our long weekend in Poland was a wonderful whirlwind. It was our first time visiting the country, and we had a long list of places we wanted to explore. We were excited to immerse ourselves in the rich history, culture, and beauty Poland had to offer. However, we quickly realised that four days simply wasn’t enough. There was so much to see and do that we couldn’t fit everything into our itinerary. As much as we tried to make the most of every moment, we left with a sense that there’s still so much more to discover on our next visit!
Travel preparation
Rent a car
As we planned to visit several places during our trip, we decided to rent a car. The rental was surprisingly affordable – only €34 for four days. We were given a spacious off-road vehicle, which made the journey even more comfortable and enjoyable.
Book a chalet
We booked the GORSKA OSADA Chalets in Poronin, not far from Zakopane and conveniently close to Krakow. Our chalet was relatively new and had a cosy, welcoming interior. Though the price was reasonable, the value was outstanding. The staff spoke perfect English and provided us with all the helpful instructions we needed. The chalet featured an open-fire oven with plenty of wood, as well as a BBQ area outside and a children’s playground.
One amusing moment occurred when two goats from the neighbourhood visited our garden. On the first morning, as soon as my son stepped outside, they started chasing him! He was a bit scared, so the next day, he decided to sneak out through the back door—only to find one goat waiting there for him! It was a funny little adventure.
Our itinerary for a weekend in Poland
We arrived in Krakow by plane on Thursday and flew out again on Sunday. Here’s how our weekend itineary in Poland:
- Thursday: Exploring Zakopane and Poronin
- Friday: A day trip to Krakow and a tour of the Wieliczka Salt Mine
- Saturday: Hiking around the beautiful Morskie Oko lake
- Sunday: Departure from Krakow by plane
Thursday: Exploring Zakopane and Poronin
Our first stop on the weekend itinerary was Zakopane. This charming Polish town is renowned for its wooden architecture, which is traditional to the area. In the centre, Krupowki Street is a bustling tourist hub. We enjoyed a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, filled mainly with locals, giving us an authentic taste of the town.
After lunch, we ventured to the picturesque village of Poronin. While Zakopane offers a wider range of activities as a popular holiday destination, Poronin’s peaceful, traditional charm was a welcome contrast.
Friday: A day trip to Krakow and a tour of the Wieliczka Salt Mine
Our Krakow walking tour was divided into two parts: the Wawel Royal Hill and the Main Market Square. Between these two, we wandered through several picturesque streets. The entire Old Town appeared freshly renovated, with buildings boasting bright, colourful facades that added to the lively atmosphere. After soaking in the sights, we enjoyed a traditional Polish lunch on the ground floor of the Cloth Hall.
In the afternoon, we joined the Wieliczka Salt Mine tour, one of the world’s oldest operational salt mines. We marveled at intricate carvings, statues, and mining equipment – all crafted from salt. The three-hour tour was both fascinating and well worth the price.
Saturday: Hiking around the beautiful Morskie Oko lake
Morskie Oko is a beautiful glacial lake located near the border between Poland and Slovakia, in the Tatra Mountains. The lake has this stunning blue-green colour, and it sits at the bottom of a valley on the Polish side. I first heard about it in an article from the Wall Street Journal.
After spending some time by the lakeside, we decided to hike up to the upper lake. The view from the top was amazing, and we could see most of Morskie Oko from there. It’s all part of a protected national park, which made the place even more special. Surprisingly, Morskie Oko isn’t very well-known to international tourists, and most of the visitors that day were locals. We ended the day with a late lunch at a restaurant by the lake, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
Sunday: leave Krakow by plane
We had planned to catch an early flight back to Germany, but unfortunately, due to bad weather in Frankfurt, our flight was delayed for several hours. With the option to cancel our tickets, we decided to look for alternative ways to get back to Frankfurt as quickly as possible.
We checked for other options, considering trains or buses, but found that there were no fast connections between the two cities. After spending an entire day at the airport, we ended up taking the original Lufthansa flight and finally arrived in Frankfurt late in the evening. It wasn’t the most ideal way to end our trip, but at least we made it back home!
Travel tip for a weekend in Poland
If you’re a nature enthusiast, you can join a tour to experience something truly unique, like 4-Hour Ojców National Park and Pieskowa Skała Castle or Slovakia Treetop Walk, Zakopane & Thermal Spa.
Hiring a car isn’t necessary when exploring Krakow’s UNESCO-listed old town. With a Krakow City Card, you can easily explore the city at your own pace. However, if you plan to visit other nearby attractions or venture beyond the city, renting a car is a great option for flexibility and convenience.
