Małopolska is one of the most attractive tourist regions in Poland. 

The historic heart of Poland beats in Małopolska. It is a land that is also exceptionally rich in cultural and natural attractions. Tourists are attracted by the royal city of Kraków, the jagged Tatra foothills and Beskid peaks, numerous resorts and spas, thousands of kilometers of varied trails, picturesque lakes and unusual amusement parks.  

Population: 3 430 370 (2022)
Area: 15 108 km²

Located in southern Poland. It is bordered to the south by Slovakia.
The capital of the region is Kraków.  

The Old Town in Kraków

The Old Town is a magical place. For many centuries kings and their important guests used to come to Kraków through the St. Florian’s Gate, passed through the Main Square and continued along Grodzka and Kanonicza streets to the Wawel castle.

Today the royal route is vibrant with life and crowded with tourists – even though a lot has changed, the place has retained its splendour typical of a royal residence. In 1978 the perfectly preserved medieval architectural arrangement, one of the most magnificent in this part of Europe, as well as the unique complex of historic sites from different periods, became the basis for the inscription of the former Polish capital on the UNESCO list.

Salt Mine Castle in Wieliczka

The castle was built in the 13th century in the north-western part of the chartered city and from that time until 1945 it was the seat of the authorities managing the Wieliczka and Bochnia salt mines as well as the salt warehouse.

Auschwitz-Birkenau – the German Nazi concentration and extermination camp

Magnificent wooden churches and Orthodox churches in Dębno Podhalańskie

St. Michael Archangel Church in Binarowa

Orthodox church of St. Michael the Archangel in Brunary Wyżne

The church was built in the 18th century. Despite having undergone a reconstruction, it has preserved the features of a West Lemko tserkva.

Orthodox Church of the Protection of the Virgin Mary in Owczary

The church was built in the 17th century and is one of the most beautiful objects of Lemko wooden architecture in Poland.

Wadowice – town of birth of Saint John Paul II 

'In this town, in Wadowice, everything began. Life began, school began, studies began, the theater began, and the priesthood began'. This is what Pope John Paul II said about his home town when he visited it for the last time on 16 June 1999. He had previously visited Wadowice in 1979 and 1991. To-day, Pope John Paul II's home town is an important pilgrimage center.

Energylandia Zator

Energylandia is the biggest amusement park in Poland, with dozens of attractions for visitors of all ages – children, teenagers and adults alike. A single admission ticket is enough to enjoy all the attractions without limitation throughout the entire day. The amusement park is divided into 6 zones.

Zakopane - the winter capital of Poland and the navel of the world!

Zakopane is an exceptional place, commonly referred to as the capital of the Tatra Mountains or the winter capital of Poland. Every year, it is visited by millions of tourists, and during the most crowded weekends, up to 250 thousand tourists arrive here (28 thousand permanent residents). Zakopane is a place that every Pole has known about since childhood.

It is not only a resort which has been attracting tourists and mountain sports enthusiasts for years, but it is also the cradle of highland culture and Podhale art, next to which the unique Zakopane style was developed. Zakopane, discovered by Dr Tytus Chałubiński, has gathered circles of artists and scholars inspired by the proximity of the Tatra Mountains and the highland culture since the end of the 19th century. The Tatra Mountains dominate the town, making the tourist season last all year round, and the unique climate attracts countless visitors.

Health resorts in the Małopolska region – all your body and soul needs

The Małopolska spas have gained fame for the properties of their waters. Making the most of their potential, they create ideal conditions to boost your physical and mental health. Check out where the most popular spas in Małopolska are located.

Tatrzański National Park

The snowy mountains, as the Tatras were called centuries ago, is the only alpine mountain range in Poland.

The Ojcowski National Park

Although it is the smallest park in Poland, it hides real treasures and incredible nature. It is an oasis for climbers, paradise for archaeologists exploring caves and a real breath of fresh air for those who come here to relax. In addition, you can eat delicious trout here.

Gorczański National Park

These not so high mountains are very attractive for sightseeing, and the numerous trails and paths are so diverse that everyone will find something for themselves.

Baked goods

Few people know that pretzels and bagels do not mean the same thing and are erroneously used as synonyms for obwarzanek. Those who are constantly confused by bagels, pretzels and obwarzanek should remember the difference by imagining that a Kraków obwarzanek is a kind of round, twisted baked bread the size of a bracelet, a bagel from Kazimierz is a yeasted egg dough that’s about the same shape but much fatter, that rises in boiling water and is then baked (and sometimes topped with a seasoning such as salt, garlic, onion, poppy seed, sesame seed and many others) and a small pretzel can be put on the finger – just like a ring. But that's not all... Other bakery products are also worth exploring, as Małopolska is famous for its baked goods.