The Remuh Synagogue and its adjoining cemetery are among the most authentic places of Jewish memory in Krakow — their small, intimate atmosphere and gravestones dating back to the 16th century make a visit especially moving. If you have two days, you can easily pair a calm morning exploring Kazimierz with an afternoon or full day trip to the Tatra Mountains. Zakopane is reachable by a relatively quick transfer and offers a completely different setting: mountains instead of cobbles, nature instead of historic streets. This guide will help you arrange your itinerary, avoid common mistakes, and take care of details that make the weekend enjoyable and stress-free.
If you wonder whether it makes sense — it does. Two days are enough to feel the atmosphere of Kazimierz and breathe some mountain air in Zakopane, provided you plan sensibly and distribute your time well. Below you’ll find a concrete plan and practical tips.
Suggested split: Day 1 — Krakow (Kazimierz): Remuh Synagogue, Remuh Cemetery, a stroll around Plac Nowy and the alleys of Kazimierz, dinner at a well-rated restaurant. Day 2 — trip to Zakopane: depart early (about 2–2.5 hours from Krakow), walk along Krupówki, take the funicular or cable car to Gubałówka for a panorama, or choose a valley walk (Kościeliska, Chochołowska). Return to Krakow in the evening or spend the night in Zakopane if you prefer a slower pace.
This plan gives you the morning and late morning for relaxed sightseeing and cultural exploration in Krakow, and a full day for the mountains — without feeling rushed. If you prefer the reverse order, that also works: Zakopane first, Krakow second — especially handy if you’re heading toward the airport or continuing your journey onward.
Where: Remuh Synagogue and Remuh Cemetery are located in the historic heart of Kazimierz, at ul. Szeroka 40. A short visit is very rewarding but should be approached thoughtfully: this is a place of prayer and remembrance, not only a tourist attraction.
What to know before you enter: the synagogue is small and still functions as a house of prayer — services take place there. For that reason it can be closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays; before planning your visit it’s a good idea to check opening times. On other days it is usually possible to visit for a shorter time. The cemetery contains gravestones from the 16th century — many survived in fragmentary form and some fragments were incorporated into the wall as a memory of older tombstones.
Behavior and respect: keep a low-key demeanor — quiet, restrained conversation, covered shoulders and modest clothing are appreciated. Do not set up picnics on the cemetery grounds, do not step on grave slabs and avoid noisy devices. Photography is allowed, but please be sensitive and avoid disturbing people who are praying.
How much time to allow: 45–90 minutes is enough for the synagogue and cemetery if you want to read information panels and sit for a moment by the graves. After visiting, wander the neighbourhood — Kazimierz’s streets hide small museums, souvenir shops and atmospheric cafés.
Getting there: the drive or bus from Krakow to Zakopane takes roughly 2–2.5 hours depending on traffic. It’s best to leave early in the morning to make the most of the day and avoid afternoon congestion.
What to choose: if you want Tatra scenery without long hiking, stroll along Krupówki and take the funicular or cable car to Gubałówka for a wide panorama. If you like longer walks, Kościeliska or Chochołowska Valley are excellent full-day choices (the popular Morskie Oko trail is beautiful but requires more time and effort).
Pace and safety: pick a route suited to your fitness level and to the weather. In summer you’ll meet more people — start earlier or choose less busy paths. In winter check conditions and consider traction aids or poles if necessary.
Krakow (Kazimierz): around Plac Nowy and ul. Szeroka you’ll find many highly rated places — from specialty cafés to restaurants serving traditional Polish dishes and Jewish-inspired flavors. Look at recent local reviews and reserve a table for weekend evenings if you plan to dine out.
Zakopane: Krupówki hosts numerous inns and restaurants — for regional specialties search for places serving Podhale cuisine (kwaśnica, trout, moskole). If you plan to stay overnight, comfortable options include well-reviewed guesthouses and hotels near the town centre or close to the valleys; during high season book ahead.
Sleep and logistics: if you intend to sleep in Krakow and travel to Zakopane for the day, make sure you have a return plan (bus, train or car). Sleeping in Zakopane allows a more relaxed schedule and an easier start for mountain walks the next morning.
Not checking opening hours for the synagogue and cemetery (especially Saturdays and Jewish holidays) — consequence: you may not be able to enter. Always verify days and times before you go.
Unsuitable clothing or behavior — treat the place with respect: no shouting, no sitting on graves, no spreading food. This is not an entertainment venue but a place of memory and prayer.
Overestimating the idea of being able to walk between cities — don’t plan to walk from Krakow to Zakopane on foot; the distance is substantial. If the word “on foot” appears in a title, clarify whether it means local walking (Kazimierz) or longer mountain hikes.
Is Remuh Synagogue open every day? It usually operates on weekdays and Sundays, but is closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays. It’s worth checking current opening hours before you arrive.
How much time should I spend in Kazimierz? For the main points — synagogue, Remuh cemetery and a short stroll — plan at least 2 hours. If you want coffee and to visit small museums, allow half a day.
Can I visit Remuh with children? Yes, it’s a valuable history lesson, but prepare children for quiet behaviour and respect; shorter visits adapted to their age work better than long tours.
How to get to Zakopane from Krakow? The quickest options are by car or by bus (about 2–2.5 hours, depending on conditions). Trains also run but check timetables and travel time in advance.
Remuh Cemetery hides gravestones from the 16th–19th centuries — during cleanups many fragments were found and some were built into the cemetery wall as a silent memorial. This unusual, almost museum-like solution draws attention and lets you perceive history in material form.
Remuh Synagogue — despite its age and difficult history — is today an active prayer community: it’s not only a monument but a living part of tradition. Visiting here you can observe how history and contemporary life coexist within the same building.
If you liked this plan, share it with friends — the simple formula: culture in Krakow + mountains in Zakopane is a great way to recharge and refresh your perspective. Save the plan in your notes or share it on social media.
If you prefer an organized, personalized tour with a local guide, consider booking with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and contact are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. I can help tailor the route to your expectations, pace and interests — from a Kazimierz walk, through a visit to Remuh Synagogue, to a calm day in Zakopane.
