Energylandia and Kalwaria Zebrzydowska sit in the same part of Małopolska and complement each other beautifully: the former is Poland’s largest amusement park, the latter a UNESCO-listed sacral complex and pilgrimage park with roots in the early 17th century. For a small, well-coordinated group of 2–6 people this ‘duet’ can make for an intense day of contrasts — from adrenaline on roller coasters to a quiet walk among chapels and pathways. This article offers 15 ideas for free activities, practical tips and common mistakes to avoid when planning such a trip.
Kalwaria Zebrzydowska is an exceptional example of a sacred landscape: roads and chapels form a kind of ‘map’ of Jerusalem laid out across the surrounding hills. Walking the paths is both a spiritual and aesthetic experience — you feel centuries of history and the beauty of Mannerist architecture.
Energylandia, on the other hand, offers dozens of zones and attractions — from family and water areas to extreme roller coasters. The park requires an entry fee, but there are plenty of free options nearby to round off your day, especially if you travel in a small group and like planning your own activities.
When planning a day that combines Energylandia and Kalwaria, set your priorities: do you want to spend most of the time on rides, or among the pilgrimage paths and viewpoints? A realistic plan helps avoid rushing and disappointment.
If you’re leaving from Krakow, factor in distance and travel time — in peak season reaching and parking can take longer. Energylandia has developed infrastructure including parking; near the park you’ll also find accommodation options such as WesternCamp.
Clothing and footwear: for Kalwaria’s paths bring comfortable shoes and layered clothing — weather in the hills can change. In Energylandia you’ll want light clothes and a water bottle — there are food outlets inside the park.
For small groups (2–6 people) consider bringing: a map of the paths (available at Kalwaria’s information point), a powerbank, something to write with (for a mini quiz or group game), and a small sweet snack for short breaks. The rest of the activities can be organized independently and at no cost.
1. Walk the Kalwaria paths — a self-guided walk between chapels and churches is the core Kalwaria experience and costs nothing. Routes vary in length, so choose a section that suits your group’s energy.
2. Visit the basilica and monastery — the basilica interior can be viewed for free; pause for a moment of contemplation and admire the Mannerist details.
3. Climb local viewpoints — on a clear day the surrounding hills offer views over the Beskids and sometimes even the Tatras. Sunrise or sunset photos are especially memorable.
4. Stroll through the market square and narrow streets of Lanckorona — picturesque historic houses and cozy corners make for a pleasant short photographic walk.
5. Organize a DIY field game — prepare a simple quiz about Kalwaria and Energylandia: who finds a given chapel first or describes a facade detail? It’s an easy, free way to bond the group.
6. Have a mini picnic with local products — pick a nice spot in nature (avoiding protected areas) and share small snacks. A short break like this restores energy without costing much.
7. Admire Mannerist architecture from the outside — the chapels and avenues create a cohesive landscape composition; while walking, look for sculptural details and spatial plans.
8. Hunt for traces of history — in a group it’s easier to spot details: inscriptions, old gravestones, interesting doors or ancient walls. Turn it into a photo contest.
9. Short bike rides around the area — if you have bikes, the surroundings of Kalwaria and Zator offer pleasant, quiet country roads. A 2–3 hour ride is a great addition to your day.
10. Rest by a nearby pond or in a park — a moment of relaxation between activities helps recharge before the next item on your list.
11. Run a mini photography workshop — choose a theme (e.g., ‘sacral detail’ or ‘hilltop panorama’) and share results at the end of the day — free and creatively rewarding.
12. Walk along tree-lined avenues and count original chapels — natural elements are part of Kalwaria’s composition; nature and history go hand in hand here.
13. Discover local legends and stories — every town has its anecdotes. In a small group it’s easy to arrange an evening tale over tea (free if you bring drinks yourselves).
14. Follow traces of John Paul II — there are places in Kalwaria associated with the Pope’s pilgrimages; they offer an opportunity for quiet reflection and group conversation.
15. Visit the Kalwaria Information Centre — pick up a map of the paths and learn about current events; there are often free brochures and tips to help with self-guided visits.
Energylandia is a paid attraction — tickets grant access to the park’s rides, so if you plan to enjoy the thrilling attractions include that in your budget. Still, a half-day or weekend visit to the park can be combined with the free activities listed above to create a more balanced day.
Kalwaria also has paid elements (museums or special exhibitions), but the heart of the visit is the outdoor paths — you don’t need to pay to explore the most beautiful routes. If you want deeper historical or architectural context, consider hiring a local guide — it’s an extra cost but worthwhile if you care about detailed interpretation.
Near Energylandia there are places designed for park guests: WesternCamp and the Bonanza restaurant are often recommended to families and groups — they offer convenient food and accommodation close to the park gates. These are good options if you want to extend your stay or have a calm base after a day of excitement.
In Kalwaria consider the Pilgrim House (Dom Pielgrzyma) and the monastery kiosk, where simple meals and local products are available. These are good places to feel the atmosphere of the site and rest after walking the paths.
If you plan to sleep in Krakow after a full day, choose well-reviewed places in the city centre or in Kazimierz — both make a convenient base for further trips in the region.
Trying to do everything at once — Energylandia and Kalwaria are very different worlds. It’s better to plan a realistic program: one intense park session or one longer walk in Kalwaria plus a few shorter activities.
Underestimating walking time in Kalwaria — the trails are varied and sometimes undulating; allow extra time for walks and photos. Comfort for the group is more important than ticking off points quickly.
Not booking ahead in high season — if you plan to visit Energylandia on a weekend or during school holidays, buy tickets in advance. For Kalwaria check whether larger pilgrimage ceremonies are scheduled on your chosen day — those days can be crowded.
Is walking the Kalwaria paths free? Yes — self-guided walks along the paths and outdoor parts of the complex are free. If in doubt, ask at the Kalwaria Information Centre for guidance.
Does Energylandia offer any free attractions? Energylandia is a paid park; however, around the park and in nearby towns you’ll find many free ways to complement your day — walks, viewpoints, the Lanckorona market square and short bike trips.
How far is Kalwaria from Energylandia? Both are in Małopolska and are reachable by car in under an hour from typical starting points in the region, but travel time depends on road conditions and time of day.
Kalwaria Zebrzydowska served as a model for many similar calvaries in Europe and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1999 — it’s not only a place of worship but also an important example of art integrated with landscape.
Some of Energylandia’s roller coasters reach speeds of over 100 km/h — these attractions are for thrill-seekers, so check height and health restrictions for each ride before you get on.
Combining Energylandia with Kalwaria Zebrzydowska is a great idea for a day of contrasts — from loud entertainment to quiet, picturesque paths. For small groups (2–6 people) this format is especially convenient: you can set your own pace, stop where you like, and complete many attractions entirely for free.
If you found this article helpful — share it with friends or on social media. If you’d like to explore Kalwaria (or Krakow) with someone who knows the history, sacral context and local highlights, consider booking a private guide with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details and booking information are available on the ZwiedzanieKrakowa website. Thank you for reading and have a great trip!
