Want to see Kraków from a different angle than the Market Square and Wawel? Combining a walk through Nowa Huta with a trip to Ojców National Park is a great idea — you’ll experience post‑war history and urban planning as well as the picturesque landscapes of the Kraków‑Częstochowa Upland. As your guide I’ll show you places it’s easy to miss on your own and tell the stories and anecdotes that make the visit lively and memorable.
Guided tours also save time and reduce stress: I’ll help plan the route, recommend the best visiting hours and assist with purchasing tickets for attractions. For families and school groups I prepare age‑appropriate stories so both children and adults enjoy the outing.
A guided tour is also about safety and comfort — part of the Nowa Huta route is on foot, and part can be done by public transport or coach depending on the group’s preferences. For Ojców National Park we usually pick a route that allows you to see the main rock formations and monuments within an optimal timeframe. If the weather turns bad, we always have a plan B.
I am a licensed Kraków guide since 2012 and have led thousands of people — that experience helps me shape a narrative that is interesting, funny and informative at the same time. If you like stories, local flavor and practical tips — you’re in the right place.
Nowa Huta is a district designed in the era of post‑war planning — its creation was tied to the construction of a large metallurgical combine and the decisions made after 1949. On the tour I show the many faces of this part of Kraków: from monumental open spaces to intimate housing estates.
Typical highlights we visit:
- Plac Centralny im. Ronalda Reagana – the heart of the urban plan and an icon of the socialist‑realist vision of the city.
- Nowohuckie Centrum Kultury (NCK) – an example of an adapted cultural space and an important local community center.
- The Wanda and Willowe housing estates – some of the oldest sections of Nowa Huta, showing different building types and everyday life.
Part of the route is on foot and part by coach or public transport depending on the chosen option and group preferences. I talk about everyday life in the PRL era, how the ideal workers’ city was planned and which traces of that vision remain today.
Ojców National Park is the smallest national park in Poland but of great natural and scenic importance. Its axis is the picturesque Prądnik Valley, full of rocks, caves and historic sites.
In the park we usually visit:
- Lokietek’s Cave (Grota Łokietka) – a cave linked to legends of Polish rulers and an interesting karst formation.
- Kraków Gate (Brama Krakowska) – a striking rock formation that makes a strong impression.
- The Fountain (Źródełko Miłości) – a small stone spring with local stories and traditions attached to it.
- The Dark Cave (Jaskinia Ciemna) – an important archaeological site, also fascinating for prehistory enthusiasts.
- Ojców National Park Museum with a 3D nature exhibition – a useful complement to the walk, especially in bad weather.
- Ruins of Ojców Castle, the Chapel on the Water and Pieskowa Skała Castle with the nearby Maczuga Herkulesa (Hercules’ Club) — classic stops that combine history and great views.
Tour and guiding fees vary depending on the type of group and chosen option. For trips to Ojców National Park there are different pricing variants available — it’s best to confirm the exact rate at booking. In practice there are options that cover the guide fee for the whole group and arrangements priced per person for larger groups.
Some attractions in the park charge separate admission. Approximate fees to keep in mind:
- Lokietek’s Cave: around 30 PLN regular, 21 PLN reduced.
- Ojców Castle: around 22 PLN regular, 11 PLN reduced.
- Entrance to the courtyard of Pieskowa Skała Castle: a token fee (e.g. a few PLN).
When organizing the trip I can help with ticket purchases and advise which entrances should be booked in advance. For school groups or corporate trips I often propose a logistical package including a detailed program and transport options.
Routes through Nowa Huta and Ojców National Park are great for:
- people who want to discover a less obvious side of Kraków;
- families with children — I aim to make stories engaging for younger participants;
- school groups and team‑building groups;
- anyone interested in post‑war history, urban planning and the nature of the Jurassic Upland.
The route is flexible — I can shorten, extend or tailor it to the group’s interests. Want more history? We’ll spend more time on stories and details. Prefer landscape photography? We’ll arrange extra stops and suitable viewpoints.
To book a tour contact me by phone at +48 501 962 037 or write to kontakt@zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. After booking we’ll agree on the meeting point and time and settle the logistical details.
Practical tips:
- Dress comfortably and in layers — weather in the countryside can change faster than in the city.
- Comfortable walking shoes and a bottle of water are useful on park trails.
- If you plan to enter caves or museums, have small change for admission — I can help buy tickets but not all entries are included in the guiding fee.
- For school groups or larger companies it’s worth confirming the date in advance — I have audio‑guide headsets available for big groups to improve audibility in crowds.
Participants often highlight the energy, anecdotes and storytelling style that make the walk pass quickly and enjoyably. Families appreciate clear, simple explanations for children, and school groups value the interactive approach. Common themes in feedback include good rapport with participants, lots of interesting facts and flexibility in adjusting the route.
If you’d like, I can send sample itineraries tailored to your expectations — a family walk, a school trip or a full‑day intensive tour.
I invite you to get in touch — I’ll tell the stories, plan the day and show you Kraków as I like to show it: with passion, humour and attention to detail.
How long does a combined tour usually take? Typical options range from a half‑day focused on Nowa Huta or Ojców to a full day that covers highlights of both; we’ll choose the duration to match your interests and pace.
How far is Ojców from Kraków? Ojców and its surrounding attractions are a short drive from Kraków (roughly 25–30 km), which makes the park an easy half‑day or day trip from the city.
Is the route suitable for people with mobility issues? Parts of the park and some historic sites include uneven terrain and stairs; please tell me about accessibility needs when booking so I can plan the most comfortable route.
Can I take photographs? Absolutely — there are excellent photo opportunities both in Nowa Huta (architecture and public spaces) and in Ojców (rock formations, castles and panoramas). I’ll point out the best viewpoints and suggest the best light if we have time.
Cancellation and changes: please let me know as soon as possible if you need to change the date or number of participants. For larger group bookings I recommend confirming details well in advance.
