Before you start planning: yes, I hear this question a lot and I understand the enthusiasm. Zakopane tempts with mountain scenery, Auschwitz is a place of huge historical importance, and a Segway ride sounds like a quick dash of fun between attractions. However, combining these three points in a single day from Krakow is a very tight plan that easily turns into a rush instead of an enjoyable visit.
What you must consider right away is travel time and visiting time. From Krakow to Zakopane it typically takes about 2–2.5 hours by bus (the Zakopianka road can be congested); trains can take roughly 3–3.5 hours depending on the connection. Visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial requires a minimum of about 3.5 hours if you want to see exhibitions in both parts and allow time for reflection.
A Segway tour in Krakow is a nice option for 1.5–3 hours depending on the route. The problem is not only time but also the nature of the places: Auschwitz is a space of memory and solemnity — it clashes with a “recreational” vehicle. From my experience, trying to pack all three into one “full day” usually ends with tiredness and stress rather than relaxation or meaningful sightseeing.
Auschwitz – practical info: entry to the Memorial requires a personalized entry pass (book in advance), the museum is open year-round except a few holiday days, and guided or timed self-guided visits run on set schedules. Set aside at least about 3.5 hours for a calm visit — there are also longer study versions. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your booked time because of checks and entry logistics.
Krakow–Zakopane travel: in practice a bus takes around 2–2.5 hours; trains may take around 3–3.5 hours depending on the service. In high season and on weekends the road (Zakopianka) can clog up, which significantly lengthens travel time. Remember these are one-way times.
Segway – typical duration: renting a Segway or joining a guided city route usually takes 1.5–3 hours and includes a short training session, the route itself and stops for photos. Segways work well on the Market Square, the river boulevards and in parks, but they are not suitable for memorial sites — not only because of the solemn nature of those places but also due to site rules and safety constraints.
- Time: the sum of travel and visiting time usually exceeds a comfortable daily limit. Auschwitz alone takes several hours, and Zakopane needs at least half a day to get a feel for the place. Adding a Segway leaves too little time for anything truly enjoyable.
- The character of the places: Auschwitz is a place of seriousness, silence and reflection. Pairing it in one day with a loud, recreational activity reduces the quality of both experiences – it’s inappropriate to mix remembrance with high-energy entertainment without a moment of quiet.
- Logistics: Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau are about 2.5 km apart – this also requires planning (there are parking areas and shuttle options, but transfer takes time). Getting to and from Zakopane also consumes a large portion of the day.
- Rules and regulations: memorial sites demand appropriate dress and behavior; there are restrictions on bag size and some activities are forbidden. A Segway is not equipment intended for a museum area – beside cultural inappropriateness you may face problems bringing or storing it.
1) Split the days by theme — a day of remembrance (Auschwitz) + a mountain day (Zakopane) + a city/recreation day (Segway or another activity). That way you visit each place attentively and avoid running between points.
2) If you have only one day and must choose — set priorities: for families and history-lovers Auschwitz will be most important; for nature and mountain lovers Zakopane; for those who want a quick fun city experience — a Segway in Krakow. Not everything at once.
3) A possible, more economical combination: book an early morning trip to Zakopane (very early bus or private transfer), return to Krakow in the afternoon and do a short 1.5-hour Segway tour in the evening around the Market Square and river boulevards. Don’t try to add Auschwitz on the same day — that will be too much.
4) Another option: early morning Auschwitz (book the earliest slot), travel back to Krakow in the afternoon and do an evening Segway ride — still an intense day but realistic if you reserve everything in advance and accept a very early start and late finish.
Auschwitz – before the visit: reserve your personalized entry pass ahead and choose a visit time; arrive at least 30 minutes early; bring a small backpack or bag (the museum has maximum size rules); dress appropriately for the nature of the site; note that photography is restricted in some rooms and eating or drinking on the camp grounds is not recommended.
Zakopane – travel and planning: the bus is most common (about 2–2.5 hours), trains may take around 3–3.5 hours; check timetables and buy tickets in advance during high season; pick a priority (stroll Krupówki, take the Gubałówka funicular, or do a short mountain hike) and don’t try to do everything at once.
Segway – booking and safety: book a route that fits your available time (1.5–3 hours); expect a brief training and helmet requirement; wear comfortable shoes and long trousers; city routes are best for photos and views — avoid the busiest rush hours.
General: allow buffer time for unexpected delays; carry water and a light snack (except where eating is restricted); check the weather forecast — mountain conditions change fast.
Option 1 — themed day: Auschwitz (full day) — depart Krakow in the morning, calm 3.5+ hour visit, return to Krakow in the evening. Comfortable and respectful.
Option 2 — Zakopane for the whole day: early departure (about 6:30–7:00), 2–2.5 h bus ride, a full day in the mountains/Krupówki/thermal baths, return in the evening. Better than short, rushed stops.
Option 3 — intense but doable: morning Auschwitz (very early slot), return to Krakow early afternoon, short Segway route in the evening (1.5 h). This plan requires strict time discipline and advance reservations.
Option 4 — three-day plan: day 1 — Krakow + Segway, day 2 — Auschwitz, day 3 — Zakopane. Most recommended if you want to avoid rush and enjoy each place.
Auschwitz is above all a place of memory. Keep silence and solemnity, don’t stage loud events on the Memorial grounds, and don’t bring or ride a Segway or other recreational devices there — even if technically possible, it’s not the place for entertainment.
If you travel by car or with large luggage — check parking options and rules; the museum has limits on baggage size for items brought into exhibition areas.
While riding a Segway, follow safety rules: wear a helmet, listen to the guide’s instructions, and avoid crowded parts of the city.
In short: technically you can try to pack Zakopane, Auschwitz and a Segway into a marathon-style day, but it usually means rushing, no time for reflection and less satisfaction from each attraction. Instead, be smart about your plans — split activities into separate days, set priorities and leave time to rest between points.
If you want, I can help build a concrete plan tailored to your preferences and available time — tell me how many days you have and what matters most to you: nature, history or just a fun city experience. I’ll help so your trip is not only intense but also truly satisfying.
Q: Can I visit both Auschwitz I and Birkenau in one day? - Yes. Most visitors see both in a single visit; reserve at least 3.5 hours for the museum itself and allow extra time for transfers and arrival.
Q: Is photography allowed? - Photography for personal use is generally allowed outdoors without flash, but some interior spaces are restricted. Follow museum rules on-site.
Q: Where to grab a quick meal in Krakow after a long day? - For a hearty, traditional meal try Pod Wawelem or a local milk bar (bar mleczny) for fast, inexpensive food. Near the Market Square you’ll also find many cafes and bistros for a quicker option.
Q: Any tip for Zakopane in limited time? - Choose one priority: a relaxed walk along Krupówki, the funicular to Gubałówka for views, or a short easy trail like to Nosal or up to Gubałówka. Don’t try to do long hikes on a tight schedule.
Emergency and comfort tips: carry a small bottle of water, comfortable shoes, a light rain layer, and copies of any tickets or reservations. Book museum slots and transport in advance in high season to avoid disappointment.
