Yes — Kalwaria Zebrzydowska has specific facilities for people with reduced mobility, but it’s worth planning your visit carefully. On the main sanctuary grounds there is a designated accessible route that begins at the Field Altar (parking on the side of the Mount of Calvary) and makes it easier to move between the most important points. The entrance to the basilica from the cloisters of the Way of the Cross is equipped with ramps, and you can ask at the Pilgrims’ House reception about borrowing a wheelchair. At the same time some roads and paths across the hills have natural unevenness and slopes, so full independence depends on the type of wheelchair and the fitness of the carer.
Important: although there are marked parking spaces for people with disabilities and ramps at some entrances, not the entire complex is barrier-free — especially in areas with historic buildings and steep sections of the Way of the Cross. For that reason it’s a good idea to contact the sanctuary or the Pilgrims’ House in advance to confirm the specific facilities available on the day you plan to visit.
If you’re coming from Kraków, plan the route with comfort in mind: travelling by car gives the greatest flexibility (ability to park close to the entrance); train or bus are possible options but check accessibility and any required transfers.
By car: this is the most convenient option for wheelchair users — the drive takes about 35–45 minutes depending on your starting point in Kraków. There are designated disabled parking spaces near the Mount of Calvary, which make it easier to begin exploring from the Field Altar. We recommend travelling outside peak hours and early in the morning to avoid parking problems on pilgrimage days or holidays.
By train and bus: there are rail and bus connections linking Kraków and Kalwaria Zebrzydowska. If you plan to travel by train, check timetables and platform accessibility at the destination station; not all stations offer identical facilities. For bus operators it’s worth calling ahead to confirm whether a given service accommodates people with reduced mobility and whether boarding and alighting will be straightforward.
Taxi / ride-hailing: ordering a taxi or a ride-hailing service lets you get almost to the entrance, reducing the distance you need to cover. When booking, request a vehicle with enough space for a wheelchair and ask for assistance with boarding and alighting if needed.
The accessible route for people with disabilities starts at the Field Altar and covers the most important parts of the site. The entrance to the basilica from the cloisters of the Way of the Cross is equipped with ramps, which ease access to the interior of the church. At the Pilgrims’ House reception there is often the option to borrow a wheelchair — it’s a good idea to call ahead and reserve equipment.
On the parking area by the Mount of Calvary there are designated spaces for people with disabilities. Some buildings include adapted toilets, and public buildings in the municipality are gradually being improved in terms of accessibility as part of local programmes. Keep in mind, however, that pilgrimage seasons and large religious events can make moving around more difficult — on those days plan to visit during less crowded hours.
The sanctuary staff and Pilgrims’ House team are used to assisting pilgrims and tourists — don’t hesitate to ask reception for help, for a route that’s easier to navigate, or for the most convenient place to park.
The most comfortable route for wheelchair users is to start at the Field Altar and use the designated accessible route toward the basilica and cloisters. This allows you to visit the main sacred points without having to tackle the steepest sections of the Way of the Cross.
If you want to see more — for example the hills and the chapels scattered around Kalwaria — bear in mind that some sections are naturally bumpy, stony or steep. For comfort choose shorter routes, move slowly and schedule breaks. If you travel with a carer, consider splitting the visit: the person in a wheelchair can follow the main paved sections while the carer makes shorter uphill walks on foot.
If full accessibility is important to you, plan your visit on a weekday outside the pilgrimage season. Weather matters — after rain natural paths can become muddy and difficult to pass.
The Pilgrims’ House at the sanctuary offers dining and places to rest — a practical option for visitors, especially those traveling with a wheelchair. At the Pilgrims’ House reception it is often possible to rent a wheelchair, so call ahead to confirm availability.
If you want to eat outside the sanctuary grounds, the town of Kalwaria has several eateries with good reputations; before you go, check current reviews and whether they have accessible facilities. In Kraków itself you’ll find many wheelchair-friendly restaurants — if you plan a combined trip (sightseeing in Kraków and a visit to Kalwaria on the same day), book a table in advance to avoid problems with access to a suitable table and restroom.
Summary: booking accommodation or a restaurant at the Pilgrims’ House is the safest choice for comfortable and quick service.
Not checking accessibility before the trip — this is the most common mistake. Call the sanctuary or the Pilgrims’ House and ask about ramps, parking and the possibility of borrowing a wheelchair.
Assuming the whole area is level and barrier-free — although there are designated accessible routes, many sections have kept their historic character and may be difficult for a wheelchair. Plan routes with the carer’s capabilities in mind.
Attempting to visit during large ceremonies without prior arrangements — on pilgrimage days parking and access routes may be heavily used. During such periods it’s better to choose a quieter date or contact staff in advance.
Can I rent a wheelchair on site? Yes — at the Pilgrims’ House reception there is often the possibility to borrow a wheelchair; phone reservations in advance are recommended.
Are there ramps in the basilica? Yes — the entrance from the cloisters of the Way of the Cross has ramps to facilitate access.
Are there designated parking spaces for people with disabilities? Yes — there are parking spaces for people with disabilities by the Mount of Calvary.
Do I need special permits to park in disabled spaces? Typically you will need to show the appropriate document entitling you to park in disabled spaces — keep it with you to avoid problems.
Kalwaria Zebrzydowska is not only a devotional route but also a living pilgrimage centre — the staff have experience helping visitors with various needs, which often proves to be a big help for tourists with reduced mobility.
Borrowing a wheelchair on site can sometimes be free or offered for a small fee — ask at the Pilgrims’ House reception.
If you plan to photograph or document your visit, keep in mind that the most picturesque points are on the hills; access to them may be limited, but with a little planning you can capture beautiful views from prepared viewpoints near the accessible routes.
Kalwaria Zebrzydowska can be visited by people using wheelchairs, provided you plan the route in advance and contact the sanctuary staff. The most convenient way is to come by car and start at the Field Altar, using the designated accessible route and the ramps to the basilica.
If you’d like help planning the ideal accessible itinerary for Kraków and Kalwaria — consider contacting the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact details and information about services are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. If you found this article helpful, share it on social media or send it to friends — the more people know about real accessibility options, the easier it will be to plan successful trips.
