Short answer: yes — but come prepared. Kalwaria Zebrzydowska is a charming sanctuary with wide paths and baroque chapels that make for a lovely short family outing outside the city. At the same time, parts of the area are hilly and natural trails that aren’t always comfortable for a large, heavy stroller. That’s why it’s worth planning your route and equipment so the day is pleasant for both parents and the little one.
Kalwaria is relatively close to Kraków — depending on your starting point it’s about 35–40 km, typically a 30–45 minute drive. That makes the trip easy to organise as a short half-day outing or a full day if you add a meal and a longer rest.
If your goal is to see the basilica interior and the nearest surroundings, a stroller will work fine — there are parking areas near the sanctuary and comfortable approaches. If you plan to walk the whole Dróżki Kalwaryjskie (the network of chapels stretching for several kilometres), consider a baby carrier or a lightweight all-terrain stroller — not every section is even and some parts have stairs or uneven stone paths.
By car: the most convenient option — the route from central Kraków is roughly 35–40 km and usually takes 30–45 minutes depending on traffic and the road you choose. There are large, free parking areas at the sanctuary; during major celebrations it can get busy, so coming early is a good idea.
By train and bus: there are train connections and local buses linking Kraków with Kalwaria. Train travel can take around 30 minutes or a bit more depending on the service and transfers — check current timetables before you go. Platforms and some train sets are stroller-friendly, but plan your trip with possible station steps in mind.
Public transport with luggage and a stroller: if you choose public transport, remember that space for strollers and lifts may vary — take a light wheeled bag and possibly a baby carrier for the smallest children.
There are large, well-signposted parking areas at the sanctuary and most are free. The most convenient places to park are near the Field Altar (Ołtarz Polowy) or the entrance from the Góra Ukrzyżowania side, which is where the visitor-friendly walking part begins.
The basilica entrance has a ramp on the cloister side of the Way of the Cross, and at the Pilgrim House (Dom Pielgrzyma) reception you can ask about facilities — on site there are usually toilets, a café and a monastery restaurant. During busy periods organisers often place portable toilets along the trails.
For visitors who need assistance: the sanctuary provides information about routes adapted for people with limited mobility; if necessary you can also ask about borrowing a wheelchair.
Short loop around the sanctuary: ideal for families with a small child — it includes the basilica, the cloisters and the nearest chapels. Most approaches around the monastery complex are comfortable and partly paved.
Longer Way of the Cross routes: the Dróżki Kalwaryjskie are a network of about 42 chapels and churches spread over several kilometres. Some sections are paved, but many lead along natural paths, stairs and hills — the best option with a stroller is to choose shorter, selected segments. If you want to see more, plan to use a baby carrier or bring a lightweight, off-road stroller with large wheels.
Time planning: even a short stroll with stops (resting, feeding, photos) will take at least 1–2 hours. To walk the entire network you should allow a full day and factor in breaks.
The best choice is a lightweight stroller with larger, suspension-equipped wheels or an all-terrain stroller. Standard city strollers with small wheels can struggle on uneven sections. An alternative is a sling or baby carrier — indispensable on narrow paths and stairs.
Useful accessories: a rain cover, a mosquito net in season, a changing mat and spare diapers, pocket tissues, extra drinks and snacks. Also bring a small backpack with a first-aid kit and a blanket for quick breaks on the grass.
Clothes for your child and for you: prepare for changing weather — wind and sun work differently in hilly open areas than in the city. Caregivers should wear comfortable shoes that cope with mud if it rains.
On the sanctuary grounds there is the Pilgrim House restaurant and café — simple, tasty meals at reasonable prices and convenient access to toilets. In the town centre of Kalwaria you’ll find several well-rated places: family-run restaurants, pizzerias and bistros — it’s worth choosing places with good reviews and a children’s menu option.
If you plan a longer trip combined with Wadowice or Lanckorona, there are more restaurants and cafés in the area popular with families. Check opening hours before you travel, especially on holidays and Sundays.
A small tip: after your walk try kremówki — a cream cake that’s a regional dessert popular in this part of Lesser Poland; local bakeries usually have fresh ones that visitors enjoy.
Planning the route “by eye” — many visitors assume they can push a stroller along the entire network without problems. That’s a mistake: some stretches are steeper and stonier. Better to plan shorter sections or bring a carrier.
Arriving at peak times (feasts, major celebrations) — parking and paths can be crowded. Avoid peak times by coming early or visiting on a weekday.
Not checking available facilities on site — before you go, check availability of toilets, the tourist information point and any restrictions due to events.
Kalwaria is not just a basilica — it’s a large complex of paths and chapels often called the “Polish Jerusalem” because of its character. For children it can feel like a small-adventure series of mini-parks between the chapels.
Various events and displays take place on the sanctuary grounds (for example, a Nativity display in winter) that may interest little ones — check the events calendar before you set off.
Despite the religious character of the site, tourist infrastructure (parking, cafés, toilets) is well developed around the main buildings — this makes family visits easier.
Can I bring a stroller right up to the basilica? Yes — the approaches to the basilica are adapted and access is easier from the more comfortable sides with ramps.
Are there toilets and changing facilities? Yes — at the Pilgrim House (Dom Pielgrzyma) and other points near the sanctuary there are toilets; during larger celebrations portable toilets are also set up along the route.
Do I have to pay to enter? Entrance to the sanctuary is free; only some optional attractions or services may be charged (for example private parking or certain catering offers).
Is Kalwaria listed by UNESCO? Kalwaria Zebrzydowska is recognised as an important cultural heritage site and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Checklist before you go: check the weather forecast, charge your phone, pack a rain cover and a baby carrier, plan your route and a parking spot. Leaving early in the morning gives the best chance of a calm visit and free parking spaces.
If you want the visit to be stress-free and tailored to your family’s needs, you can use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) — contact details and more information are available on the site. If this article helped, share it with friends or on social media to help other parents plan their trip!
