Yes — Kalwaria Zebrzydowska is a great choice for a day trip from Kraków, including with children, provided you plan the route sensibly. It’s a place full of history, chapels and pretty views; at the same time the area is hilly, so adapt your plan to the ages and fitness of the youngest members of your group.
If you prefer to leave the car near the Old Town in Kraków and reach Kalwaria by train or bus, expect a short walk around the centre and then the remainder of the journey by rail or coach. Alternatively you can drive straight there — the distance is about 34–40 km and usually takes around 40–60 minutes depending on route and traffic.
The pilgrimage park is made up of dozens of chapels and churches scattered over the hills — a walk around the immediate area of the basilica gives plenty of sights without needing to do the entire circuit. For families it’s a chance to combine a bit of history, short hikes and fresh-air time.
The sanctuary grounds and monastery buildings also offer basic infrastructure (a café, a souvenir point, and a Pilgrim House), which is helpful with small children — it’s easier to find a spot to rest or get a snack.
By car: the simplest is to take national and local roads — average travel time is about 40–60 minutes depending on your starting point in Kraków and traffic. There are parking areas at the sanctuary; on normal days many of the lots around the complex are either paid or free, but in high season they can fill up quickly.
By train: you can get from Kraków by direct train or with a short transfer. Journey times typically range from about 30 to 60 minutes depending on the connection. Child fares are often cheaper — check discount rules with the carrier before you travel.
By bus: there are coach and bus services from major stations and transport hubs — a convenient option if you plan to leave your car in Kraków and travel by public transport. The advantage is no stress about parking outside the city centre.
If you want to leave the car near the Old Town, the most convenient and secure options are: the underground car park at Galeria Krakowska (by the Main Railway Station), the multi-storey and underground car parks around the city centre (including facilities near the National Museum on al. Mickiewicza), and other covered parking facilities just outside the historic core. These let you either start sightseeing on foot or switch to tram or bus.
If you prefer a cheaper solution, consider Park-and-Ride (P+R) sites such as Czerwone Maki and continue by public transport to the centre. This is particularly useful during peak hours when central parking is expensive and limited.
Remember Kraków’s Paid Parking Zone rules and check current hours and payment methods — a smartphone parking app often makes paying easier.
The Calvary Paths (Dróżki Kalwaryjskie) stretch over hilly terrain for several kilometres — so don’t plan the full circuit with a small buggy. For families with little ones, a short loop around the basilica and the nearest chapels, or taking breaks and returning to the car, will be easier. A baby carrier or sling is often more comfortable than a full-size stroller.
Bring comfortable shoes, water and small snacks — some paths are natural, sometimes stony or with exposed roots. In season the basilica is usually open from early morning until evening, giving flexibility for a midday break or an afternoon stroll.
If you plan a longer hike on the paths, split it into shorter sections with frequent stops and interesting rewards (a viewpoint, a chapel with a story) — children are more willing to take part when the route offers regular highlights.
On the sanctuary grounds you’ll find a small food point and the Pilgrim House, which are convenient for shorter trips with children. If you start your day in Kraków, consider having breakfast in a well-rated central spot first — popular places include Charlotte (for breakfast and bakery goods), cafes around the Main Market Square and restaurants with traditional Polish cuisine — it’s wise to reserve a table at weekends.
For families planning to stay overnight in the area, choose places with easy parking access and child-friendly amenities — guesthouses and small hotels near Kalwaria often combine a cosy atmosphere with good access to the sanctuary.
Assuming you can walk the entire Calvary Paths with a small child — the full route is several kilometres across hilly ground, so plan shorter segments or a way to return by car.
Not checking opening hours and events — during major religious celebrations and passion plays traffic and parking availability change significantly; it’s better to check the calendar or visit outside peak event times.
Failing to bring enough food and drinks — on the paths it can be hard to find an open snack point, so bring supplies for the children.
Is parking at the sanctuary paid? — There are parking spaces around the sanctuary; many are available but in season places can be limited — it’s best to arrive earlier in the day.
Are the paths suitable for a stroller? — Most trails run over hilly, natural terrain; a carrier or sling will be more practical than a stroller for longer sections.
How much time do you need to visit with children? — A short family visit to the basilica and surroundings can be planned for 2–3 hours; if you want to walk part of the paths and take breaks, allow a full day.
Kalwaria Zebrzydowska is not only a group of churches — it’s a historic pilgrimage park spread over the hills and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which makes it unique among similar places in Poland.
The sanctuary has rules, for example limits on drone filming — if you plan any recordings it’s worth checking with the sanctuary authorities in advance.
In some seasons passion plays and larger Marian celebrations take place — if you encounter such an event the atmosphere is very lively, but remember there will be extra traffic and limited parking.
Quick option: pack the car in Kraków in the morning, drive to Kalwaria, walk around the basilica and nearest chapels, have lunch at the sanctuary and return to Kraków before the afternoon.
City-first option: leave the car at Galeria Krakowska, take a short stroll through the Old Town with coffee and breakfast, then a train or bus to Kalwaria for an afternoon walk and return in the evening.
Relaxed option: spend the night near Kalwaria, do longer walks on the paths the next day and enjoy a slower pace without time pressure.
If this guide helped you plan a family trip, share it with friends or on social media — it helps others prepare well for their visit.
If you’d like a guided trip led by someone who knows Kraków and the surrounding area well, I recommend the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Details about guided tours and services are available on the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com website. Wishing you a pleasant and relaxed trip with your children!
