Winter in Kraków can be truly magical: the Market Square lit for the holidays, the smell of mulled wine and, not far away, the peaceful Baroque sanctuary at Kalwaria Zebrzydowska or the large Lagiewniki sanctuary. For youth groups you can combine all of this into an interesting, safe and relatively affordable program — below you’ll find ready-made ideas, practical tips and a checklist of things to remember.
Winter days offer a different sightseeing atmosphere than summer: fewer crowds at popular sites, a chance to see sanctuaries in a calm setting and the option to match activities to the weather (for example, a sleigh ride in the mountains). For young people such a trip combines education, team building and fun.
In practice it’s worth choosing weekdays — on weekdays both Kalwaria and the interiors of large sanctuaries in Kraków are less busy, which makes visiting with a group easier and reduces problems with parking or reservations.
Kalwaria Zebrzydowska is one of Poland’s most important pilgrimage complexes: Baroque chapels and churches scattered across a picturesque landscape form the so-called Passion Paths, a several-kilometer route for reflection. It is a UNESCO-listed site and an excellent destination for a day trip from Kraków.
Practical info: Kalwaria lies about 35–45 km from Kraków city center depending on the route — by car the journey takes roughly 40–60 minutes. There are also train and shuttle connections from main bus stations, but services can be infrequent, so for a youth group it’s worth considering organized transport or hiring a bus for exclusive use.
On site: the walking paths are about 7 km long and include roughly 42 chapels — you don’t need and shouldn’t try to do the entire route with young people. I recommend shorter loops (key chapels and the basilica) and breaks for a bonfire or a hot drink at the pilgrims’ house. Parking near the sanctuary is free and on weekdays usually sufficient.
Worth knowing: entry to the basilica is free, but larger groups (typically from about 15 people) should notify the sanctuary’s Information Centre if they plan a visit or guided tour — Polish-language guides are often available even a day ahead, while foreign-language guides are best booked a few days in advance.
Practical note: drone flights on the site require permission from the sanctuary authorities, some toilets may have a small fee and paths can be icy in winter — good waterproof shoes and ice grips for boots are often a worthwhile investment.
If you want to combine an outing outside the city with a religious stop in Kraków, the top choice is the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in Łagiewniki. It’s a large, well-organized complex that’s easy to visit after returning from Kalwaria or as a standalone program item.
Practical info: the Lagiewniki sanctuary holds many services daily — check the schedule in advance and time your visit to a suitable moment (for example the Hour of Mercy at 15:00 is an important liturgical moment). For groups there is a registration form to coordinate guided visits and seating in the chapel.
Other notable sacred places in Kraków include the St. John Paul II Sanctuary and the historic churches of the Old Town, which make good short stops if the group has limited time or the weather is poor.
The most popular area for a sleigh ride is the foothills of the Tatras - Zakopane and nearby villages (Gubałówka, Chochołowska Valley, Murzasichle, Ząb). Sleigh rides are organized on a large scale, but you can also book private options for just your group (without mixing with other guests).
A typical program includes transport (often included), a ride in sledges with torches or horse-drawn carriages, a feast by the bonfire with a highlander band and traditional treats (oscypek cheese, sausages, bigos, mulled wine or hot tea). Commercial offers usually range from a few dozen to around 160 zł per person depending on options (transport, menu, torches, insurance).
For youth groups: it’s best to book a sleigh ride on a weekday (lower risk of sold-out dates and better logistics), make sure the organizer has insurance and provides return transport. Also check the policy in case of no snow — reputable companies replace sledges with carriages and keep the program running.
Safety: bring warm layered clothing, gloves and hats; inform parents about the plan and rules (for example no alcohol for minors), confirm the organizer has authorization to run the event and that participants are covered by accident insurance. Also confirm the number of supervisors per group.
The best-known market is held at the Main Market Square — fragrant food, handmade crafts and a cluster of stalls create a festive atmosphere, especially after dark. Markets usually open at the end of November and run through December and into early January; check exact dates before planning your trip.
Alternatives that are often less crowded include smaller fairs on the Small Market or seasonal craft markets around the Old Town — good options if you want a quieter atmosphere and more intimate stalls.
What to try: oscypek with cranberry, regional cold cuts and cheeses, gingerbread and home-baked cakes, and for drinks — mulled wine or spiced beer. For youth groups have payment methods prepared and an agreed meeting point — crowds and narrow streets can separate the group.
Where to warm up after a walk: choose well-reviewed cafés and restaurants near the Market Square — they are convenient for a warm meal and toilets. When picking places, check reviews and reserve a table in advance for larger groups.
9:00 - departure from Kraków (coach/private bus) toward Kalwaria Zebrzydowska.
10:00–13:00 - visit the Sanctuary and a short loop of the Passion Paths, time for prayer/reflection and a short snack. If the group is younger, shorten the route and plan breaks every 20–30 minutes.
13:00–14:00 - lunch at the pilgrims’ house or catered meal / local inn; inform the caterer about food allergies.
14:00–15:30 - return to Kraków and a quick visit to the Sanctuary in Łagiewniki (the Hour of Mercy at 15:00 is a good moment if you’ll be there at that time).
16:30–19:00 - stroll around the Main Market Square / visit the Christmas market; dinner at a reserved restaurant or release participants to their guardians.
Alternative: if you opt for a sleigh ride in Zakopane the schedule changes — an early departure, a full day in the mountains and an evening return. In that case replace Kalwaria with the sleigh ride and a highlander feast.
In Kraków you’ll find many group-friendly places near the Market Square offering traditional cuisine, quick service and the possibility to reserve tables for larger groups. It’s best to book ahead for evening hours during the market season.
For accommodation choose hostels or hotels in the Old Town and Kazimierz for the best logistics. For youth groups, venues that provide breakfast rooms and allow late arrivals are convenient — check group terms and the availability of multi-bed rooms.
For sleigh rides in Zakopane and surrounding areas, guesthouses and mountain inns that offer full sleigh packages (transport, food, accommodation) are a practical option. Pay attention to reviews and references from previous groups.
1) Not planning return transport - always confirm the bus departure time, especially if the group splits up at the market.
2) Trying to do “everything in one day” - Kalwaria, Łagiewniki and a sleigh ride are three different experiences; split them across two days or choose two of them to avoid tiring the group.
3) Missing insurance/consents - for youth trips check participants’ insurance and have written parental consents when required.
4) Inappropriate footwear and no plan B - winter weather can be tricky; have an alternative plan for severe frost, icy paths or lack of snow (a sleigh ride may become a carriage ride).
5) Ignoring rules of sacred places - large sanctuaries have rules about silence, dress and photography; inform participants before entering.
Is Kalwaria a good choice for a school group? Yes - if you adapt the route to the age and fitness level. Shorter loops and an organized guide make visiting easier.
Is a sleigh ride safe for youth? Yes, if you pick a trusted organizer, confirm insurance and ensure an adequate number of supervisors.
Are the markets suitable for groups? Yes, but set a clear meeting point and have supervisors spread among participants - the crowds can separate even well-organized groups.
What if there’s no snow? Good sleigh organizers offer alternatives (carriages, drives on forest roads) and a full evening program, so the event usually goes ahead.
Kalwaria Zebrzydowska is not just a single church - it’s a sacral landscape stretching for kilometers with Baroque chapels arranged like small theatrical stages.
The Lagiewniki sanctuary holds many services every day and there are special masses in English - this makes visits easier for international groups.
Commercial sleigh rides can sometimes be cheaper per person than many urban events - compare offers and check what’s included (transport, food, music, insurance).
If you want the trip to be stress-free and tailored to a youth group’s needs, consider hiring the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz - contact details are available on the guide’s website. Local assistance makes organizing transport, reservations and an age-appropriate program much easier.
If you found this article useful, share it with friends or on social media - it will help others plan a valuable and safe winter trip to Kraków and its surroundings.
