Yes — and you can do it in a sensible, relaxed and enjoyable way. The trick is to plan the days: two days for Krakow (Old Town, Wawel, Kazimierz), one day for a bike trip to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, and one day at a slower pace — museums, cafés or a short trip nearby. This schedule lets you feel the city and experience the unique Kalwaria pathways without rushing.
Kalwaria Zebrzydowska is about 30–40 km from Krakow. The pilgrimage part with chapels — the so-called Pathways — consists of walking routes: the Lord’s Pathway (about 6 km) and the Mother of God’s Pathway (about 5 km). Walking the pathways usually takes 2–4 hours, but if you plan to stop for prayer, photos or a picnic — allow more time.
Below you’ll find a practical 4‑day plan, cycling tips, ideas for food and accommodation, plus a list of common mistakes to avoid.
Kalwaria Zebrzydowska is not only a sanctuary — it is an extensive system of pathways, chapels and churches scattered over hills arranged to recall the topography of Jerusalem. In total there are around 40–45 sacral buildings spread across several kilometres.
The site is on the UNESCO World Heritage list (inscribed in 1999). That means that besides its religious importance you’ll also see a preserved historic landscape and architectural composition.
For cyclists there are marked regional routes; some stretches are asphalt, others are gravel or rural roads. There are ready GPX files and online maps that make planning the ride easier.
Day 1: Old Town — Market Square, Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica, stroll along the Planty, dinner at one of the top restaurants.
Day 2: Wawel and Kazimierz — visit the cathedral and castle in the morning, spend the afternoon in the Jewish quarter with coffee and small museums. In the evening relax by the Vistula.
Day 3: Bike trip to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska — depart early, cycle around the Pathways, time for the sanctuary, return to Krakow.
Day 4: Easy day — a museum (for example the National Museum or MOCAK), souvenir shopping, a favorite café and packing.
Day 1 — walk through the heart of Krakow: start early at the Main Market Square, climb St. Mary’s tower or visit the Cloth Hall museum, then take a short walk to Wawel. For lunch choose a restaurant serving Polish cuisine made from quality ingredients. In the afternoon rest in a café, and save the evening for dinner and a stroll along the Planty.
Day 2 — Wawel and Kazimierz: if you want to visit the castle and cathedral, book tickets in advance to avoid queues. Spend the afternoon in Kazimierz — visit synagogues, wander atmospheric streets, admire street art and enjoy excellent cafés. For dinner try the area around Plac Nowy or return to the Market Square.
Day 3 — Kalwaria by bike: the best option is to set off in the morning. You have two choices: drive or take a train/car to Kalwaria and cycle there, or ride from Krakow (about 30–40 km one way depending on the route). On site allow 3–5 hours for the Pathways (walking routes of 5–6 km) and visiting the sanctuary and the museum. Remember to plan where to park or from which point you will return.
Day 4 — relaxed culture day: plan a short museum visit in the morning and keep the afternoon free for last purchases. If you feel energetic you can go for a short walk in nearby reserves or enjoy Polish sweets in one of Krakow’s top cafés.
Route: there are marked bike routes leading to and around Kalwaria; a full loop around the Pathways is about 30 km depending on the variant. Some sections are paved while others use firm rural roads.
Bike transport: if you don’t want to cycle from Krakow, you can reach Kalwaria by train or car and then rent a bike or leave the car at the sanctuary parking. Check train timetables and bike carriage rules on regional services in advance.
Equipment: bring water, snacks, a first-aid kit, a powerbank and a map or GPX file. The Pathways include short climbs and steps near some chapels — a bike with lower gears or an e‑bike is helpful.
Safety: wear a helmet, make your bike visible, bring a phone and tell someone your planned route. In high season parking spots and trails can be busy — start early to avoid the biggest crowds.
Hotels: if you prefer classic luxury and a top location, consider Hotel Stary — close to the Market Square with excellent reviews and high standards. For a modern design and comfortable stay in Kazimierz, PURO Kraków Kazimierz is well regarded.
Restaurants: tried-and-true choices include Wierzynek for a historic atmosphere, Pod Aniołami for traditional Polish cuisine in a charming cellar, and Szara (Szara Gęś) for a modern take on local flavors. Booking ahead for the evening is a good idea, especially in high season.
Cafés: for coffee and a relaxed break choose Massolit Books & Café — cozy and bookish — or Café Camelot — known for its atmosphere and peaceful interior. Both are popular with locals and visitors.
Kalwaria is not only a place of worship — it’s a distinctive cultural landscape: chapels are scattered across hills so the views change like a miniature panorama during the walk. It’s worth bringing binoculars for occasional vistas toward the Maków Beskids.
There are downloadable materials on site (maps, GPX files) — useful if you want to follow a specific cycling route or plan a loop.
In some chapels you may come across short organ concerts or reconstructions of Passion plays — check the local events calendar before your trip.
Trying to “tick everything off” in one day — many visitors want to see both Krakow and Kalwaria on the same day. It’s better to split the program: reserve 1–2 days for Krakow and a separate day for Kalwaria.
Not booking ahead for popular restaurants and hotels — in summer and during holidays it’s wise to reserve in advance.
Underestimating the time needed for the Pathways — while the walking routes are only a few kilometres, elevation changes, chapel stops and transfers can take the whole day. Allow 4–6 hours for a combined bike-and-walk outing.
Do you need to be religious to visit Kalwaria? No — the site has historical and landscape value and any visitor will find peaceful paths and pretty views.
Can you do this itinerary with small children? Yes, but plan shorter segments and breaks; some Pathways have steps and are less suitable for strollers.
Where to rent a bike in Krakow? Several rental shops and companies offer regular bikes and e‑bikes — check reviews and availability in advance. An e‑bike makes the climbs around Kalwaria much easier.
Are there food points on site? Around the sanctuary and parking areas you’ll find basic food stalls and cafés, but it’s wise to bring snacks for the route if you plan a longer ride.
Combining walks in Krakow with a one‑day bike trip to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska is a great way to explore the city and its surroundings at a moderate pace. A well‑planned four days will leave you with the feeling that you used your time well and didn’t have to rush.
If you liked this plan — share it with friends or post it on social media. If you prefer to explore with personal assistance, consider booking a private guided experience with Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) — details are available on the guide’s website. Enjoy your stay in Krakow and have a safe trip to Kalwaria!
