Krakow Leisure

Unfortunately, sports activities are not part of the routine of the average citizen of Krakow. The city has a wonderful network of jogging paths, but few locals seem to use them. Bike paths also crisscross the city and its suburbs, but again they seem underused. Hiking remains the most popular outdoor recreation, with some excellent nature areas in the Krakow region. Extreme sports are also on the rise in the neighbouring countryside. If you’ve come to Krakow for a recreational vacation, you may be disappointed. However, there are a few ways to get some exercise during your visit.

Extreme adventures

Some extreme sports, such as skydiving and rock climbing, have been around in Krakow for years, while other sports are just now breaking into the spotlight. The good news is that all forms of extreme sport are gaining massive popularity these days, making it easy to find a guide company to take you out on whatever adventure you most desire.

The region just outside Krakow has several areas of steep rock, which are perfect for rock climbing. All levels of climbs can be found around the city and make a good warm up for more intense adventures in the neighbouring Tatra Mountains, 100kms to the south. The bulk of the thousand or so caves which permeate Poland can be found in the hills just to the north of Krakow and in the Tatra Mountains to the south. Krakow has an impressive community of spelunkers and several guide companies who can take you caving. The caves range from easy, open vaults to deep narrow cracks in the earth.

Boating is another of the more popular activities on offer in and around Krakow. Canoeing and kayaking the mountain rivers south of the city, in particular the challenging Dunajec River in the Pieniny Mountains, is one of the most rewarding outdoor experiences you can have during your visit. The many rivers around the region mean that you can choose from a relaxed afternoon of floating to an intense whitewater rafting rush. There are plenty of guide shops in the city who will arrange your trip.

Golf

Krakow Valley is a comprehensive recreational facility centred on an 18-hole championship golf course, which is considered to be one of the finest in central Europe. Designed by a world-famous course designer, the complex includes a driving range and chipping and putting greens. Besides the golf, there is a full service shooting range on-site as well as horseback riding in the surrounding countryside. The on-site hotel and restaurant mean that you can spend a couple of days enjoying all of the outdoor recreation on offer here yet the complex is also close to Krakow, so it is also convenient to commute.

Football

As in the rest of Europe, football is the favourite sport for Krakow residents. Youngsters play in the parks, while many grown-ups watch it fervently on the television. The city’s two football clubs help keep the locals full of enthusiasm and support for the game. The better of the two clubs is Wisla Krakow, who have consistently dominated Poland’s premier league for the past few years and are often competing in European cups. You can catch a home game at the city’s main stadium.