Cycling Krakow to Slovakia

Highlights: Medieval Krakow, Krakow market square, Royal Wawel Castle, Vistula River

Krakow is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities and has been on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites since 1978. It was spared from devastation during World War II and retains a multitude of architectural and urban planning examples from the 12th century. The city is dominated by the Royal Wawel Castle sitting on a rise above the Vistula River. Below the castle lies the Medieval city, home to one of the largest market squares in Europe. You’ll want to spend at least one extra day, if not two, in Krakow before our tour begins. We fit bicycles this afternoon and will enjoy an inaugural dinner together this evening.

Highlights: Wieliczka, Salt Mines

An invigorating loop out of Krakow takes us to the historic town of Wieliczka this morning. Wieliczka is famous for its salt mine, which operated continuously from the 13th century until 2007. Almost 300 kilometers of passageways spread under the town, and the mine boasts an underground lake, and four chapels carved from the salt by the miners. We’ll return to Krakow this afternoon to see more of this stunning city.

Highlights: Open air skansen (museum village) in Dobczyce

We bicycle southeast out of Krakow passing through Dobczyce. This town shares a reservoir of the same name that boasts the remains of a 13th century castle and an open air village of 18th and 19th century traditional architecture. Stop for coffee and lunch supplies before continuing on to Mszana Dolna where we spend the night.

Highlights: Rolling hills, Pieniny National Park Poland & Slovakia

Today’s ride takes us to the border between Poland and Slovakia and into the heart of the Pieniny National Park. The Pieniny Mountains are one of many small mountain ranges that make up the larger Carpathian Mountain chain and we will pass right through them as we enter Slovakia on a bike and pedestrian-only path along a scenic gorge. This is a rare opportunity and one of the only no-car border crossings we encounter. Our hotel tonight is located in a small mountain town within view of the Pieniny hills.

Highlights: Levoca

Today’s ride heads to the heart of the Spis region, a territory rich in northern Slovakian history. Once known for its wealthy traders, craftsmen, and miners, it’s no wonder that two of Slovakia’s eight UNESCO World Heritage sites are located here. We’ll continue pedaling through valleys of narrow fields, where grass is still hand-cut by scythes and carried in horse-drawn wagons. We’ll have two nights in the ancient town of Levoca. Once an important town for commerce. Today, Levoca is probably best known as the home of the medieval sculptor Master Paul of Levoca. Be on your best behavior today so as to not end up in the 17th century “Cage of Shame” in front of the town hall.

Highlights: UNESCO Castle in Spis, Historic square of Spisska Nova Ves

Our ride today takes us to Spisska Hrad (UNESCO), the largest castle in Slovakia. With the silhouette of the Spis castle behind us, we ride by the French Chateau Markušovce towards Spisska Nova Ves. Enjoy its historic and stunning square and an amazing view of the town from the highest church tower in Slovakia (87 m). Many of these sights along the Poprad River valley are recognized world heritage UNESCO sites.

Highlights: Poprad, Slovak Paradise National Park

As you ride today you’ll have the forests that make up part of the Slovak Paradise national park on one side and the High Tatra mountains on the other side. Country roads and bike trails passing through small towns will lead us to the city of Poprad. Poprad is the largest city in the region (50,000) and the gateway to the High Tatras. We will have two nights in the calm historical district called Spisska Sobota.

Highlights: Extraordinary views of the High Tatra Mountains

Our trip ends after the complimentary shuttle drop-off at the Krakow Airport today. Enjoy your further travels!