Cycling Abroad from Krakow to Warsaw

Why Cycling Abroad From Krakow to Warsaw

Although not the most popular cycling destination in Europe, Poland is a great country to visit and explore while riding your touring bikes. If you are familiar with the Euro Velo route network, you can see that Poland has it’s presents there. The country is quite big, mainly flat (not so much in the south), and there are lots of things to see. The people are friendly, and the food is great.

If you are looking for a very special cycling trip, where you can visit some beautiful cities, such as Krakow and Warsaw, and get to know the history of a country that suffered a lot not so long ago, during the horrible WW2, visiting some places where dramatic events took place, this trip is for you.

The weather should be good as long as you are not planning on riding in the winter. Please note that heat might be a problem if you are not lucky enough during the summertime. And if your budget is limited, or you like the idea of “good value for money”, cycling abroad in Poland is a perfect choice. You will find the hotel and food prices in Poland very reasonable.

Our Cycling Trip From Krakow to Warsaw in Brief

Two main cycling routes are connecting Krakow and Warsaw. The first is along the Vistula River, and the other one is along the Pilica River. The tour described here was selected based on evaluating these two options, and selecting the 2’nd route mainly after comparing the hotels along each route.

As in many of our cycling trips abroad, we recommend you, time permitting, to spend a day or two in your departure city, and your final destination. The extra day can be either a bike tour in the city (such as in our tour from Chiang-Mai to Chiang-Rai, or to leave the bikes aside and to get to know the city of your departure. In our case, the decision to spend this extra day in Krakow is very easy, as this is a very beautiful, charming city, full of things to see and explore. The same goes for Warsaw, even though it is very big, and as for Warsaw, a bicycle tour might be a better idea.

On your first two riding days, you will ride beside or along roads. This part of your ride is a good warmup for the next days to come, as it is quite hilly. On the 3’rd day you will join the Pilica River and start riding along its banks until Nad Pelica.

On the last night outside Warsaw you will stay in a beautiful castle hotel. I am sure you are going to enjoy it. A day trip in Warsaw might be a proper closure to this unique trip.

Trip Information

Origin	Krakow
Via	Pilica River
Destination	Warsaw
Cycling Distance	331 Km (1400m Climb)
Cycling Level	Moderate
Map (Komoot)	Download the planned route

Krakow to Warsaw Trip Details – Day by Day

Day 0

Krakow is a beautiful city. I would recommend you to spend at least a day or two in this city, before starting your journey. I would recommend you to stay at the Balthazar Design Hotel. It is well-located, brand new hotel.

Day 1

After a good polish breakfast at Krakow you will start riding from the city center to its outskirts, along marked cycling routes. Your first city to spend the night in is Wolbrom. You can take a good night rest after this long riding day, as there is not so much to see in Wolbrom.

Route	Hotel
	Hotel – Karczma Klimtówka

Here you can download the Planned Route.

Day 2

Leaving Wolbrom, the routs become quieter and less populated. The surprise of the day is waiting for you at the end of this trip. You might think that you came to a very low-level hotel, but it might as well turn to be your very unique experience.

Route	Hotel
	Domki Nad Pilicą

Here you can download the Planned Route.

Day 3

From now on, until Nad Pelica you will ride mainly along the river, exploring the Polish countryside. I hope you will have the chance to meet and interact with the local people. Just note that many of them, especially out of the main cities do not speak your language. You are going to spend the night at another special hotel, very different than the one you left in the morning.

Route	Hotel
	Best Western Plus Hotel Podklasztorze

Here you can download the Planned Route.

Day 4

Still along the Pelica River, you have a long cycling day today. You should plan on some interesting stops along the way, such as the old German WWII Military Train Shelters in Jeleń. Plan on reaching your final stop for the day early enough so that enough time to enjoy a good dinner at the hotel restaurant, just along the banks of the river. I would also recommend a good relaxing massage to treat your leg’s muscles.

Route	Hotel
	Dworek Nad Pilicą

Here you can download the Planned Route.

Day 5

Today you are going to leave the river and start riding towards Warsaw. It is not a long day, and as in most of your night on this trip from Krakow to Warsaw, don’t miss staying at the Pałac Mała Wieś Hotel. It is one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed in! While staying there, I hope you will be lucky enough to enjoy a garden concert.

Route	Hotel
	Palac Mala Wies

Here you can download the Planned Route.

Day 6

Today is your last riding day On your way to Warsaw. In the first half of the day, you will still ride along the countryside, but as you approach the big city the views will change. Warsaw, here we come!

Route	Hotel
	Hilton Warsaw Hotel

Here you can download the Planned Route.

Day 7

This is an extra day when you can use your bikes for a nice city tour in Warsaw.

Route	Hotel
	Hilton Warsaw Hotel

Here you can download an Actual Route.

What’s Next

If you like this multi-day, self-guided touring bicycle trip from Krakow to Warsaw, you are invited to contact me and get more detailed information, including variations to the basic trip, tips about the best season to travel and much more advice from my and other travelers experience. You are also welcome to check out some of my own bicycle trips to get an idea of this type of exciting cycling style.

Useful Links

• Komoot – The Best bicycle trip planning and tracking tool
• Bicycle Route Planner
• Pilica River
• Euro Velo route network
• Krakow Weather
• Warsaw Weather

Pictures

“Don’t go around saying the world owes you a living.
The world owes you nothing. It was here first.”
Mark Twain