Malopolska region in south Poland

Malopolska is a region in south Poland bordering the Slovakian border.

It encompasses the old capital and popular tourist spot of Krakow in the north and the Carpathian mountains in the south. This is the part of Poland that the Polish pope, John Paul II came from, lived and worked in. In Krakow there is a Papal tourist trail...

The scenery in the south of the Malopolska region is stunning, rich in flora and fauna. It's a popular holiday destination for the Poles as well as increasingly large numbers of people from other countries attracted by the country, its culture, food, walking and skiing.

View Rabka Zdrój in autumn....

Out and about in Malopolska

Plenty to see when you're out and about in Malopolska.

Most tourists from abroad make a point of visiting Krakow (Cracow ) for a day or two, then head for the ski resort of Zakopane in the far south.

Other things to see in the south of Malopolska:

• There are 2 castles on Lake Czorsztyn: Dunajec Castle - 14th century overlooking the lake and Zamek Niedzica on the other side of the lake. A paddle steamer carries people from one castle to the other during the warm months of the year. In the winter, the lake freezes over.
• Water rafting on the Dunajec river
• The superb national parks for lengthy walks
• Fascinating villages with wooden architecture, lots of wooden churches. There is the painted village of Zalipie where houses are adorned with floral art.
• Festivals - come at Christmas or Easter to see the various traditions associated with these Christian festivals.

If you're wondering where to go on holiday this year, try southern Poland.

The Alpine Coaster -downhill excitement

Southern Poland is excellent for outdoor activities. There are a lot of outdoor pursuits to choose from on holiday, in the hills and mountains, forests, lakes and rivers, including:

• skiing and ice skating (January to March)
• hill walking and rambling
• mountain climbing
• quad biking
• horse riding
• hang gliding
• fishing for trout
• hunting and shooting
• canoeing, kayaking, wind surfing
• rafting on the Dunajec River

There are also a few places for some safe high speed entertainment - riding a cart on rails downhill toboggan style. One place to do this is on the top of Gubalowka in Zakopane, another en-route to Czorsztyn in between Debno and Kroscienko. You'll see the silver coloured rails shining on top of the hillside.

Both offer an adrenalin rush at a relatively low price - in May 2009 it was 4 zloty per go. Tickets are purchased at the Kasa first, then you queue up for a cart. Young children can sit in front of adults.

More about southern Poland

• holidays south Poland
• mushroom picking holidays in Poland
• weather forecast Rabka Zdroj
• self-catering holidays in the south of Poland in spring, summer holidays in Poland, autumn and winter holidays in Poland.

Check out the accommodation:

5 bedroom house to rent in Maloplska