Lesser Poland

Pieniny Mountains

Located in the eastern part of Lesser Poland, the Pieniny Mountains are a scenic range of hills and valleys that offer beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The area is known for its natural beauty, as well as its traditional Polish culture and customs.

Ojców National Park

Located just outside Kraków, Ojców National Park is a beautiful nature reserve with stunning limestone cliffs, forests, and valleys. The park features numerous hiking and biking trails, as well as several historic landmarks, including a Gothic castle and several caves with prehistoric art.

WELCOME TO Lesser Poland

Region Overview

Main city

Kraków

AREA

15,183 km²

POPULATION

3,435,470

Main language

Polish

Popular

Geography and Tourist Attractions

Information about the province's tourist attractions, including popular destinations, events, and activities.

Wawel Castle in Kraków

Wawel Castle is one of the most iconic and visited sites in Poland, located in the heart of Kraków. It was the residence of Polish kings for centuries and is a prime example of Polish Gothic architecture. The castle features impressive halls, chapels, and exhibitions of Polish art and history, including Leonardo da Vinci's "Lady with an Ermine."

Tatra Mountains

The Tatra Mountains are a range of peaks in southern Poland that offer breathtaking views and a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and snowboarding. The Tatras are a popular destination for tourists, nature lovers, and adventure seekers alike, featuring stunning natural scenery, crystal-clear lakes, and unique wildlife, such as chamois and marmots.

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is a powerful and somber reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust. Located in the town of Oświęcim, the museum features exhibitions and artifacts that tell the story of the concentration and extermination camps, as well as memorial sites and monuments to honor the millions of people who lost their lives there. It is an important destination for anyone interested in learning more about this dark chapter in human history.

Political

Economy and Government

Lesser Poland is a highly developed region in Poland, with a diversified economy that includes both traditional industries and modern technology sectors. The region's main industries are manufacturing, agriculture, and services, with a strong focus on innovation and high-tech solutions. Lesser Poland is home to many universities, research institutes, and technology parks, which attract foreign investors and entrepreneurs.

The government in Lesser Poland is led by the Marshal's Office, which is responsible for regional development, administration, and coordination of local governments. The region is divided into 19 districts, each with its own elected council and administrative offices.

Lesser Poland has a high level of political stability and a favorable business environment, which makes it an attractive destination for both domestic and international investors. The region has implemented many programs and initiatives aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, promoting innovation, and improving the infrastructure, including transportation, telecommunications, and energy. As a result, Lesser Poland has become a hub for business, education, and culture in Poland, and an important contributor to the country's economic growth.

History

History and Culture

Lesser Poland is a region rich in history and culture, with a diverse heritage that reflects the influences of various ethnic and religious groups that have lived here throughout the centuries. The region has been inhabited since prehistoric times and has witnessed many important events and historical figures, such as the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, King Casimir III the Great, and the poet Jan Kochanowski.

Lesser Poland is home to many important cultural and historical landmarks, including the Wawel Castle in Kraków, the salt mine in Wieliczka, and the wooden churches of southern Lesser Poland, which are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The region is also known for its traditional crafts and folklore, such as pottery, embroidery, and folk music.

The region has a rich literary tradition, with many important writers and poets having lived and worked here, including Adam Mickiewicz, Juliusz Słowacki, and Czesław Miłosz. Lesser Poland is also famous for its cuisine, which includes traditional dishes such as pierogi, kiełbasa, and bigos, as well as local specialties such as oscypek, a smoked cheese made from sheep's milk. Overall, Lesser Poland is a region that celebrates its past while embracing modernity, offering visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

HOTELS

Hotel Copernicus

Located in the heart of Krakow, this luxury hotel occupies a historic 14th-century building and offers elegant rooms, a spa, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city.

Hotel Stary

Housed in a renovated 16th-century building in the center of Krakow, this boutique hotel features stylish rooms, a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views, and an indoor swimming pool.

Hotel Lubicz

This modern hotel is located in Zakopane, a popular mountain resort town in the Tatra Mountains. It offers comfortable rooms, a spa, and a restaurant serving traditional Polish cuisine.

RESTAURANTS

Wierzynek

Located in the heart of Krakow, this upscale restaurant has been serving traditional Polish cuisine for over 600 years. It features elegant interiors, a charming outdoor terrace, and a menu that includes dishes like roasted duck, venison, and pierogi.

Karczma u Wnuka

This rustic-style restaurant is located in Zakopane and offers traditional highlander cuisine, such as roasted lamb, potato pancakes, and kwaśnica (sour cabbage soup). It has a cozy, traditional interior with wooden beams and a fireplace.

Pod Nosem

Situated in a 13th-century cellar in the center of Krakow, this restaurant offers modern Polish cuisine with a creative twist. The menu features dishes such as beef tartare, smoked duck breast, and homemade pasta, all made with fresh, local ingredients. The interior is stylish and contemporary, with exposed brick walls and atmospheric lighting.