Going To Krakov, Poland

amtaylor

amtaylor

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In a few weeks I am going to Krakov and just wondering as I haven't been before, if there are any particular places to go, things to shoot. Me and the wife are going to the 2 concentration camps, Auschwitz and Berkenow or however its spelt. I know there are certain places you can't shoot but I am looking forward to some meaningful captures. The city itself is meant to be very cultural and there are markets and things which is right up my alley as I enjoy street photography perhaps more than anything.

Any other places I should visit? Suggestions or anything, write below! :thumbs:
 
Krakow is a lovely city! I went around 5/6 years ago with college. From what I remember there's a large section inside the city Walls, all the older building etc as well as a nice mix of modern shops and bars. Then the city expanses out from there.

There's an indoor section of Market opposite the large church in the centre (as well as a very fancy café which is a must as the coffee was great and was nice and cheap! :lol: ) I wish I knew what it was called now, but it's the main square, you can't miss it!

Auschwitz is an eery place, especially Auschwitz I, the gas chambers etc are all still in tact which may make for good pictures, the only thing they ask is be respectful in doing so. Birkenau was something else, I don't want to go into too much detail but for me it was a very profound, harrowing experience.

If you want to ask more then feel free to message me, but bear in mind it was a few years ago now! :)
 
you lucky man. me and my mate have been planning to go to Krakow for the past 3 years and still not been. we know a pilot who is based in krakow and we can use his apartment and everything - we've both just never had the time (or the green cards from SWMBO).
Jealous. that's me.
 
What is it your looking for? locations, buildings, statues, touristy things...?

I was there 4 years or so ago and could give a few hints.

First point I shall make however is have you camera ready when you get off the plane(assuming you fly) as the airport is shot worthy...they the 'train platform' (read bus stop )is a pleasure. When you ride the train into Krakow train station you will immediately be hit by a sense of de ja vu with Schindlers List scenes flicking through the head.

Let me know the sort of thing your after and i'll help best I can.
 
Charlatan said:
What is it your looking for? locations, buildings, statues, touristy things...?

I was there 4 years or so ago and could give a few hints.

First point I shall make however is have you camera ready when you get off the plane(assuming you fly) as the airport is shot worthy...they the 'train platform' (read bus stop )is a pleasure. When you ride the train into Krakow train station you will immediately be hit by a sense of de ja vu with Schindlers List scenes flicking through the head.

Let me know the sort of thing your after and i'll help best I can.
Click to expand...

It's really anything and everything. I only have 7 days (6 really with travelling) so I want to make the most of the time I have and to shoot as much as I can. I basically want to see a snapshot of the culture and what makes the city and surrounding areas unique. I try to do a documentary style when I go travelling so I will be after all sorts. Sorry if that isn't very specific but I think I've explained it as best :thumbs:

Thanks everyone for all your suggestions. I really want to go to the mountains too. 1.5 hours doesn't seem to bad.
 
If it's buildings :

The Market Square, a bit like the one in Bruges.
The Cloth Hall in the Market Square, it's just had a full restore.
The castle inside and out (it's free entry) although the interesting bits of the Cathedral which is inside the castle walls were covered in scaffolding in November.
The dragon below the castle and if you time it right he'll be breathing fire :D

Try this website for info on the cityhttp://www.cracow-life.com/poland/cracow-poland
 
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I'm also going in a few weeks with the veteran purpleclouds (Phil), he's been many times so I think I'll have a good tour guide for my first visit. I'm looking forward to it
 
I went to Krakow a couple of years ago and loved it, definitely one of my favourite cities. Quite small and easy to get around - very doable in a few days as opposed to the likes of Rome and Barcelona

Has a really nice quaint Market Square with quite a few good restaurants arund it. Wawel Castle by the river is worth a visit. We stayed at this hotel below the castle www.hotelpodwawelem.pl and the rooftop terrace provides a really nice view of the river. Sure you don't have to be a resident to go to it. Has a bar and you can eat up there - nice place to chill with a beer at the end of the day with the sun beating down on you. Accross the river is where you can find Schindler's factory which was being restored while we were there so it might be finished now.

Would recommend a walk through the Jewish Quarter. Plenty of churches around that are open. We walked to the Jewish cemetery - sounds a bit wierd I know but there were some good photographic opportunities. There was a highly controvercial balloon on a tether by the Jewish Quarter/river too.

Auschwitz and Berkenau are so close to Krakow they are a must if you can. It wasn't until we got to Berkenau just down the road that I really comprehended the scale of it. I shot in black and white at both as I felt it added more poignancy. It was mainly the inside of some of the 'houses' at Aushwitz where they didn't want you to take photo's. It was a lovely summer's day, clear blue skies with the sound of birds tweeting - felt very surreal.

Salt Mines also worth a visit, like another city when you get down there - the carvings are something else. They hold wedding receptions and Christmas Balls down there too - what a venue!!

Enjoy, I'm sure you will like it.
 
Krakov is lovely city. all the above that has been said.

the concentration camps were an odd experience for me. It was a bright glorious sunny day. Hard to imagine what happened there. But sun was shinning and the birds were singing..... Exact opposite of what people used to say about it.

I also had a weird feeling of having been there before and knew what was around the next corner before reaching the next corner. Like Déjà vu, only no fear or dread.

Dont really want that feeling again.

One thing that did hack me off was in Camp 1( Berkenau) in the town some huts were dedicated in memory to all who suffered. The Jewish hut looked like it was built yesterday. As if they were the only race that suffered. Where as the the other huts for politcal prisoners/Jehovas witnesses/Gypsies and Pols/Russians were very run down.

But the city? Fantastic. Love Polish food. And the beer is good too.... Have a great time.
 
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