Krakow - Wedding Abroad or Fantastic Honeymoon/Mini-Moon Destination!

Wawel Castle

Hi guys! I’m going to write about something a little different today. I usually write about the Wedding Day, Song Choices, the ‘First Dance’ and try to give you little hints and tips about how to make the Wedding Day itself run as smoothly as possible. However, one thing I’ve noticed is that when we are chatting with the Bride and Groom at the end of the night, the conversation always seems to turn to the Honeymoon! Where are they going? How long are they going for? What are they looking forward to the most? So, as the Wedding doesn’t end when the music stops, I wanted to write about a possible Wedding/Honeymoon/Mini-Moon destination instead.

Main Square in the Snow - magical!

Matt and I have just returned from a week’s break to the beautiful Polish city of Krakow. According to legend Krakow was founded by a hero called Krak who killed a dragon by feeding it animal skins filled with sulfur. Well whether that’s actually true or not, I can honestly say that we had one of the best week’s of our lives! If you are looking for beauty, culture, history and fantastic cuisine, then Krakow is the place for you. Never mind the fact that you can get a beer for £1!!!

We have been lucky enough to visit some top destinations including Budapest, Prague and Rome. Whilst each of these city’s is incredible in their own right, there was just something about Krakow that pipped them to the post for us. I didn’t really have any big expectations….I’d heard all about the ancient colosseum in Rome, I knew that Walt Disney modelled his Magic Kingdom Castle on Tin Church in Prague and I certainly didn’t think it could compete with the majesty of the lions sculpted onto the Chain Bridge in Budapest.

How wrong we were. Krakow is a breathtakingly beautiful city. It’s medieval market square is the biggest in Europe at 200 x 200 metres and it’s history dates as far back as 966 AD. But there was a lot more to Krakow that it’s beautiful buildings, squares and castle. Krakow’s got soul…..and by the bucket load.

Market Square

With a history as tumultuous as they come, Krakow, and Poland itself, seems to have a style all of it’s own. I quiet confidence, an assured resilience and an upbeat positivity. A phoenix from the ashes of history. After all the ‘Iron Curtain’ only came down in 1989 and, combined with this, Poland is just starting to find it’s feet again after the devastating losses of World War 2. All of this makes it an intriguing place to visit and whether for your Wedding, Honeymoon Mini-Moon or just a Romantic City Break with the one you love, we strongly recommend that you do.

So, what can you do on your Honeymoon or Mini-Moon in Krakow?

Have stunning Wedding Photos Here! Have breathtaking pictures taken around Wawel Hill on the banks of the River Wisla with the Castle and Cathedral as your backdrop. The locals have their Wedding photo’s taken here and best of all, it’s completely free!

Take a magical horse drawn carriage ride around the Old Town - Especially romantic during the Winter with a warm blanket, mulled wine and the snow coming down!

Get married in a Salt Mine! - Have your Ceremony or Reception in the stunning chambers of the Wieliczka Salt Mine with it’s chapels and rooms made of pure salt!

Eat delicious ‘Pierogi’! - Poland’s version of dumplings but made with pasta rather than bread or potato. We loved it!

The location of the famous film

Visit Oskar Schindler’s Factory - Most of you will have seen the film ‘Schindler’s List’. Oskar Schindler saved the lives of 1200 jews during the Holocaust by convincing the Nazi’s that they were indispensable to him to run his business. Visit his enamel factory to learn the dark and eternally uplifting stories from this time in history.

Try a Krakovian Bagel - ‘Obwarzanek Krakowski’! Protected by the European Union only bagels made in Krakow can be classed as authentic. Find a street seller and give it a go. With prices at just 1.5 Zlotys (25p!) you'd be mad to miss out!

Zakopane

Take a trip to the mountains! For those adventure seekers in you, just an hour away from Krakow is the beautiful mountain retreat of Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains, on the border with Slovakia. Stay in a gorgeous wooden chalet and climb, hike, swim or ski, snow board and chill in the Winter.

Wieliczka Salt Mine

The above is far from an exhaustive list of things to do in this intriguing part of the world but I hope my blog has ‘whet your appetite’ for a destination that is a little different yet ticks every box. Adventure, History, Culture, Beauty, Brilliant Cuisine, along with a warm welcome make Krakow one of the best places we have ever been to.

If you would like any further advice or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to let me know!

Happy Planning!

Carley and Matt x